Cichlid questions
- Thread starter MIKE D
- Start date
the general thought for discus is they shoudl be kept in groups 4-5 is considerd the minimum group.
you can house 4-5 discus in a 55.
(sorry not mauch help on the jd's)
you can house 4-5 discus in a 55.
(sorry not mauch help on the jd's)
I wouldn't house Discus in anything smaller than a 70 gallon. I would want that extra 6 inches from front to back. They can get to be the size of a dinner plate. You don't want that in a tank that is only 12 inches from front to back.
As for Dempsies, the mailes will be bigger and a little more colorful than the fems.
typically you need to feed the discus and treat them special to get them to that size..many are bred to be just this. I have seen them( I have several friends who are discus breeders)
but even in a 75 some discus will attain a normal 6-7" size..
you can easily house discus in a 55 . but it is your choice.
For sexing the Jack Dempseys, here is an informative thread, with pictures
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84239&highlight=sexing
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84239&highlight=sexing
For sexing Jds, the females should have more spangles on the "chin" area, while the males are more bare.
I agree, Discus shouldnt be kept in anything smaller than a 75 gallon.
I agree, Discus shouldnt be kept in anything smaller than a 75 gallon.
I wouldn't personally keep discus in anything under a 75g permanently, however most discus won't grow over 8" and that is considered large, so you could easily keep a group in a 55g. Keep the nitrates in check just like in any other tank and there's no reason they can't thrive.
I have rarely seen discus over 6 inches in person. I rarely see discus at 8 inches online, and then you're going by what the poster says, most people overestimate the size of their fish. I have only seen discus 10" or more (none over 11") belonging to world class breeders and from pictures at shows.
So the width of a 55g won't be a problem for most people keeping discus.
If you're going to spend the money on expensive discus bred by reputable breeders whose fish often grow fairly large don't skimp on a tank
but of course most people aren't going to grow their discus to max size no matter who they buy from anyway. That takes some pretty heavy feeding and an extensive water change schedule, not to mention you must be lucky because even a discus from two perfect parents will not necessarily grow the same. Maybe one out of several fry will even reach the same potential.
I have rarely seen discus over 6 inches in person. I rarely see discus at 8 inches online, and then you're going by what the poster says, most people overestimate the size of their fish. I have only seen discus 10" or more (none over 11") belonging to world class breeders and from pictures at shows.
So the width of a 55g won't be a problem for most people keeping discus.
If you're going to spend the money on expensive discus bred by reputable breeders whose fish often grow fairly large don't skimp on a tank
but of course most people aren't going to grow their discus to max size no matter who they buy from anyway. That takes some pretty heavy feeding and an extensive water change schedule, not to mention you must be lucky because even a discus from two perfect parents will not necessarily grow the same. Maybe one out of several fry will even reach the same potential.
My four discus are in a 40breeder. It is 18" wide. They actually look really good in there, especially with the live plants. I was hesitant at first about putting them in such a small tank, but now that they are doing so well I am glad I did.