total newB

Nick

lol

Lupin

A lot of people don't know what they are talking about.
Clown loaches need at least 60 gallons if kept in 3. A pair alone for 55 gallons.
On the angels, strictly buying one is a bad practice IMO. You need 6 if they are juveniles. Allow them to pair off right away when matured and return the extras to your lfs. Buying a "breeding pair" is also out of practice. Angels love to choose their mate. Buying pairs is asking for failures. This pretty much applies to other cichlids.

Tracy

I am one of those stupid Petsmart employees. I only work there because A) I need the part-time job; and B) I have had aquariums for over 11 years. (don't sterotype everyone you meet). Personally, I have an angel which lived alone and is now in my 46 gallon bow front tank with other fish. SIMPLY BECAUSE....I did buy 3 angels together, but 2 of them died, then the survivor would not accept any 'new ones'. He is now no longer the "biggest" fish in the tank; is living with 2 HUGE pangasius catfish and a bunch of gouramis; and guess what? Not one is picking on the other!

girlofgod

aww...i dont think you're stupid...i DO think that some (one or two) of the fish people in my petsmart DO know what they are talking about, its just hard to get to talk to the same person everytime you go in...and there ARE alot of people who work there who DONT know what they are doing, and to a beginner it gets discouraging...thats all. no one thinks you are stupid, i think you have offered alot of good advice. =) i am also starting to believe that some of fishkeeping is trial and error, and that fish have personalities and may not always act according to the books...imo

bri