Discus Thoughts

[Neal]

Well, i'm allowed a new tank, but i'm only allowed a 24" long tank, is there any dimensions that will go with the 24" long that will allow me to keep discus? Obviously not stupid suggestions like 4ft high, but a reasonable size, or am I just hoping?

Neal

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

how many gallons is it??

 

[Tolak]

A 60 gallon square is 24x24x25.

 

[Neal]

How many discus would I be able to keep in that?

Neal

 

[Tolak]

Adults need 10 gallons per fish minimum. That would give you 6 adults. Seeing as they do better as a group when younger, you may want to start with 8 smaller fish, then sell off a few to bring you down to 4 or 5. Discus require a high level of cleanliness in their envoronment, fewer fish will help in that respect.

 

[Neal]

So a 2ft cube will be good for 4/5 discus?

Neal

 

[Tolak]

I would say 4, seeing as it's a taller tank with less surface area.

 

[Neal]

Ok, now it's conving my mam to allow me to get a 2ft wide tank, shouldn't be too much of a problem. The only thing is, finding one, and finding a hood and stand to go with them.

Neal

 

[Sp00ky]

As the tank is so tall, also bear in mind that the surface area will be less, thus giving smaller area for oxygenation of the water to occur, so make sure you have plenty of airstones in there mate. Thats what im gonna do with my 3x3x2 LOADSA airstones, but not so many as to give too much of a current.

 

[Neal]

It's going to be heavily planted, so therefore it will have Co2, and I can run an airstone at night. I have two pumps anyway, so can use one whenever needed.

Neal

 

[jayjay]

Air stones do little to add oxygen to the water, you want surface aggitation, which if your planting it is a bad thing.

 

[Sp00ky]

Air stones do little to add oxygen to the water, you want surface aggitation, which if your planting it is a bad thing.

and what do you think happens when you have big airstones in and the bubbles hit the top of the water? LOL

 

[kev_kb]

Didn't you decide against getting a Discus tank because of your parents?

Anyway, a 24" x 24" x 24" tank could work, but I think if tank space is limited I would have a slightly smaller tank and keep a breeding pair only. 24" in each direction won't give much swimming space for a group and if any bullying occurs they could easily be cornered. Of course a longer tank is more suitable, but your the kid that didn't want to get rid of his games consoles to fit one in right?

If you want a fully planted tank then you need to buy 3-4" or larger Discus only and you really need to keep an eye on the CO2 as I would guess you would use a DIY setup. CO2 affects the pH of the water and you need to keep it fairly constant for the Discus to be happy. As this is your first Discus tank I would suggest a bare bottom setup with minimal plants to start with. Learn how to keep the water parameters stable and the Discus happy and then think about a planted setup.

Also don't forget about the higher temps required for Discus and the soft water parameters. The temps will result in a slightly higher electricity bill and if you need to soften your water it makes sense to have your own RO unit which your parents may not like.

 

[jayjay]

sp00ky I think just putting a filter at the surface so it breaks the surface, which does it alot better.

 

[Sp00ky]

sp00ky I think just putting a filter at the surface so it breaks the surface, which does it alot better.

personally i wouldnt want to be putting that sort of current at the top of the tank blowing across where the discus should be coming to when you go to feed. i chose to have a fluval spray bar pointing up at the surface with a large airstone on the bottom under the spary bar.

but thats just me.