Discus Question.

[VidVid]

hey. i have a 40 gallon tank. I am planning to get a single discus and a few schooling tetras (probably cardinals, black neons etc) to go with a single pearl gourami, pair of bn's and kribensis (could be transferred to a diff tank if too aggressive and exchanged with rams). So the question is, could i get a single discus for a centrepiece fish for such a tank size. Will a couple of discus be fine?
Thanks for any replies.
P.S. The tank is mature and planted (the aquarium is 18inches high).

 

[angelmouse]

Hi VidVid single discus do not do well at all if they are on their own as they are a schoaling fish, if you get 2 they will need to be a breeding pair that have already paired off.
Angel

 

[ArauraDiscus]

I don't see how they need to be a breeding pair. Just make sure you get more than one because a single one will never be happy. But they dont need to be a breeding pair by anymeans, as a breeding pair will cost you nearly 500 dollars.

 

[angelmouse]

if one becomes aggressive the other could be bullied it will hide away lose condition and be unhappy till eventual death, the aggression needs to be shared out abit more. with 2 one will always want to be the dominant fish, mine were always in combat when i first got them till i added more fish. it can be done there are always exceptions to the rule but be prepared to rehome or get more mates, i personally wouldn't do it.
What is the length and height of your tank
Angel

 

[shawn-b]

I'm in agreement with Anglelmouse on this one.

Discus do prefer to be in groups and my LFS, when I got first started with discus, refused to sell less than 3 to me for the reasons described. They are a shoaling fish, if there is bullying then it can be spread a bit more, and they are happier that way.

I currently have 12 in my tank and they are great to look at in that quantity, granted for many I am overstocked but they are not large discus and I maintain the water quality etc.

SO depending on which forum/books you read I think it equates to one discus per 10 gallons so in theory with a 40 gallon tank you get 4 and wait and see if you get a pair form them return the other 2 to the LFS OR do what I did get a bigger tank and more discus

In summary read as much as you can from a variety of sources, use a bit of common sense in what advice to heed or disregard, and sound out the LFS that you intend to purchase them from...they are expensive and can course a lot of heartache if you get it wrong BUT a pleasure when you get it right.