Discus question

[posleen103]

I have a 35 and a 45 gallon tank. They are both... jump cycled. I used gravel/ filters and water that had been running in a 10/20 gallon tank for the 35/45. My question is, would Discus be happy in either and how many would be safe? I haven't kept discus but have kept and bred angels and marbled hatchets. Would it be 4 discus for the 35 and 6 discus for the 45. Would love to get some advice.

 

[HalfMoon B]

Some people have discus the size of dinner plats, and considering they need groups, I would say neither of those would work. Roydooms should be able to give you better info on a setup that would be better for discus.

 

[bruinsbro1997]

HalfMoon B is right. It is best to save your money for a bigger tank, like say sixty gallons or so for them. Maybe if it was a breeding pair or a temporary home for one.

 

[posleen103]

So, I have read that a 55 gallon is good for them as well, read about 6-8 in a 55. Not seeing much difference in a 45 as far as size. Okay, more reading seems to be 10 gallons per discus smallest group should be a group of 4.

 

[HalfMoon B]

Even so, if you have a 36" tank and they get a standard 7-8" than 4 of them will still be cramped...

 

[posleen103]

But a 55 would be fine?

 

[HalfMoon B]

A 55 would house 4 comfortably.

 

[bruinsbro1997]

IMO shouldn't they be in groups of 5-6? In 4 IMO one will be at the bottom of the hierarchy and waste away...

 

[HalfMoon B]

IMO shouldn't they be in groups of 5-6? In 4 IMO one will be at the bottom of the hierarchy and waste away...

Agreed, but he asked...

 

[bruinsbro1997]

Ah ok I understand.