Do Angelfish require length tanks?

[m0nkie]

I know that Tangs require longer tanks for swimming. Do Angelfish require similar tanks? or just water volume?

I'm reading up on some Angels that only require about 120 gallons. Possible for a tall tank instead of a long tank?

 

[Betta132]

I'm not an expert, you're going to want another opinion, but these are some observation-based thoughts on this.
If you look at tangs in a big tank, like public aquarium size, they swim in straight lines. That's why they need big tanks, they're more open-water than many reef fish. Angels do this as well, to some extent, but they usually spend more time weaving around rocks and corals than swimming around in open water. I'm not certain, but I believe they just need space in general, they don't need length space like tangs. For example, angels should be fine in cubes, tangs usually aren't. I'm not sure about a tall tank, but given that angels have a reasonably 3D swimming pattern (as opposed to tangs and their nearly-2D pattern), I think it would be okay.

 

[Dmorty217]

Depends on what kind of angel your thinking about keeping if a tall tank will work instead of a longer tank

 

[Dmorty217]

30" tall tanks or higher are necessary for a spawning rise to occur but you didn't mention anything about breeding. Dwarf angels are better suited for tall tanks as opposed to large angels

 

[m0nkie]

I was just looking at some of the smaller species.. Like Regal or Flagfins..

I'll definitely be looking at some dwarf angels. Just wasn't sure if larger ones could be possible. Tank is 2'L x 2'W x 4'H.

 

[Chris27]

A large angel can easily reach 10"-12" long, so a 2' tank is out of the question. Dwarf angels are active, but don't need much swimming room, just lots of rocks to hide and pick at.

 

[ca1ore]

30" tall tanks or higher are necessary for a spawning rise to occur but you didn't mention anything about breeding. Dwarf angels are better suited for tall tanks as opposed to large angels

Agreed! I have kept all kinds of dwarf angels in 4 ft tanks without any problems at all. Larger species, Asfur, Emperor, Regal, etc., need more space.

 

[m0nkie]

thanks all! dwarf angels it is then.

 

[Winwood]

I see a lot of Japanese tanks that are more cubical in design than here. The tanks are designed for the angelfish in mind, or at least displaying them.