Questions about Discus

[number1sixerfan]

I am about to move and I have a few questions about Discus.

1. What size tank would be ideal for them. I plan on getting a 55gal. 75gal would just be too big for the place I am moving into. I've heard of people having them in 55gal tanks, however they are a large fish and I want to make sure they will be ok.

2. I already have some rams which people feel are very weak and require extra care. I do not find maintenance to be a problem. I overfiltrate and waterchange 50% weekly. I vacuum clean and algea scrub at every water change. My question is are Discus more sensitive to Rams?

IME if sensitive fish are acclimitized for a longer period of time (5-8hrs) then they become easier to care for in the long run.

3. I would want to keep four Discus, two to four rams, and a school of some type of tetra. Ideal? No?

Thanks to anyone that replies.

[RISK2123]

everything you said is fine. 55 g works perfect for about 5 discus. i would try for 5 instead of 4 as its a "better" shoal. ive actually kept my GBR and Gold Rams with my discus and it was fine. they all like clean, neutral ph water. and throwing in some tetra would be fine also. Good luck with the move!!

[jm1212]

what type of tetras are you thinking of keeping?

[number1sixerfan]

I want to either go with Cardinals, Neons, or Rummynose. I want something small since the remainder of my fish will be of good size.

Thanks Risk2123, do you have any trouble keeping your Discus healthy and happy?

[kcooley]

the only problem i have ever had with discus is with heavy metals in the water. i lost a few to very hard water. they are sensitive to most sufates too. and an R/O unit is almost always neccessary

[number1sixerfan]

the only problem i have ever had with discus is with heavy metals in the water. i lost a few to very hard water. they are sensitive to most sufates too. and an R/O unit is almost always neccessary

How long did you take for the acclimation process? Rams are known to have the same requirement, however one pair of my rams were acclimated into a pure tap and they are doing as good as my other pair that I mix tap and r/o water. The water here in Cincinnati is also very hard.

I hope I can get away without an R/O unit as they are very costly.

[RISK2123]

I want to either go with Cardinals, Neons, or Rummynose. I want something small since the remainder of my fish will be of good size.

Thanks Risk2123, do you have any trouble keeping your Discus healthy and happy?

i havent had any problems yet. biggest thing i would say is water changes and keeping the ph at a constant level at the same time. my tap comes out with a ph of 8.2 so i use buffers to keep it at 7.0. some people say just acclimate them to your tap and some people like to use buffers. i know someone that sucessfully keeps hers in a ph of 8.5. i didnt believe her untill i saw the test with my own eyes. they really arent that hard to keep. being that you have kept GBR's with no problems you should have no probs with discus.

[jm1212]

i wouldnt go with neons or cardinals. discus just get to big and they stay to small to risk them getting eaten.
many people blame angels in discus/ angel tanks for eating cardinals or small rummynozes, but the truth be told, discus arent that innocent when it comes to the "neon murders" LOL

[kjf91004]

Just please be sure to thoroughly research before you jump in to discus. (I am not saying you haven't, just my advice)

They are very fussy with water quality (especially TDS), are best kept at minimum 10-15 gallons per fish, and need very frequent water changes to be happy and healthy and reach a large size. Breeders usually change 50% water daily in fish <5" and feed 4x daily. Discus produce a hormone that will stunt their growth with out water changes.

With the proper home, they will be an excellent 10 year companion!

Some good forums for discus questions I have found are www.discusasahobby.com
www.simplydiscus.com

Good Luck!

[number1sixerfan]

Thanks for the links and the post. That is what I am worried about. I can and will be dedicated to water changing twice a week, but I will not have time to change once a day. I'll research some more. I have had good luck with keeping fish alive and I want to continue that streak. :D

[kjf91004]

I have been dreaming and researching the same thing. My goal is a 120 planted discus aquarium. Hopefully I can do it in increments. From what I have read, growing out is best done in bare bottomed tank. To ensure success with tank mates and gravel, etc. start with larger fish.

It is kind of hard. Some say that discus aren't as difficult to keep as others claim. I just don't want to go into a commitment like that and not "do it right."

Anyhow, good luck to you...and to me. You'll most likely have gorgeous discus way before me.