Discus - Tank Size

[digsy]

I have a 33 gallon tank that measures 37" long x 13" deep x 19" tall.

Would this be a big enough tank for two discuss ?

There would be some tetras, glass catfish and clown plecos as well.


Thanks

 

[kribensis12]

The rule is i discus per 10 gallons so 2 should fit comfortably.

 

[VidVid]

I havn't kept discuss before because i thought they would need a bigger tank??? So does that mean i could keep a discuss in a 2 by 1 by 1 foot 15 gallon aquarium with a few tetras?

 

[Tolak]

20 gallon minimum, 10 gallons per fish, with a minimum water depth of 16". This is bare minimum, no other fish, no substrate, with maintenance that discus need. Some breeders use 20 highs for pairs, with daily water changes. A 29 is better for pairs, one in a 15 is not a good idea.

 

[newfishaddict]

I have heard this IS important "with a minimum water depth of 16"."

Would get a 29g, perfect for two discus..

 

[HelenUK]

I would not recommend putting a discus in a tank with a height less than 18in.

 

[FishHobbyist1564]

For discuses, it is always better to have a nice, long tank. But of course, the height of 16"-18" is very important, so that is very important to keep in mind.

 

[annka5]

I disagree with the above - sorry!!

Discus really need to be kept in groups, so allowing a group of 6 at 10 galls per fish, thats a 60 gall tank. You can get away with slightly less - e.g. a 55 gallon, or a group of 5. This helps spread out any aggression amongst a bigger group.
A pair should only be kept alone if they are a proven breeding pair - as in, they have bonded, spawned together etc. In that case, a 30 gallon is appropriate IMO, just due to space requirements.

 

[kev_kb]

The rule is i discus per 10 gallons so 2 should fit comfortably.

2 will fit, but only a bonded breeding pair.

So does that mean i could keep a discuss in a 2 by 1 by 1 foot 15 gallon aquarium with a few tetras?

NO!!! The 10g per discus rule cannot used like this.... Please consider that the fish will grow to 6-8" so there will be very little room for movement! As also stated on this thread discus should not be kept alone.

I would not recommend putting a discus in a tank with a height less than 18in.

Me either.

I disagree with the above - sorry!!

Good post Annka, I totally agree.

 

[helsekia]

I agree with annka n kev ,the more space the better,they need minumum height of 18inch and they prefer groups unless they are a bonded breeding pair

 

[HelenUK]

totally agree with above

 

[Got-Soul]

I have to admit I disagree with all of this.

I have successfully kept 2 breeding pairs in a smaller tank 18 - 20 gallon tank.

the key is filtration and water - if your water is kept to the standards required by discuss and you do not disturb the tank all the time through digging around or moving rocks / drift wood you should have no problems.

 

[annka5]

Do you mean you succesfully kept 4 adult discus (i.e. 2 pairs) in one 18-20 gallon tank...? Or that a different pair in the tank whilst breeding as a short-term measure?

 

[HelenUK]

Yes this might be ok for a breeding pair but was the original question asking about a breeding pair I don't think so it just said

I have a 33 gallon tank that measures 37" long x 13" deep x 19" tall.

Would this be a big enough tank for two discuss ?

There would be some tetras, glass catfish and clown plecos as well.

No as far as i am concerned keeping two discus is a no no unless they are a breeding pair then yes fine.

 

[PrettyDiscus]

Its all about the water changes that counts. I have read may times that it is more important to do daily water changes on Discus tanks along with feeding 3-4 times per day. This way you cannot stunt the fishes' growth. Depending on the size of the Discus young Discus can grow very quickly if they recieve daily water changes and small, often feedings.