[Ricotter]

I'm planning a 29 gallon setup. So far I'm liking:

2 Angelfish
6-8 Neon Tetras
1 pictus catfish

I don't plan on getting an algea eater unless algea builds up really fast and and I can't wipe algea off quickly during my weekly clean up and water change.

Is this a safe setup. Do you think the Angelfish will get too aggressive if they start mating?

Any suggestions for something in place of the Angelfish?

[Byron]

Neons and angels are not a good mix. Neons (and many of the small tetras) will nip the fins of angels, and angels (when they grow) will eat the neons. If you want angels, consider bottom dwelling fish as companions. Also, a 29g tall is better than a 29g long for angels, they need the height. If you look at more bottom fish, be aware the pictus can sometimes be aggressive when they mature (they grow to 5 inches) and other aquarists have mentioned they will eat smaller fish especially at night when they hunt.

[Angel079]

I'd have to agree with Byron reg the behavior between Angel-Neon.
From my experiences I can tell you, I had Angels in a 55g and they grew to big for it so I had to give them away, I simply hadn't had a big enough tank for them and yes they do LOVE height.
For the pictus you are wanting, they do grow to about 6-7" which is really large fish for the size tank you're setting up.

When I first started with fish tanks I had 'odd' communities too. But I can tell you, for me, it paid off quick to establish communities that would get along with one another and also with their tank size in the long run and that had made me real happy to watch that behavior establish and grow, therefore I then begun researching the fish I was interested in, who would go with whom, what kinda of water do they like (lower/high ph etc).

[aunt kymmie]

Originally Posted by Byron

Neons and angels are not a good mix. Neons (and many of the small tetras) will nip the fins of angels, and angels (when they grow) will eat the neons. If you want angels, consider bottom dwelling fish as companions. Also, a 29g tall is better than a 29g long for angels, they need the height. If you look at more bottom fish, be aware the pictus can sometimes be aggressive when they mature (they grow to 5 inches) and other aquarists have mentioned they will eat smaller fish especially at night when they hunt.

It's true, a pictus will eat anything it can fit in its mouth. Neons are a perfect fit.
They also require alot of swimming room for the nocturnal jaunts. Not sure of the footprint of a 29gl but it seems it might be a tad too small for a full grown pictus.