Perhaps angels?

[NJ Devils Fan]

I have a planted 72g tank and I have always had small schools of tetras. I haven't replaced any fish that have died in awhile, and my tank currently consists of 3 rummynose tetras, 2 serpae tetras, 3 yo-yo loaches, 1 small common pleco, and about 4 penguin-emperor tetras. I have 2 juvi albino bristlenose plecos and some more plants on the way.

The tank looks pretty barren. I would like to add a few bigger fish to be sort of the centerpiece. I would absolutely love discus, but I doubt that will happen for the fact that my ph, when CO2 is constant, is around 6.9-7. I have onyx sand which is a slight alkaline buffer and I really can't get my ph any lower. How would angels work into the mix? I was thinking about maybe 4 juvis and have them grow in my tank to get used to the tetras...any insight would be appreciated.

[AquariumNoob13]

angels are really beautiful fish, and imho, they would look beautiful in your tank, but idk much about them so they might dig up your plants if they are anything like mbunas (but then again, mbunas are from africa, so i really don't know) but what i do know is that i think angels are properly named because they are so beautiful.

[Lupin]

Penguin-emperor tetras? Can you please specify which one of these species? I wouldn't suggest mixing serpae tetras with angelfish. These are notorious fin nippers and the angels' fins for sure will not be resisted. As for yoyos, it'll be hit or miss however they will probably nip and this is more of curiosity itself rather than aggression.

If you want discus, then go for it. What exactly is stopping you from going for it? Your pH is fine to me and discus are adapted to various water conditions as long as the extreme changes are avoided. Your option will be either discus or angelfish. If you want discus, then you must get rid of your serpae tetras and yoyo loaches. Remember to buy the biggest discus you can afford otherwise keep the juveniles in barebottom tank to grow on. They are easily stunted and this should be avoided. Juveniles are also more prone to diseases than adults. A group of 4 would be the minimum suggested.

[Lupin]

angels are really beautiful fish, and imho, they would look beautiful in your tank, but idk much about them so they might dig up your plants if they are anything like mbunas (but then again, mbunas are from africa, so i really don't know) but what i do know is that i think angels are properly named because they are so beautiful.
Angels do not dig plants but they will eat plants with soft foliage if the diet is insufficient.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Penguin and emperor that is...

The yo-yos are my favorite fish, so looks like no angels for me. Do you really think they would give discus a problem? I know 125gJoe has discus and clown loaches in his tank and they don't give the discus a problem. Mine also seem to mind their own business not bothering any other fish, unless its feeding time and everyone is all over the place.

If you still strongly advise against angels and discus if the yo-yos aren't being taken out, what do you suggest?

[Star_Rider]

to be honest a slight alkaline buffered substrate is not in the best interest of either angels or discus..these fish thrive in a neutral to acidic water. especially discus. (they can adapt to a slightly higher pH but the co2 does not really change the kH/gH of water..CO2 will produce carbonic acid which will lower pH but if the CO2 is off the pH will rise soince the acidic condition goes away after the co2 is turned off. (your pH will rise.)
do you know what the actual kH/gH is or what the pH is with no CO2?

[NJ Devils Fan]

From what I last remember, the kh was 4 and gh was around 7. My ph might fluctuate to around 7.2 or so if the CO2 stops without me noticing, but it is usually around 6.8-7.

[Star_Rider]

that works well for angels