Prepare a suitable aquarium for the scalar fish (Pterophyllum scalare) goes far beyond setting up a simple standard tropical tank. Although some parameters are shared with other Amazonian fish, the unique morphology of the scalare, its long fins Their territorial behavior requires very specific design and care to achieve a healthy, balanced, and optimal environment for both their well-being and reproduction. If you're considering keeping and breeding angelfish, this extensive article is for you.
Why is proper aquarium preparation crucial for angelfish?
El scalar fish It is one of the most popular aquarium fish in the world due to its elegance, colors, and behavior. They are native to the Amazon basin, where they move in slow-moving, densely vegetated waters. great height and distinct vertical spaces. Their physical and psychological well-being in captivity depends directly on replicating these natural conditions as closely as possible.
Ideal aquarium dimensions: height, volume and proportions
The choice of size and shape of the aquarium will determine the optimal development of the scalar. A fundamental rule is that the aquarium should be taller than it is wide, since angelfish like to move vertically and show off their long fins naturally.
- Minimum recommended height: 50 cm for adults (ideally from 60 cm).
- Volume: never less than 150-200 liters for a small group. For larger groups, a minimum of 300 liters (even 500 liters for a dozen adults).
- Liters per fish: from 15 to 38 liters per copy depending on age and size (it is better to overestimate to avoid “dwarfism” due to lack of space).
- Proportions: Minimum width of 40 cm and length according to the number of specimens; ideally, tall rectangular aquariums are most appropriate.
The larger the volume, the more stable the ecosystem and the lower the risk of territorial disputes and stress.
Structuring the space: zones and decoration
El scalar fish It is territorial, especially in adulthood and during laying. Visually delimit areas It's key to avoiding fights and promoting the formation of stable territories. This is achieved by:
- Natural plants of different heights, with preference for Amazonian species.
- Stones rounded and natural trunks that serve both as shelter and as spatial boundaries.
- Subtle decoration: avoid objects that reduce space for vertical swimming.
- Leave the clear center of the aquarium to encourage free swimming, placing the decoration on the sides and bottom.
The visual shelters They lower the level of aggression and provide calm environments for less dominant or younger specimens.
Ideal plants for angelfish aquariums
The presence of natural plants It is essential for several reasons: they replicate the Amazonian habitat, help maintain water quality by absorbing nitrates, provide shelter, shade and spawning areas, and regulate light intensity.
- Duckweed (Lemna minor): a floating plant that creates shaded areas; its growth must be controlled to prevent it from blocking light and gas exchange.
- Foxtail (Ceratophyllum demersum): resistant and with great purifying capacity, it helps compete against algae.
- Vallisneria gigantea: Long leaves ideal for tall aquariums, easy maintenance and propagation. It tolerates soft to medium-hard water, and its vigorous growth is encouraged by good lighting.
- Echinodorus amazonicus (Amazonian sword): a typical plant of the Amazon basin; its large leaves serve as a support for eggs and as a shelter. It requires iron-rich substrate and regular fertilizer.
- Echinodorus palaefolius: similar to the previous one, but with wider leaves and adapted to grow both in and out of water.
- Cladophora: ornamental algae, ideal as decorative moss if its proliferation is controlled.
Be sure to plant in groups, leaving enough separation to simulate natural vegetation and allow movement between plants. Floating and tall plants provide shade and light control., while lower, stoloniferous species enrich the landscape and increase the area available for spawning.
Water Filtration and Movement: How to Choose the Right One
El scalar fish It comes from slow-moving waters, so Strong currents stress them and can damage their fins.The filtration system should provide clean water without excessive movement. It is recommended:
- External filters type canisters or plate filters with low flow pumps.
- Smooth flow: adjust the output so that it produces movement, but without generating strong currents.
- If you use powerful filters, direct the water outlet toward the surface or use rain or spray bar systems to dissipate the direct flow.
- Filter maintenance: Periodic cleaning every 2-3 months, always using aquarium water to preserve beneficial bacteria.
- Mature filter material: : preferable cycled biological material (e.g. Eheim Subtract Pro, Seachem Matrix) to minimize ammonia and nitrite peaks, especially in breeding aquaria.
Good filtration ensures crystal clear water, disease prevention and stress reduction, but always remember avoid excessive movement in the aquarium where the angelfish live.
Water parameters: pH, hardness, temperature and changes
The scalars They are hardy fish, but they require stability and proper parameters to unleash their full potential. To prepare the aquarium for angelfish, it's important to set them up properly.
- pH: close to neutral (6,8 – 7,2); they tolerate light ranges, but prolonged alkaline or acidic extremes can affect their health.
- Hardness: they prefer soft to semi-soft water (< 8°dGH), although they tolerate moderate hardness with good acclimatization.
- Temperature:
- Winter and general maintenance: 24-26 °C
- Breeding/spawning season: 27-28 °C to stimulate egg laying and development. Some breeders raise the temperature to 28–30°C to accelerate hatching.
- Water changesIn community aquariums, perform 20% to 30% changes every 2 to 4 weeks to maintain ideal parameters. For proper aquarium setup for angelfish, these frequent changes are essential to prevent toxin buildup and maintain health.
Whenever you add new water, make sure it's as close to the aquarium temperature as possible and within compatible parameters. Stable, clean water prevents disease and promotes the development of young fish.
Lighting: intensity, duration and shadows
The scalars They don't need very powerful lighting, as in their habitat the light is filtered by dense vegetation. Key points:
- Medium and subdued lighting: Excessive direct light generates stress and algae growth. floating plants and large leaves help to shade and create pleasant microhabitats for the angelfish.
