New To Discus Keeping 7 in a 90 gal.

[apelaston]

Hi I have a 90 gal tank that I have 7 discus in line for. They are all about 4" or more and have grown up together since approx. quarter size. They are currently in a 75 GT tank at another location awaiting my pickup. I have been researching them for weeks now constantly and have kept SA cichlids for approx. 4 years or more. I was wondering though if 2 HOB filters(one for 40 gal and one for 75) would create to much waterflow? I have the tank in the process of being fully planted and I can hardly see the plants moving about near the back of the tank. I also have a powerjet 550 in the tank pointed towards the surface to create some slight flow at the top.
Also what is the easiest\most convienant way to prep the water during a waterchange? I know the new water has to be close to there current temp or right on...I am going to be storing there water in 5 gal jugs in prep for there weekly\bi weekly water changes.

Suggestions to the newbie please! I want to mae sure I provide these new additions with the best quality and care possible. So any information hints tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated!

[Star_Rider]

I see you have listed in your sig a 90 with 2 angels,2 rope fish and 2 mollies.

be aware of the water parameters for the inhabitant.
discs are great fish to keep but with angels be aware of the issues. parasites angels carry and have developed some immunities to may affect discus..

keep the new discus in a qt.
they prefer water in the 80's with 84 seeming to be a norm for them.


a 90 is plenty big for what you have planned.

I am not sure how compatible the 'rope fish' are with discus if this is the 90 you are planning to use.

[apelaston]

I see you have listed in your sig a 90 with 2 angels,2 rope fish and 2 mollies.

be aware of the water parameters for the inhabitant.
discs are great fish to keep but with angels be aware of the issues. parasites angels carry and have developed some immunities to may affect discus..

keep the new discus in a qt.
they prefer water in the 80's with 84 seeming to be a norm for them.


a 90 is plenty big for what you have planned.

I am not sure how compatible the 'rope fish' are with discus if this is the 90 you are planning to use.

my angels are moving into another tank as well are my ropes and mollys. molly's are and angels are going to the 30 and the ropes to the 55.

[pinkertd]

Your HOB's should be fine, I use two on my 72G planted discus with no issues. I don't need to age my water, just use the python for cleaning and emptying/refilling, using dechlor for my municipal tap water and replacing water that's the same temp as the tank. I keep mine at 86, they seem to be happiest at that temp. Sounds like you're getting a nice batch of discus. Be sure to post pictures!!

[Mij]

I have kept Discus several times over the years and they are great fish to keep and enjoy. Your setup sounds fine if you keep the Discus by themselves or with small tetras. It has been my experience that water parameters for these fish are a bit over rated. By that I mean that you don't have to keep these fish at a lower ph to be successful. As long as you avoid the extremes of the ph range, your Discus will probably do just fine. If you want to be successful breeding them, then you will need to be more strict with the water paramters and ph. Water changes are very important with Discus. I've been successful with about a 20% change per week. Keep the water temperature between 82 and 86 and not too bright on the lights. Discus will appreciate some shaded areas in the tank, like under surface growing plants. Best of luck and enjoy!

[golfproinlexky]

You've gotten a bunch of good advice up above! I just started with Discus a short time ago and got much of the same advice. I'm proud to say it all worked for me too!

Don't kill yourself on water parameters, just avoid the extremes. Weekly small water changes will keep it clean enough to make them happy. Finally, be patient while they get acclimated and enjoy them as they start to show their true colors!