Small Discus stressed

[Sportsnutim]

Our 55 gallon tank has 4 discus, 2 Farlowellas, 5 Black Neon tetras, 4 Cardinal Tetras. One of the Discus is a runt would he do well by him/herself in a 10 gallon tank? The reason I say that is he is getting stressed, not eating and is getting picked on. Parts of his fins are missing. We did have one fish in this 10 gal tank at one time and did well: any ideas? I do know they are social fish if I had some tetras in there would that help? Thanks. Sportsnutim

[BoCoMo]

how old is the discus?

how big?

[pinkertd]

I'd be tempted myself to pull him out and put him in a separate tank with some small tankmates. How big is he though? A 10G is awfully small and doesn't give even a small 3" discus any room to move around., so I can't really recommend that size tank. A 20G...yes. If he's being picked on like that, he will more than likely not survive in the 55G tank with the others. They get so stressed and picked at that they give up. Though keeping a single discus is not ideal because of their social needs, to me I'd rather try to keep him from being picked and stressed to death and take my chances with him in a separate tank where he just might do ok.

[Star_Rider]

I agree.. no less thank a 20.. edge for a larger one if possible..

[Sportsnutim]

He is about 2 inches about 1.5 years old. I am not sure I thought 10 gallons was awfully small we used it for a sick tank for one of the other discus he seemed to do well. I prefer a bigger tank 30 or more for a sick tank but we did not have much room considering we already have a 38 gallon one mating pair and this 55 gallon. Kind-at-a loss here. My wife wants to take him to her work, of course I'll have to take care of him and the tank.

[Sportsnutim]

Once I take him out I want to put two to replace him no more; the others range between 3.5 to a little over 4 inches. I am guessing I should put discus around the same size?

[Star_Rider]

yes near the same size is best.

[pinkertd]

Same size would be best, close as you can anyway. I find that a stunted discus doesn't have the "moxiee" attituede that small young, healthy discus do.