- Duration: between 8 and 10 hours daily, imitating natural cycles.
- Avoid excessive light; adjust the screen's power and height according to the plant density and the response of the inhabitants.
Good lighting promotes plant growth and highlights the natural colors of the scalars, but it should not be invasive or direct.
Decoration: roots, trunks and additional elements
In addition to plants, trunks and roots natural are the ideal complement to simulate the Amazonian environment:
- They serve as a support for decorative mosses and algae.
- Create shelters and shaded areas.
- Always sterilize trunks and roots Before introducing them, soak them in aquarium salt water for one or more days to eliminate bacteria and parasites (1-2 tablespoons of salt per gallon of water).
- The tannins released by the wood darken the water, which is beneficial to angelfish as it simulates the tinted water of their native habitat and helps reduce stress.
Avoid artificial decorations with sharp edges that can damage the delicate fins of scalars.
Selection and coexistence of angelfish: number, sex and behavior
The scalars They are social fish, ideally kept in groups to avoid stress and enhance their natural behavior. Consider:
- Un group of at least 4-6 specimens to create stable hierarchies and distribute aggression.
- Avoid single couples, as they tend to become excessively aggressive or shy.
- When you acquire young specimens, know that their sex is difficult to distinguish before sexual maturity; it is usual to acquire a group and let pairs form naturally.
- Always enter first the schooling fish and then the adult angelfish to avoid predation on small or newly arrived species.
- Do not mix with very territorial or aggressive fish that compete for the same space.
Over time, angelfish can become dominant and territorial, especially during the breeding season. Providing sufficient space and visual refuge minimizes serious conflicts.
Territorial behavior and reproduction
During the breeding seasonPairs aggressively defend their territory and spawning, displacing or attacking other aquarium inhabitants. To encourage spawning and protect the spawn:
- Secure areas with broad leaves or tubes where angelfish can clean and lay eggs.
- If you have more than one breeding pair, clearly delineate their territories using plants and decorations.
- If spawning in a community aquarium, consider separating the parents and placing them in a specialized breeding tank.
Maintenance and care routines
- Periodic siphoning of the bottom to remove food scraps and accumulated waste.
- Cleaning glass without chemicals.
- Weekly monitoring of water quality (pH, nitrites, nitrates and hardness).
- Review of technical equipment: heater, thermometer, filter and lighting systems.
- Take care of the health of the plants to avoid imbalances in the aquarium.
Un constant and preventive maintenance It's the secret to avoiding sudden illness and death. Detect any abnormal behavior (erratic swimming, loss of color, tucked fins) to take action in time.
Breeding de peces Angelfish: breeding, laying, and initial care aquarium
La angelfish breeding In captivity, it requires a specialized aquarium and a meticulous routine. Here's the detailed process:
- The breeding aquarium is usually minimum 60 liters, with a thermostat and low-power waterfall filter. It uses water from the main aquarium to preserve the bacterial colony.
- Mature and quality filter material It is essential to avoid peaks of ammonia and nitrites (crucial in the first weeks with the fry).
- Water changes should be every 2 or 3 days during the first few weeks. If water quality permits, this can be increased to once a week thereafter.
- The breeding pair will clean a surface (leaf, tube, glass) before laying eggs and will vigorously defend the territory.
- Optimal temperature for incubation: minimum 28°C, but can reach 30°C to speed up the process.
- pH close to 7 and hardness less than 8°dGH favor the hatching and development of eggs.
- The fertilized eggs They are clear or amber. If they turn white, they have been infected or have not been fertilized and should be removed to prevent fungal growth (methylene blue can be used as a preventative measure).
- Parents fan the eggs to oxygenate and protect them; they may eat them if they feel threatened or inexperienced.
- At 4-6 days after laying, the fry hatch and should receive newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii and specific food for oviparous fry (example: Liquifry No. 1, Sera Microm, Nobilfluid…).
Angelfish feeding
- In their adult diet, they alternate quality flakes, live or frozen food (mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, daphnia) and soft vegetables.
- During the reproductive stages, provide protein-rich foods to stimulate laying and improve fertility.
- Avoid overfeeding; remove uneaten waste to maintain water quality.
- The fry require finely ground food and newborn brine shrimp as the basis for their development during the first weeks.
Compatibility and coexistence with other fish
- Avoid aggressive or fin-biting species (sharks, African cichlids, tiger barbs, etc.).
- Compatible with: medium to large tetras, corydoras, hatchetfish, ancistrus, and other Pacific Amazonian species with different habits.
- Always maintain a balance between space, number of specimens and species diversity.
- Do not mix with very territorial or aggressive fish that compete for the same space.
Common mistakes and expert advice
- Underestimate the need for height and volume: the scalar needs space, not just liters but vertical surface.
- Using strong currents in the aquarium: always opt for gentle current and well distributed.
- Overcrowding the aquarium with inhabitants, decorations, or plants: seek balance to avoid stress and aggression.
- ignore the quality of the filter material and the water change routine.
- Failure to provide shelter or visual boundaries: This encourages fights and chronic stress.
- Neglecting a varied and quality diet.
To have an aquarium with angelfish healthy, long-lived and spectacular, focus on the tank height, natural vegetation and stability parametersA well-structured, stable environment tailored to their needs will turn your aquarium into a natural setting where angelfish will shine in all their splendor, display their fascinating behavior, and, with patience and care, reward you with the wonderful spectacle of their reproduction and the development of new generations.
