discus in a smaller tank

[migueli]

would it be possible to have a single discus in a planted 30 with 2 rams and some tetras?
i have fairly soft water with a neutral ph and i do daily 20-30%water changes

[Mgamer20o0]

they do better in groups.

[angelfishlover]

how big is ur tank and ur discus u want to buy???

[Rbishop]

I would only plan on discus in a 30 for growout. Their eventual adult size precludes them being maintained there long term.

[themadblimper]

they do better in groups.


Generally speaking, that is true. Wheras I've had a single male discus dominate a tank to the point where he was the only occupant, and he liked it. After 2 years he's still doing really well, swimming happily in his 60 gallon hexagonal paradise...

But still, 30 gallons is a bit small for even one discus. I thought that the minimum tank size for a discus was roughly 40 gallons...

[Gumby131]

dude, do you relaly need to do daily water changes?

[Marinemom]

would it be possible to have a single discus in a planted 30 with 2 rams and some tetras?
i have fairly soft water with a neutral ph and i do daily 20-30%water changes

Discus are schooling fish and for the general well being of this kind of fish it is very strongly advised that they be kept in groups. They need a tank of at the bare minimum 45 gallons and a bigger tank is always the better option for them. Since they can grow to the size of a small dinner plate, a large aquarium is needed. They thrive on super clean pristine water so water changes and lots of them are required to keep them healthy and happy. Juvie discus need to be fed several times a day and generally require a bare bottom tank. They can and do waste away in an aquarium that has substrate or one that is planted. Sub-adult or adult discus can be fed once a day and can be kept in a planted tank or one that has substrate.

So in answering your question I would have to say it is not a good idea to keep a single discus in a 30 gallon tank that is planted.

Marinemom

[galen]

no to all. discus are schooling fish, and do best in groups of 6-8. second, water params are not as important as stable water parameters with lots of good water changes. the changes are offset by the fact that discu kinda dont need a good filter; a sponge filter si perfect for bare bottoms. third, a 30 gallon is way to small and a 55 is a min. for a school of the number given above- and even that is for small fish. fourth a single discus kept alone would become very susceptible to disease and parasites, as they need the companionship of their own kind ( that is what i have heard from discus bredders locally)
check this site out for infor on the king of all fish:
http://www.simplydiscus.com/library/index.shtml

[galen]

dude, do you relaly need to do daily water changes?
no. what you do need to do is water changed of around 50% every 2-3 days or so.

[galen]

Discus are schooling fish and for the general well being of this kind of fish it is very strongly advised that they be kept in groups. They need a tank of at the bare minimum 45 gallons and a bigger tank is always the better option for them. Since they can grow to the size of a small dinner plate, a large aquarium is needed. They thrive on super clean pristine water so water changes and lots of them are required to keep them healthy and happy. Juvie discus need to be fed several times a day and generally require a bare bottom tank. They can and do waste away in an aquarium that has substrate or one that is planted. Sub-adult or adult discus can be fed once a day and can be kept in a planted tank or one that has substrate.

So in answering your question I would have to say it is not a good idea to keep a single discus in a 30 gallon tank that is planted.

Marinemom

umm, the water change topic is interesting. 30-50% every 2-3 days is good but thats just for starters. the ph must be almost exactly the same as well. bare bottom tanks are best for cleaning and keeping the water clear of debris. that goes for all- both young and old. on the flip side, the youngf and larger discus have been kept in big tanks that are heavily planted. here's a link to man who i can vouch for is a very good discus keeper
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=2714&thumb=1

[Octavarium]

Id never try keepign a discus alone. I'd say 4 minimum to keep them happy. I do about 1/3 water changes every 3 days and mine are in a 55 gallon. They are young and all about 2-3 inches...but next year I definitely plan on upgrading them. They do grow quite large, 7 inches is common if they're taken care of properly. Also keep them around 84-86 F to be happiest, which most other fish won't tolerate well.