What fish for this tank? Rainbows, Discus, or both?

[TheFishBoss97]

Hey Guys,

So I have run into a bit of a problem deciding on whether I want to keep just rainbows, just discus, or a mix of both...I am leaning towards both, but I wanted to have at least 20 rainbows(2 species) and 6 discus...The other fish in the tank will be a few small plecos, yoyo loaches, and tetras/rasboras(maybe)...I will definitely have shrimps, but their bioload is insignificant...

here are tank specs:


Size: 112G
Dimensions: 60"(length) X 24"(H) X 18"(D)
Filtration: Eheim Pro III Ultra 158G Canister; Marineland Penguin 350 Bio-Wheel
Powerhead: Koralia 1400gph(I might take it out as I only have it in the tank to help with flow as the penguin 350 has not arrived yet)
Substrate: 45L or 180lbs of ADA aquasoil(new amazonia)
Lighting: 3 TMC GroBeams 1500 Ultima Tiles
CO2: GLA Primo System; inline diffusion

Btw, tank is going to be heavily planted!
Do you think it can handle at least 20 rainbows and 6 discus? If not, please vote which fish is your favorite, and post why if possible...feel free to suggest other fish that are compatible with the discus/rainbows!!!

Thanks in advance!

-Ritap

 

[Wren]

I have a 125 gal with maybe 6-7 rainbows right now. I have had a few more in the past, but never as many as 20. Do you think the rainbows will be too active for the discus? Mine are busy and fast moving! I've never kept discus, so I honestly don't know the answer to that, but I thought they were a more shy fish.

wren

 

[ktrom13]

Ive never kept discus but from what i understand , fast moving fish can be overwhelming for discus.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[stephcps]

I didn't vote in the poll....but will say, having cared for both fish....rainbows are way too active for discus. Plus the temp requirements are opposite. While you will find documentation saying rainbows TOLERATE upt to 82....you will find far more info saying they are healthier and happier and will exhibit better coloring at temps of 72-78. Discus like at least 82.

 

[Star_Rider]

were you considering Adult Discus?
it's generally NOT recommended to raise juveniles in a large planted tank.

 

[ZivaD]

I didn't vote in the poll....but will say, having cared for both fish....rainbows are way too active for discus. Plus the temp requirements are opposite. While you will find documentation saying rainbows TOLERATE upt to 82....you will find far more info saying they are healthier and happier and will exhibit better coloring at temps of 72-78. Discus like at least 82.

Agreed - I prefer to aim for conditions under which the fish I keep will thrive, not making the best of conditions under which they can survive. They are incompatible in more than one way, so why try to make the square pegs fit in round holes?
I would really think about whether I wanted a calm, quiet tank (discus) or an active tank (the rainbows and well matched tankmates)...and then stock accordingly.

 

[tanker]

I would raise one or the other, but not both together for many reasons.


Star-rider:
That is the first time I have ever heard that. Do not see a reason why not.

 

[rufioman]

One or the other, or smaller rainbows or schoolers with the discus...my rainbows, Madagascar and praecox, are definitely semi-aggressive and could stir up the discus too much. Do the discus and show all the pretty ladies you're secksie fish ahahahaha.

 

[Greggz]

I recenly went through this same choice. Upgraded a mostly Rainbow fish 70 to a 120 gallon.

Have always been tempted by the thought of having Discus. Strongly considered mixing the two, but as others have mentioned, temperment and temperature requirements are quite different. Didn't think either would be too happy.

Then I thought about switching the whole tank over to Discus......but in the end, I decided to stick with the Rainbows.

Whether it's true or not, my perception is that Discus are a bit more finicky and would take some extra care. I have great respect for and admire those who keep beautiful Discus tanks. But in the end, the deciding factor for me is that Rainbow's are very, very easy to take care of. Mine have proven to be nearly indestructible, and still make for a very nice colorful tank.

 

[discuspaul]

As others have said, keeping Rainbows and Discus together is generally a big no-no.
They're not at all compatible tankmates - Rainbows' active and semi-aggressive
behaviors are almost certain to stress discus, often leading to health issues for the discus.

And Star Rider is quite correct in saying that juvie discus, particularly smaller ones under say 3.5", should not be raised in a large tank like the size of the one mentioned in this thread. Firstly, juvies do not usually develop well in a planted environment due to tank cleansing dfficulties - some would not likely reach optimal growth, and may even turn out stunted.

Secondly, even in a large bare-bottom tank, juvie discus seem to be uncomfortable in the vaster surroundings, as they much prefer being in close, sociable, tight-knit groups. In large tanks they may not be able to locate sufficient, readily at hand food which they need to develop properly (i.e. 3-4 or more feedings a day.)
For small juvies to be comfortable in a 112 gal tank, one would need to be keeping 30 to 40 of them, and then only until they got to around 4.5"-5" in size.