Thoughts on a Discus tank

[DrNic]

Would a 55G tank be sufficient for 3-4 discus or would I need something larger? Can neon tetras and dwarf gouramis be kept with discus?

[MCHRKiller]

3 discus and a 55G tank works out well. Just provide great filtration and keep up on water changes. Discus need nitrates under 10ppm to really thrive so you could be doing 2-3X a week changes. Also save yourself some hassle and purchase some discus 4"+ sub-adult discus are hard to rear, you would need a bare tank, feedings every 6hrs and daily-every other day water changes to avoid them from stunting with smaller discus. 4" for whatever reason seems to be the magic size with discus, fish in this size range are over that critical growth stage, and are generally hardier and more adaptive as well. You could keep a group of cardinals with them, Id avoid neons due to the somewhat smaller body size. A group of 15-20 would be a good compliment to the 3 discus. I would avoid most other fish with discus due to temperature. Discus need a absolute minimum of 82*F, preferably something closer to the 84-85*F range.

[Northernguy]

Great post Killer!
Discus are beautiful fish but are are very finicky and need constant care.

[Fishguy2727]

Many people find three to be a bad number for discus, two pair off and beat up the other. I would start off with six or so and when you get a pair sell off the others.

There are many great tankmates for discus, they are from the Amazon, like MANY other fish. Cardinal tetras are a great choice, as are emperor, rummynose, and many others. Many plecos will work very well with them, with discus you might as well go all out and get something like a gold nugget.

[DrNic]

Thanks for the info everyone! I've always wanted discus but never really had the space to try them. Then one of my LFS guys said he could get me an awesome deal on a trio of 55G tanks sometime in November when his distributor is having their XMas sales, so I thought I might use one for discus.

I'm thinking I'll go with 2-3 discus, a school or rummynose tetras, maybe an emperor or two, an a big school or corries.

[Lady Hobbs]

3 discus and rummynose is the plan I had, as well. But while your plan seems to be coming together, mine is falling apart. LOL

[MCHRKiller]

Id personally steer clear of cories, they do best in water in the mid-uper 70s, they typically do not do well in water into the mid 80s. If you want bottom dwellers Bristlenose plecos can take the heat and do well with Discus it seems:22:

[Fishguy2727]

Sterbai cory will thrive in those temps.