Discus Questions

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littlerich

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 1, 2006
7
0
0
40
Shropshire, UK
Hello,

Iam looking into getting my first tank setup this year and would like to go down the path of an all discus setup.

The Tank is 35 gallons or 159 litres mesuring 36Inch Length X 18Inch Depth X 15Inch Height

Here is the list of things i have so far that iam going to use.

The Filter

Ehiem 2026 Professional 2 filter (is this powerful enough for discus)

The Heater

What heater would you guys reccommend.

Lights

This is another thing looking for advice on what lighting would discus prefer

How many discus would i be able to keep in this arrangment and also what enviroment do they prefer.

Many Thanks
Richard
 
For 3 discus, assuming your water is correct, I would say your filtration is fine. I would get a 250 watt heater, and a coralife dual T5 bulb (it will support plant life if you decide to add water sprite or something)
 
You might be able to keep two small ones, 1 1/2" - 2" for a very short time. A minimum tank should be 55 gal for the eventual size they get, especially if you are meeting all their needs.
 
2-3 discus, make sure you have enough lighting for plants as mentioned above because they really seem to help out. Planning on any tankmates? Cardinal tetras and cory cats work great.
Jason
 
As long as the water changes are frequent, the biological capacity is sufficient and the temperature is warm (mid 80's), then you can easily keep 4 discus in there very happily. I suggest no less than 4 because discus are a schooling fish and of course do better in numbers.

What is your pH once settled/aerated for 24 hours? As long as the pH isnt above 8.2 or so, then the discus will be fine. The key with discus is the warm water and the frequent water changes....50% once a week is the minimal....the more often, the better. Some hobbyists are able to do 50% once a day, but most cannot do this due to other commitments.

-Ryan
 
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