Possible Discus Tankmates

[Kazuya73]

Hi,I have a 75g Tank I just planted last night(lots o plants).I'm planning on 6 discus to go in it.Wondering if I should put anything else with them.I know that a species tank is ussually recommended,but I really want a community tank.I also don't want anything that might become a snack later or that is prone to a short life span such as cardinals.I was thinking about some type of dwarf cichlid,but not sure what or how many.I am open to other suggestions.Any Ideas? Thanx 4 the input

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Maybe a couple rams and 5 or 6 corydoras

 

[Kazuya73]

Which should I start with;The discus or everything else?

 

[paulf]

I wouldn't add the discus first, especially if its a new tank, I would wait six months before doing so.
If you want corys, the only corys it is advised to have in a hot tank like discus are C.adolphi, duplicarus, sterbai, gossei , suessi and maybe agazissi. If you add/have fish that prefer cooler water, they will age quicker and hence, die quicker.
What about tetras for the surface as dither fish and maybe a plec or two as well?

 

[kev_kb]

Rams, apistos and Rummy nose tetras would be other options. As the tank is planted do not buy baby discus, look at fish around 4" and up, you'll still need to keep the tank really really clean, but it will be easier than raising smaller discus that are very easy to stunt.

Cycle the tank before adding fish, then add the discus last. Hope you have researched the water parameters required, and realise you will never have a 'community' tank with Discus. You can add select tank mates but it's not going to be a community in the normal sense.

 

[paulf]

I would be a little careful with apistos in a discus tank, not all of them like hot water, look at the savanna apistos, like A. hoignei & A. hongsloi these will be better adapted to these temperatures.

 

[Spike_ea_2k6]

blue acaras can go with discs.

 

[Kazuya73]

[/quote] smaller discus that are very easy to stunt.

Thanx 4 all the reply's and all the info.Didn't know small discus were easy to stunt.Since I have no experience with discus yet I will be getting 4" or larger fish.Yes I have researched water parameters and I think i'm OK but just incase I'm wrong
PH6.6 Kh3-6 Gh3-6 Temp82-84 Fe.3 Still cycling so ammonia,N02,N03 are all minimal This is my list of fish I plan on so far cory cats 5-6 appropriate type Farowella cat 1 Discus 6 Blue Ram pair Emporer Tetra 6 Does that seem alright? could I put a pair of cackutoo(sp) cichlids as well or in place of the Ram's? Thanx again 4 all your help and I hope to contrbute as well one day

blue acaras can go with discs.

I hear Acarus may dig up my plants otherwise I would consider them

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

blue acaras can go with discs.

Sorry but that is probly the worst information i've ever heard! I acara killed my chromide, my firemouth and almost killed my angel and these are alot more agessive then Discus. Blue acara are very agressive and the slightest hint of agression to a Discus could kill it. Make sure you know what you're talking about before stating it. Ahh came out harsh but I had to rant.

 

[Kazuya73]

Ok I got it No Acaras!! But What about that list of fish to go with them,or my parameters?Does that seem ok Discasluva?

 

[Spank]

I'd try and fit more discus in. From what I've read here on the forum, they do better in groups. 1 on it's own won't be happy
Of the fish you've listed rams and cory's are fine. I'll be keeping Apistogramma, Blue rams and a pair of Festivum with mine!

 

[14gtr14]

I'd try and fit more discus in. From what I've read here on the forum, they do better in groups. 1 on it's own won't be happy

He did state in the first post he wants a group of 6 discus in the tanks

I'd go for a group of 6-10 cories and maybe a pair of apistos.

greg

 

[paulf]

I'd try and fit more discus in. From what I've read here on the forum, they do better in groups. 1 on it's own won't be happy

He did state in the first post he wants a group of 6 discus in the tanks

I'd go for a group of 6-10 cories and maybe a pair of apistos.

greg

Totally agree, but as said earlier in the thread, be careful which corys and apistos you add

 

[LisaLQ]

and maybe a plec or two as well?

Just butting in for a second, sorry to hijack slightly. I was just wondering, I dont know anything about discus, but was reading this thread with interest - and was wondering...if discus need super clean water, are plecs a good idea? After all they're massive waste machines (I should know, got a few in my 180g!). I always thought plecs were a huge no-no with discus?

I guess it could depend on the plec though - considering they range from oto sized to 2ft plus. But you'd not get one of the larger plecs in a 75g anyway.

 

[Kazuya73]

Hey Folks,thanx 4 the great repy's. I think I know what I want now.U guys were very helpful.Just 1 or 2 more questions;I like the idea of a school of cory's and will probably use adolphi cory's as I believe they will adapt to the warmer conditions.Will they eat snails?or Shrimp? What do U think about Farrowella cats in place of plecs that may damage my plants or attack the discus mucus?Will a Farowella be any better?I'm still learning but I believe Apostis are dwarf cichlids?If so are cockatoo cichlids appropriate? Thanx again