Minimum Discus Tank size?

[davexstumpe]

Just wondering what you guys think would be the minimum size tank to put a discus in.

Also, i've heard they would fight if they werent a mated pair, so would simply having one as a centerpiece fish be alright?

 

[Rbishop]

Well, for grow out, just a 55 would be nice. As adults, I wouldn't go with less than a 100 long.

I also feel they prefer to be kept in groups of 5-7, or a mated pair in a 55.

 

[12 Volt Man]

4 in a 55 is okay, but 4 in a 65 is better.

lots of discus gurus recommend 10 to 15 gallons of water per discus, and this seems to work pretty well.

I used to have 4 adults in a 65 that I grew up and they were fine.

you need space because they often develop quite a pecking order, with fish being dominant over subdominant fish.

if there is not enough space, the 'runts' get picked on too much and die (eventually)

 

[davexstumpe]

my friend was hoping for a centerpiece fish or even a pair of centerpiece fish, so i recomended discus (because of their awesome colors) but really had no idea about them. so i guess i suggested the wrong species.

it's a 38 gallon.

any other recomendations on a nice centerpiece or pair? but please no angels or anything to aggressive.

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

I've heard a lot of conflicting guesstimates on how much space adults need as well as the preference for long vs tall tanks.

I want a 75 Gal species only planted tank with a school of 6...but it looks like I may need to upgrade the plans to a 100 Gal. >< Honestly I'd prefer if they didn't breed, but Discus are difficult to sex, and you can't really neuter/spay fish.

 

[12 Volt Man]

I know most of the folks over at simplydiscus.com seem to like 15 gallons per discus, from young to adult. I used to post there back in the day when I had my discus.

 

[Marinemom]

Discus are definetly a schooling fish and need to be kept in groups of four or more unless you have a mated pair. The minimum size tank for discus is 45 gallons and bigger is always the bigger option. Keeping only one as a centerpiece fish is not recommended. Maybe a beautiful pearl gourami would be better. They are beautiful and are quite peaceful.

Marinemom