So I'm Considering A Discus.....

Mr Melt · Jul 24, 2011

Allright lads?

I have always been interested in getting my hands on a Discus (as they are interactive fish and also very pretty!).

Basically I was wondering if it would be ok if I was to add one to the following setup:

200 litre:
- x1 Snowball Pleco (L102)
- x6 Congo Tetras
- x2 Three Spot Gouramis
- x2 Longfin Angelfish
- x2 Honduran Redpoint Cichlids
- x4 Pink Snails

I do regular water changes (about 20% every Saturday) and the pH is around 7 at the moment. Although I understand that these fish prefer more acidic water I also hear that tankbred Discus are quite tolerant of pH, provided it doesnt exceed 7.5+

In addition I have quite a large amount of bogwood in the tank; is it not true that bogwood lowers the pH of the water over time?

Finally I understand that these fish require VERY good water quality to thrive in a tank; so even though my tank is cycled I don't plan on even considering adding a Discus until early September.

So yes to my point - would a single Discus Fish be ok in my fishtank?

KkAaNnEe · Jul 24, 2011

Not really no. They are best in groups 5+, require really clean water, temps of 28-32C, tanks over 250litres (4foot)..

Basically, unfortunately DIscus are really best in their own species tanks, such a shame as they are so beautiful and I can see why you would want one...

mark2109111 · Jul 24, 2011

+1 on KkAaNnEe You cant realy get away with less than four unless you have a breeding pair like i do.

markandhisfish · Jul 24, 2011

KkAaNnEe said:
Not really no. They are best in groups 5+, require really clean water, temps of 28-32C, tanks over 250litres (4foot)..

Basically, unfortunately DIscus are really best in their own species tanks, such a shame as they are so beautiful and I can see why you would want one...

mostly true , altho you dont have to have a species tank you can have carefully chosen tankmates :good:

KkAaNnEe · Jul 24, 2011

markandhisfish said:
KkAaNnEe said:

Not really no. They are best in groups 5+, require really clean water, temps of 28-32C, tanks over 250litres (4foot)..

Basically, unfortunately DIscus are really best in their own species tanks, such a shame as they are so beautiful and I can see why you would want one...

Click to expand...

mostly true , altho you dont have to have a species tank you can have carefully chosen tankmates

Yeah, I just meant a dedicated tank, not species... thanks

markandhisfish · Jul 24, 2011

ahh i see what you mean , a tank centred around the discus . thought you meant species only . my bad :good:

Mr Melt · Jul 24, 2011

Ok - I've been doing a bit of research here in the hopes of a suitable prize fish replacement to the Discus.

I've come across a "Paradise Gourami/Paradise Fish". Would that work well in my tank instead?

Mr Melt · Jul 25, 2011

No comment? Would a Paradise Fish go well in my current setup? If I were to get one I would only opt for a female one (to be compatible with my female gouramis).

KkAaNnEe · Jul 25, 2011

Tbh Melt, I reckon your already there in terms of stocking, lets just take inch per gallon rule as a guide for this

- x1 Snowball Pleco (L102) - 6"
- x6 Congo Tetras - 18"
- x2 Three Spot Gouramis - 12"
- x2 Longfin Angelfish - 12"+
- x2 Honduran Redpoint Cichlids - 9-10"

Thats 57/58" in, what is it, 45Gallons? And how big does a Paradise fish get, say 4"? Thats gonna be over 60" in a 45...

Also, your sig says a Rio 180? not 200litre?

Mr Melt · Jul 25, 2011

KkAaNnEe said:
Tbh Melt, I reckon your already there in terms of stocking, lets just take inch per gallon rule as a guide for this

- x1 Snowball Pleco (L102) - 6"
- x6 Congo Tetras - 18"
- x2 Three Spot Gouramis - 12"
- x2 Longfin Angelfish - 12"+
- x2 Honduran Redpoint Cichlids - 9-10"

Thats 57/58" in, what is it, 45Gallons? And how big does a Paradise fish get, say 4"? Thats gonna be over 60" in a 45...

Also, your sig says a Rio 180? not 200litre?