Discus and lemon tetras

[stephcps]

So,

I just scored a 150 off craigslist. This is going to be a planted Discus tank.
The one requirement I must fulfill is a moderately sized smaller silvery tightly schooling fish.
I was thinking of lemon tetras.

Anyone have experience with these fish?

Any other ideas?

Thanks!!!

[Dr. Awkward]

I have seen discus kept with cardinal tetras. I always thought it was because they like the higher temperature.

[rob blanks]

Have you considered rummy nose tetras? They school and like the higher-temps discus need.

[pinkertd]

I haven't had experience with the lemons but they are deeper bodied than the rummies and card/neons and would look nice in a very large school in a large tank. Whatever small schooling fish you go with, my suggestion is to stock the smaller fish first, let them settle in and get comfortable. Then stock the discus after that. They will feel threatened by the large discus so be sure to have plenty of thick plants for them to retreat into.

[stephcps]

I haven't had experience with the lemons but they are deeper bodied than the rummies and card/neons and would look nice in a very large school in a large tank. Whatever small schooling fish you go with, my suggestion is to stock the smaller fish first, let them settle in and get comfortable. Then stock the discus after that. They will feel threatened by the large discus so be sure to have plenty of thick plants for them to retreat into.

I'm glad you mentioned that. That was my plan. So, good to know I was on the right track.
I wanted something different from cardinals and rummynose.

[tanker]

Diamonds are a good idea.

[jpappy789]

Fishbase lists lemon tetras as having a max recommended temp around 82 degrees...isn't that on the low side for discus?

[Star_Rider]

jpap.. you would be correct ..while there has been debate about the temps discus can be kept at. most discus keepers will agree that warmer water is better for them.
Rummmies or cards would get my vote.

[Lupin]

Rummmies or cards would get my vote.
:iagree: Last time I checked, lemon tetras prefer their environment on the cooler side. I kept mine at 76-78 degrees.

[nterry]

I keep a shoal of lemon tetras (~9) with my discus...they seem to be doing fine. They school pretty well and I enjoy them...

[snoopy65]

I have rummys and glolite tetra with my discus. Both do fine with the higher temp.

[SubRosa]

Diamonds are a good idea.
Not in my experience. They're my favorite Tetra and I really tried to keep them with my Discus but they never lasted longer than a month or two. I settled on Rummynose and they thrived.

[tanker]

Not in my experience. They're my favorite Tetra and I really tried to keep them with my Discus but they never lasted longer than a month or two. I settled on Rummynose and they thrived.

???

Temp too high?? My Diamonds are many years old, but I keep them at 78.

[stephcps]

Uh oh...well I decided to go the diamond route. Really liked the way they look. They are in QT right now at about 80 degrees and seem to be fine so far. I will gradually up the temp and plan for around 84 degrees. I guess we'll see what happens!!

[SubRosa]

Yes you will! I keep Discus at 85-86 F and Diamonds just didn't have what it takes at to survive at Discus temps. Good luck!

[Arkangel77]

I have 20 Rummy's, 20 Black Neon's, & 1 Regular Neon - LOL. My Fish Ate all my Cardinals. The ones in there now do Fine at 88 degrees!

[discus_lover]

i live in india,i keep my discus at 86 degree fahrenheit...