Angelfish breeding questions

[treasureandbooty]

I have just purchased a tall 40 gallon tank and I want to use it for a pair of angelfish. I'm currently working on getting the tank cycled. I have done a little reading on breeding angels and from what I understand there are two routes to go, either buy a dozen or so juveniles and see if they pair off, or buy an established pair. My LFS has an established pair of solid black angels with red eyes. The male is around 8" tall and the female is around 5". He is offering to sale them to me for $50 and was wondering if that sounds like a good deal? Also some other questions I have for my breeding project:
What plants if any would be good for my breeding pair of angels? I have a few flat surfaces already in the tank, namely 5 flat pieces of petrified wood, should I expect the angels to lay on those? And finally are dithers recommended or should I let my pair be 100% on their own? Also any additional advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[snake8myelbo]

I would buy the pair. No dithers and alot of people use breeding cones or pvc pipes. Good luck and let us know.

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[evojoey]

I agree with Snake. That's a pretty good deal for a pair of angels that size. No dithers. You can use the breeding cones if you don't mind them in your tank. I'm not a fan of them in a natural looking aquarium. I personally have had success with angels using large leafed plants to lay their eggs on. The decision is yours. All depends on how natural you want the tank.

 

[treasureandbooty]

I definitely want plants. Any recommendations for which kinds I should get? The only aquarium plant I've kept is java moss lol

 

[joe jaskot]

As far as plants go, amazon swordplants work well. However, a piece of slate works best.

 

[evojoey]

Swords are what I had in my tank. Broad leaf anubias would work well too.

 

[decoy50]

$50 is a fair price. Personally I would buy a group to growout b/c I like growing out fish and it feels like more of an accomplishment when fish you raise pair & breed.

As far as setup, def no dithers if you want the eggs/fry to survive. Also agree with swords and anubias - hearty, broad leafed plants. My angels will spawn on driftwood, filter intakes, heaters, heater cords and sometimes just the glass. Point is, spawning angels arent too particular.

 

[Heyguy74]

Yep swords and anubias are great plants for them. My angels use the anubias all the time to lay eggs on.