Would This Tank Work For Discus?

[snoopy65]

I am considering discus for my 110 gal tank. It's dimensions are 72" X 20"high X 18" wide. This is the current stock:6 Bosemani Rainbows, 4 Bolivian Rams, 2 Blue Gourami, 1 Sajica (almost big enough to go into the 125 gal), 14 Aeneus Cory, 1 Calico BN, 2 Long Fin White tip BN, 1 Clown Pleco, 10 Rummynose, 24 Glowlight, 14 Adult Bridgessi, ?? baby Bridgessi. Medium planted, low light (1.5 wpg).

1. Will this tank work - dimension wise?
2. What livestock would I have to move?
3. How many could I put in it?
4. Anything else you can think of!


Thanks in advance!

[Lupin]

1. Yes, your tank will work for about 8 discus.

2. Discus require high end temperature consistently 84 degrees Fahrenheit and above so you may need to move the Bolivian rams, sajica (compatibility issues) and snails. I'm sure you already knew why the snails need moving.

3. 8. If you plan to keep juveniles first, then consider a barebottom setup. Juveniles require plenty of feedings compensated by plenty of water changes. They are far less forgiving compared to adults. Failing to keep clean water quality will result in stunted growth. If money is no object, start with adults.

[snoopy65]

Thanks Lupin

[Star_Rider]

with the requirements being similar.. you may want to consider Blue rams with discus.

I agree with Lupin. but on the flip side I have 2 Bolivians living with 7 discus at 84..and the Bolivian rams are the largest of my Bolivian rams.. but this is generally not considered the best mix.

[pinkertd]

Hey snoopy, that tank would be better in my house for discus!:evil_lol: You really thinking of doing that???? Cool! Not sure how the gouramis are, they're not nippers are they?

[snoopy65]

The 2 gourami stay to themselves, they don't nip anyone. Yeah, I think I would like to try discus. I am a stay at home mom, so the water changes aren't a big deal. I have just got to make sure I have rearranged the livestock to best suit everyone. My Bolivians are going to go into my 30 gal I think, and my Bridgessi are going to get a new home - 45 to 55 gal.

It is probably going to be a month or so before I can get any, but I want to make sure I have my ducks in a row.

[snoopy65]

Ok, let's say I want juvies. The 110 is already planted and established, so I need to get a smaller tank to go bare bottom to grow them out. Once they are large enough, I can transfer them to the 110 and move the snails and such to it. If I do 9-10, which I think would be fine in the large tank, what size tank am I looking at for a grow out. Keep in mind that once they are young adults they already have a large tank waiting for them. Another question is, at what size are they ok to move to the planted?

[pinkertd]

I'm going to say you could grow them out in a 55G with no other fish in there and staying on top of water changes. I think you'd see better growth in a 75G, but knowing it's just a growout tank I think you could do it in a 55. They will grow quickly from 2.5" to about 4"-4.5" and then the growth slows down a bit. At 4" I'd transfer them to the 110 but still keep feeding them more often than adults. The average size for an adult discus is 5-6", some bigger, some smaller.

[snoopy65]

Ok, sounds good. Are water changes for juvies just daily or would I need to do more than that?

[pinkertd]

Daily is plenty. You want to suck up any leftover food and get rid of dissolved organics in the water.

[snoopy65]

So once I get the tank for the little ones and get it set up, who is the best choice of breeder/seller? I am in NW PA so the closer here the better I would think.

[pinkertd]

Poppops fish is in PA.