Discus Tank

[jaywings19]

I have a 72G tank that is being used primarily for Discus right now. The following fish are already in the tank:

Discus - 3 (4-5")
Rummynose Tetras - 8
Cardinal Tetras - 4
Bolivian Ram - 1 (Male)

I had more Cardinal Tetras, but the smaller ones died... I'm waiting for my LFS to get some more large Cardinals. I had some Corydoras Sterbai, but that didn't work out too well because they couldn't tolerate the high temperature. Also, had another Bolivian Ram, but had to return it because it the two Rams were picking on each other despite the large tank space.

Besides a few more Cardinals... what else can I add to the mix?

 

[parker313]

I'd probably get another couple of discus...

...or... Loaches can do well in higher temps - both Clowns and Yo Yos. The YoYo loach is much smaller so maybe 4-5 of them? They're FUN fish

 

[David]

Get 3 or so more discus. Also clown loaches woudl be a good addition, as Kristin said. Were both rams males? if so get a ram of the opposite sex and you'll have a pair.

 

[jaywings19]

Get 3 or so more discus. Also clown loaches woudl be a good addition, as Kristin said. Were both rams males? if so get a ram of the opposite sex and you'll have a pair.

I knew Discus would be the easiest answer... but I was looking for more variety.

I'm trying to keep the species list to South American (Amazonian), so I don't really want to add the Loaches.

Yes, the Rams were both males. The LFS told me that they have trouble acquiring female Rams.

I was thinking about adding a M/F pair of Apistogramma Agassizi or Cacautoides. Would they get along with my current stock? Or would they be picked on by the Ram?

 

[Aquascaper]

Clown loaches can be a little too boisterious for a Discus tank. They're not the most peaceful fish

 

[David]

Clown loaches can be a little too boisterious for a Discus tank. They're not the most peaceful fish

Actually, clown loaches are very peaceful. They just have a very active nature and can upset the discus if it isn't done properly. Give the discus hiding places and use some floating plants for cover, this way the lights will be dimmer and the clowns will feel more comfortable playing during the day instead of interrupting the discus in its sleep.

 

[jaywings19]

Thanks for the information about the Loaches. But again, I want to keep this an Amazonian (South American) themed tank. The Loaches are from another continent.

 

[Vip]

Why not get a BGK?

 

[David]

Aren't BGK predatory? And I may be mistaken but they get rather big don't they?

 

[Vip]

Not really, they get along well with Discus and they get to about 50cm or so but it takes years for them to reach that size.

 

[Doggfather]

I'v seen mnay BGK's being kept with disucs. The only problem with them is they like eating discus eggs and fry.

 

[David]

Ah. I see. Hmmm... this gives me an idea...

 

[Ben]

neons? glo lights? those would look good