Adding discus

[Hobgob]

I recently set up a 75 gallon tank. My current stock is
X5 sterbai cories
X10 rummynose
X2 bnp
X2 gbr
X2 apisto agassizi

I was wondering if I could add discus with my current stock. And if I can, can I purchase two at a time or should I purchase all of them at once? I dont want to through off my bb. But at the same time they need eachother.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


Just incase. Filtration is an ehiem 2213 and two seapora 136 sponge filters both ran by powerheads. One is a maxi jet 900 and the other I am not sure I'd have to check.

 

[cgthebeast]

There very, very, picky and finicky. They need a minimum school of 5 but more is better. They need perfect water conditions. I would go with 3 first wait 2-4 weeks and see how they do. If they do good then add the other 2.

 

[Hobgob]

Well how many would you recommend in total in a 75? I waa thinking 6-7. Also my rummynose are wild caught from Columbia so I was thinking they would be sensitive to.

 

[cgthebeast]

6-8 would be a good number and just keep your water quality up and I suggest to do a drip acclumation.

 

[Hobgob]

Ok thank you sounds good with me

 

[cgthebeast]

No prob, would love to see some pics when you get your new fishes.

 

[Hobgob]

Will do. The tank looks amazing! I have a gourgeous root system piece of dw and an inuchik thingy I made. And some pots and plants. Lots of swimming space for my discus though!

I have another question. What do I loom for in a good discus?

 

[cgthebeast]

Bright colors, there swimming movement, if there social. ask the store to feed them to make sure there eating. Also look at the other tank mates and see if they have any obvious signs of sickness. I recommend getting them from a local breeder or store and not to order them online. I love discus and would get some in a heartbeat if I had a larger tank.

 

[Hobgob]

I like the local breeder idea. My one lfs quarantines all the new arrivals before sale so I know they will be good but they are normally overpriced and sold out. A regular discus is like 59.99. And there is a store closer that has them for 29.99 and other for 39.99

 

[cgthebeast]

30 bucks is a steal on discus, but make sure thier healthy.

 

[Hobgob]

The guy just doesnt really need to make money off his store... But yea it is a steal!

 

[cgthebeast]

Well thats great. It sounds like you have a plan then.If you have any questions in the future about them just shoot a pm my way.

 

[pcdebb]

what cgthebeast said. a darkened discus could mean a stressed or sick fish. and yes, watch them eat. my very first one I didnt do that and he died on me. I will spend 30 minutes just watching a discus before I make up my mind. having a discus die is painful I wish a store around here sold them for $30!

also check this thread out too.
What not to buy

 

[Hobgob]

Thank you so much, I will join that forum to view the photos. I purchased a leopard turquoise discus 59.99, a red discus (looks orange) 49.99, and a solid turquoise for 29.99!

 

[Hobgob]

It's looks very similar to a cobalt blue

 

[cgthebeast]

Awesome, how big are they and do you have any pics>

 

[Hobgob]

My blue one just recently stoped using one of his fins today. I noticed he was laying on his aide but when I went infront of the tank he came out but didnt use his fin... The blue one is roughly 2.5 inches long front to back...

 

[Hobgob]

Those photos were taken yesterday... But he was fine this morning... And my other two are fine but I did notice his poo was a little off coloured today and came out in a couple of clumps.. He is also scratching the one side but only that one side. I don't see any signs of ich but was thinking of adding salt. Also his fin is kinda powdered in the center I dont know if you can tell ib the photo or not. Also, Here are the other two and my set up. Any advice would be great.

 

[cgthebeast]

I would bump up the temp as a safety measure and continue to watch it carefully. Is it still eating

 

[Hobgob]

Great to know I did the right thing! I raised the temp up a bit. I habe an ehiem jager 3617 it says. 106 us gallons... But its only 200w... I have a fluval 150 I could through in also I did put a bit of salt in only 1tblsp per 10 though... Just a precaution... I also did a water change just to be on the safe side.
He is doing better though! Still hiding but using both fins... Is it to bright?