125g stocking question

[domjd05]

Hey guys, as many of you know I'm in the middle of setting up a 125g planted discus tank (see journal forum for full tank details).

I plan to stock it with 7-10 discus, not sure on the exact amount yet, and possibly a pair of rams.

For filtration the tank has a 35g sump with a 750gph wet/dry filter, I also plan to run a 350ish gph HOB.

My question is the tankmates. I would like to house cardinals and skunk cories with the discus, but I'm not sure how many I can safely stock in the tank. I was thinking 12 of each- is this too many?

I was also thinking of 2 BN plecos to aid in algae control.

Any thoughts?

[annageckos]

It looks like 80-81F is the upper limit to the skunk cory's temp range. Here is a list of other cories' with higher temp ranges. http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/search_result.php?temp_min=77&temp_max=82.4&tempunit=deg_f&order=hits&results=100
For the cardinal tetras you could easily do 12, even more shouldn't be a problem.

[Red]

Agreed, I think cories would be fine at 80. I just would not expect them to breed. Bns would be good too. Instead of cardinals, have you considered rummynose?

[domjd05]

I planned on keeping the temp a bit lower (for discus anyway) at around 82, I've kept skunk cories at that temp succesfully before, but I'll do some more research into that.

I have also looked at rummynose, but I just love cardinals, I'm pretty set on them. I think they will be ok because the discus I'm getting will be on the smaller side (about 3 inches) hopefully allowing the discus to grow out with the cardinals will curb the possible aggression.

So 12 cardinals and 2 BNs no problem, what about cories? Would 12 be too many?

Thanks all

[MCHRKiller]

Look into some Corydoras sterbai cories they have a bit more of a temp tollerance than alot...most reference states them capable of thriving at up to around 83*F. I would keep the discus on the low end of what you want to keep at around 7, and then stock it with 30-40 cardinals/rummies/other...3-4 bristle nose plecos, 12 cories would be fine as well. You shouldnt have any issues 125gallons is a good amount of water to work with, not to mention your sump and the WC requirements of discus anyway youll be doing plenty to keep up with the load.

[domjd05]

Do you think more than 7 would cause aggression issues as they grow? I don't mind keeping one less discus for 10 extra cardinals lol sounds great either way

[MCHRKiller]

Should be alright, you may eventually have a pair or two from so you may have to adjust your stock accordingly. If you had a decent amount of plants, there will be natural breaks in the line of sight, and the more you have the more spread out aggression will be I dont forsee any issues coming from having 6-8. I probably wouldnt go over 8 with the addition of other fish to the tank tho :22:

[domjd05]

There will be plenty of plants, I think 7 sounds good but we'll see how my wallet feels when its time to order them haha.