Thinking About Discus?

[Kerri Gronow]

I currently have a fully cycled 120L tropical set up and was thinking of getting some discus.

I was wondering if my tropical set up would be ideal for them.
If so how many discus would be ideal for this tank.

Thanks in advance

 

[fishguy2727]

That tank is a bit small unless you are wanting just one pair.

 

[jacko32]

180ltr/40gallon minimum really even for just a pair

 

[snowflake311]

180ltr/40gallon minimum really even for just a pair

40gal is fine for a breeding pair not just 2 discus they need to be a real pair.

 

[kevinjames]

far too small imo. doesnt look look like op wants to go down the bare bottom discus only option does it

 

[Ps3Steveo]

If you were to buy young Discus you could get away with a few in there maybe even 5 if they around 2" across but it wont last long and you'll have to upgrade very quickly.

 

[fishguy2727]

I would not buy 5 until the upgrade was a reality, not a dream.

 

[Kerri Gronow]

Thank you everyone for the replies ...

I am interested in just one pair although I would not be able to upgrade in the near future as I dont have the space or money.
I currently have a 180L tank which would be perfect for them but it is fully stocked and the 120L would not be big enough for my community tank, therefore for now I only have a 120L which I used for breeding my livebearers but I would like to get a pair of discus now as I am very interested in them and I think they are magnificent fish.

So as I have a mix of opinions... would I be able to keep just one pair in the tank?? If so will I be better getting a proven breeding pair, two young discus or two mature discus??

Thank you again for all the replies

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Then I wouldn't bother at all as you need to keep an odd number of Discus really to spread bullying. If you buy two they must be a breeding pair to stop the bullying, in which case they will breed and you will end up needing a grow out tank for the fry if your successful in them breeding.

 

[mattbleasby]

Then I wouldn't bother at all as you need to keep an odd number of Discus really to spread bullying. If you buy two they must be a breeding pair to stop the bullying, in which case they will breed and you will end up needing a grow out tank for the fry if your successful in them breeding.

+1 Brilliantly said.

 

[Kerri Gronow]

Then I wouldn't bother at all as you need to keep an odd number of Discus really to spread bullying. If you buy two they must be a breeding pair to stop the bullying, in which case they will breed and you will end up needing a grow out tank for the fry if your successful in them breeding.

Ok... well if I were to get a breeding pair ... what size of tank will be suitable for a grow out tank and do the babies stay with the pair when they are born??

 

[snowflake311]

Discus are hard to breed. It's a lot of work. A 55gal to grow them out would work. If you bought a real pair it will be $300 that's for a nice proven pair. If I were you I would sort out your other stock or get a bigger tank.

 

[Kerri Gronow]

Discus are hard to breed. It's a lot of work. A 55gal to grow them out would work. If you bought a real pair it will be $300 that's for a nice proven pair. If I were you I would sort out your other stock or get a bigger tank.

Thanks for your reply

I am very dedicated to getting some of these fish so I am going to sell/give away some of my stock and then keep the rest in the 120L ... Therefore I would have the 180L for the discus ... I am willing to try and get a pair ... although I have two mature angelfish and would like to keep them in the 180L so would a pair of discus be alright with two angelfish.

Thanks again

 

[Ps3Steveo]

A lot of people say its fine to keep Discus with Angels but no its not a good idea. Angels can carry a type of parasite not harmful to them selves but harmful to Discus, heres a link to a guide to planting a Discus aquarium but it explains this and good tank mates. Oh and please if your using your 180 get 5 as there will be bullying and they shouldn't be kept in a group of less than 5, some people say 7.

Link.
http/aquaticconcepts.thekrib.com/Articles/PAM_Discus.htm

 

[Kerri Gronow]

The link is very usful thank you

I will try and get 5 but will I get them at the same time or get three then another two??