Is it possible for me to have discus?

**scrappinjaime** · 04-28-2012, 03:02 AM

I have a 45 gal high tank. It would be lightly decorated with drift wood. I am experienced in fish keeping. I am very meticulous about water changes. Is my tank too small for discus? I do not have room for a larger tank for about 2 years. Then I can get a larger tank. Thank you

**ScottishFish** · 04-28-2012, 08:43 AM

A 75g is usually miinimum for discus as they need to be kept in groups of 4+, usually a 45 would be ok if you could buy a mated pair. However I think because it is a 45tall then it just won't be suitable. They need a larger footprint unfortunately

**~Col~** · 04-28-2012, 10:05 AM

+1 to ScottishFish. I think a 45g high wouldn't be suitable.

**Cermet** · 04-28-2012, 07:14 PM

Best to avoid discus with such a small tank - water changes in a 45 gal with four fish would be daily and fairly large (and you will be fighting algae) - if that isn't an issue, it is possible but four is very risky. Four will have smaller discus and very likely, that one will be killed. Then the dominate fish will then do the same for the next one in line and so on.
By the way, a sparse tank isn't good - plants and wood allow discus to adjust better (except true wilds but they are very $$$.) Food is costly and raising young is a big job - six feedings a day, near 100% WC EVERY DAY for three months.