Will a small Discus be OK in a 20G?

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PumaWard

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Jul 23, 2003
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Guppies and Neons really aren't compatible with discus. Discus should have a temperature around 85 F to be at their best and to keep them disease free, 82F is the bare minimum. Guppies and neons need temps below 80F to be at their best.

Also, discus should be in groups of 3 or more to be happy. So in a few months there won't be enough room for them. They really should be in 40g+ tanks.
 

Dahlia

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Another thing to consider is that people who are discus advocates feed their fish heavily and do very frequent water changes in order to obtain good size with their fish. If you don't maintain their feeding and water quality (which will be more difficult in a smaller tank) your fish could become ill or stunted.
 

125gJoe

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Jul 6, 2002
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Originally posted by PumaWard
Guppies and Neons really aren't compatible with discus. Discus should have a temperature around 85 F to be at their best and to keep them disease free, 82F is the bare minimum. Guppies and neons need temps below 80F to be at their best.

Also, discus should be in groups of 3 or more to be happy. So in a few months there won't be enough room for them. They really should be in 40g+ tanks.
I totally agree... I would bump the temp up to 84 degrees as a minimum though. Not a big deal, but don't let it drop below 82 degress.
I know there are many that can't keep the large tanks, but a standard 55g would be even better.

Again, as mentioned, Discus love the comfort of being in a school. They don't do well solo... They need hiding places for security too. Plants help with this.... HTH
 

STaNgXs

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Oct 8, 2003
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Current temp it 81*.

I don't have room for 3 Discus', obviouly :D


What's a really nice fish, price doesn't matter, i'm looking to get on fairly expensive fish. What would you suggest?

don't suggest a bigger tank, i'm getting a 55G with Piranhas soon :D
 

cdawson

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I wouldn't go for the expensive discus unless you're planning on taking grade A care of them and I mean the kind of care dahlia talked about. They're very sensitive fish so I also hope the tank is cycled. Otherwise it's going to be one hell of an expensive toilet puck.
 
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