How Many Angelfish in a 29 Gallon Tank?

How Many Angelfish in a 29 Gallon Tank?

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Angelfish are graceful freshwater fish that many aquarists love for their beauty and calm swimming style.

But one of the most common questions beginners ask is: how many angelfish can live in a 29-gallon tank?

The short answer: 2 adult angelfish is the safe stocking limit for a 29-gallon aquarium.

While this size can hold more juveniles temporarily, angelfish grow quickly, and overcrowding can lead to aggression, stunted growth, and poor water quality.

In this article, we’ll explain why 2 is the safe limit, how to set up a 29-gallon tank, and which tankmates are suitable.

Understanding Angelfish Needs

  • Adult Size: Up to 6 inches long and 8–10 inches tall.

  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive, especially during breeding.

  • Tank Shape: Tall tanks are better suited for their body shape.

  • Behavior: Prefer groups in larger tanks, but pairs in smaller ones.

How Many Angelfish in a 29-Gallon Tank?

  • Community Tank: Maximum of 2 adult angelfish.

  • Species-Only Tank: You can start with 3–4 juveniles, but reduce to 2 adults later.

  • Breeding Tank: 1 bonded pair works best.

Safe Rule: 29 gallons = 2 adult angelfish.

Why Only 2 Angelfish in 29 Gallons?

  1. Aggression: More than 2 adults will compete for territory.

  2. Size: Adults are tall and need vertical swimming room.

  3. Water Quality: Overstocking increases waste buildup.

  4. Breeding: A pair needs space to claim territory and protect eggs.

Setting Up a 29-Gallon Angelfish Tank

  • Filtration: Use a filter with strong capacity but gentle flow.

  • Heater: Keep water between 76–82°F.

  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel.

  • Plants: Tall live plants such as Amazon Swords, Vallisneria, and floating plants.

  • Decor: Driftwood and rocks to create territories.

Tankmates for 29-Gallon Angelfish Tank

  • Good Choices:

    • Corydoras Catfish

    • Bristlenose Pleco

    • Rummy Nose Tetras

    • Nerite Snails

  • Avoid:

    • Small fry-sized fish (guppies, neon tetras – risk being eaten).

    • Aggressive species like Tiger Barbs.

    • Other angelfish beyond 2 adults.

Feeding Angelfish in 29 Gallons

  • Staple: Quality flakes or pellets.

  • Protein: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia.

  • Veggies: Blanched peas, spinach, or zucchini.

Feed small amounts 2–3 times a day.

Maintenance Tips

  • Water Changes: 25–30% weekly.

  • Gravel Cleaning: Vacuum during water changes.

  • Filter Care: Rinse filter media monthly in tank water.

  • Testing: Monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH.

Breeding Angelfish in 29 Gallons

  • Works for a single bonded pair.

  • Provide slate, flat rocks, or broad leaves for egg-laying.

  • Remove tankmates during breeding to avoid aggression.

Signs Your Angelfish is Overcrowded

  • Constant chasing or fin nipping

  • Stress hiding or clamped fins

  • Faded coloration

  • Rapid decline in water quality

If these occur, reduce fish numbers or upgrade to a larger tank.

Better Tank Sizes for Angelfish

  • 20 Gallons: 1 adult only

  • 29–30 Gallons: 2 adults (pair or community)

  • 40 Gallons: 3–4 adults

  • 55 Gallons: 5–6 adults

  • 75 Gallons: 8–10 adults

Conclusion

So, how many angelfish in a 29-gallon tank? The safe stocking is 2 adult angelfish.

This tank size works well for a bonded pair or two adults in a peaceful community setup.

If you want to keep larger groups, a 55–75 gallon aquarium is a better long-term choice.

FAQs

Q1: Can I keep 3 adult angelfish in a 29-gallon tank?
No, 3 is too many for this tank size. Stick to 2 max.

Q2: Is 29 gallons enough for breeding angelfish?
Yes, for a bonded pair only.

Q3: Can I keep angelfish with guppies in 29 gallons?
Not recommended—guppies may be harassed or eaten.

Q4: Do angelfish need tall tanks?
Yes, their vertical body shape requires extra height.

Q5: Can I start with 4 juveniles in 29 gallons?
Yes, but you’ll need to reduce to 2 as they mature.

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