Stocking Re-Think

[Dylan_89]

So I've made a few threads on this - but an opportunity has just risen that could change my stocking options....

Here's what i HAD settled on:
1x BGK (already have)
5x Clown Loach (got 2 at the moment, taking another 3 from a friend, all around the same size)
3x Opaline Gourami (1 male, 2 female - THANKS CARL )
1x Angelfish
1x Rainbow Shark (tossing up whether to go albino or not)
2x Bristlenose Pleco (1M:1F - by pure luck, hehe. got them already)

Opportunity:
2-3 YOUNG Discus....

I have little to no experience with keeping Discus, I had a few in one of my tanks a few years back for a few months, just holding them as a friend moved house and changed substrate... I have done research on them but, as always, have found conflicting data I know that if I get the discus I will have to change my stocking (well im like 99% sure)... 70g CUBE tank... Well planted, cycle is finished, I'm just re-scaping and i'll keep testing the parameters before putting in my fish..

What should I do??

 

[Rynofasho]

Discus need to be in pretty much a species only tank from everything I've read. They need very specific water parameters to get by, such as low pH, high water temperature, very frequent water changes, etc. Honestly, cross them off your list unless you want to devote the tank to them and other inhabitants that could live in those conditions.

 

[Dylan_89]

I'm not worried about water parameters - that's not on my list of troubles.

BGK's live in pretty much the exact same water conditions, and as the (currently) most delicate fish in there - he is healthy then ever...

I'm more worried about stuff like room (how much do they need?) & compatability (do they become aggressive towards other fish? no matter the size?)

 

[Dylan_89]

Further research has taught me the following:

Discus are compatible with my "definite" stock list which is as follows:
1x BGK
5x Clown Loach
3x Opaline Gourami
2x Bristlenose Pleco

But in my 70gallon tank, how many discus would I be able to keep?
Would I be able to keep a solo Angelfish with at least a pair of discus?

Cheers

 

[Rynofasho]

I dont really agree with your list. For starters, Clown Loaches can reach 12", so with 5 of them, you already have 60" of fish.

While I'm not HUGE on the 1" of fish per gallon of water, Discus like tanks that are SUPER CLEAN and are very frail in comparison to other species.

Gouramis have a tendency to be aggressive / territorial and thus would not be optimal tank mates unless you managed to find some sedate ones.

I just think you'll have a tough time keeping the tank clean enough for the Discus to thrive, and keeping it at 85 degrees isn't optimal for some of the other species you have there.

 

[Dylan_89]

Each to their own opinion.

My clown loaches are not permanently going to be residing in this tank... They are all adolescent (no bigger than 2-3"), when they grow bigger (along with my youthful BGK) they will be moved into a bigger tank that will allow them to grow to their full potential without being crowded or uncomfortable...

Right now, I have 2 female opaline gourami being held for me by a friend, they are living with discus at the moment (and have been for a month or so) without any signs of aggression or anything... I must stress the point that every fish is different - I understand that you are going off the basic rule of thumb... but IME I've never had any aggression from any gourami.. (I have kept only females for this reason of course)..

The discus I will be getting will be young - & have been bred and raised in the same tank. set at no more than 27 (Celcius of course).

The tank itself is currently at 26, I am willing to slowly increase that up to 28-29 even 30 if necessary... all the fish i am planning on SHOULD do fine in these conditions.
The tank is heavily planted (well i'm in the process of re-scaping but will be planted and when fully grown will be HEAVILY planted) and being a cube, is very high (perfect conditions for Discus)


I would like to thank you for responded to my topic (as you have been the only one).
I haven't made this decision all on my own - I have spoken with people from this forum in the chat function.

Cheers,
Dylan