reputable discus breeder

[gr8nguyen1]

i will be receiving 3 juvenile discus soon. it was supposed to be on wednesday but my friend had a delay. which was very fortunate for me because my tank isn't quite cycled. i've read some post here saying that discus are schooling fish and they need at least 5-6 to spread out the aggression. is this true? and if it is, i have a 75 gallon tank, is this big enough for 5-6 discus? the tank currently has about 7 cory catfish, 3 celestial danios, 5 neon tetras, 1 dwarf gourami, 1 oto cats. my question is does anyone know a reputable discus breeder. one that sells high quality fish. i would like someone close to california since i'm in LA. i've read a lot of good things about 2 breeders. the first one is Discus Madness ( out of NJ) the second one is Kennys Discus in California. both guys Mathias and Kenny seem very knowledgeable. i wanted to know if anyone has bought any fish from them. i don't mind paying for good quality. i just don't want to feel like i wasted my money if they arrive and die a few days later

[gr8nguyen1]

better yet does anyone know a good breeder near LA that is within driving distance so i can look at the fish and pick them up the same day. that way i don't have to stress them out with Fedex shipping

[jestep]

I don't know any breeders in the area, but yes 5 minimum is usually recommended to reduce stress and reduce bickering. I've also heard numerous times to keep odd numbers: 5, 7, 9 etc..

A 75 is fine for 5 - 7 discus, some tetras and a pleco or 2. IMO it's the smallest tank a person can get away with and still keep water changes to a reasonable amount, but it's still going to be high maintenance compared to a larger yet lesser stocked tanks.

[gr8nguyen1]

good ol jestep, i can always depend on you for advice. so since this is a highly stocked tank. do you think i should get rid of some community fish or keep the discus at 5.

[Dkarc]

Kenny all the way. Good honest importer. Cant go wrong.

-Ryan

[joe308]

I have had discus on and off for 25 years and have been dealing with Mathias at Discus Madness for several years now. I normally visit his showroom to get my fish and IMHO his fish are top notch. Dealing with someone local you can drive to has it's advantages if you have the good fortune to be located near a breeder. Mathias is a breeder and these are not imported fish from the orient that you might come by on the west coast. Good Luck!

[SpyderSpy6]

I just recently moved from Aliso Viejo, CA and had heard that inland empire discus is about an hour east of LA. Hope that helps... I never went there though.