Discus Community

[badisbadis101]

I am wondering what the best size tank would be for 12 discus kept with 12 cory cats, 12 otocinclus, and 12 small tetras(lemons/neons). Would a 120 work? Or would i want to go bigger?

I plan on possibly breeding some of the discus if they pair up (in a different tank of course), but would like to have a nice display tank for growing out as well as caring for any that do not pair up.

Thanks!

 

[WyldFya]

A 120 would work, but if you want large discus start with a 75 and grow them out. Keep up on water changes and feed frequently. I'd recommend avoiding the otos as they often do suck on the slime coat of the discus. Also, the neons do not do that well at the temps needed for discus, and will not last that long. Instead go for cardinal tetras.

 

[badisbadis101]

Would lemon tetras work? I rarely see cardinals around here, and when i do they look unhealthy.

As for the otos - are there any other algae eaters that would work? Farowellas? Maybe six of them?

Also, would the 120 still work if i were to change the stocking a bit to the following:
12 Discus
12 Corydoras
25 Lemon Tetras
6 Farowellas
12 Hatchetfish

Or would it be best to move up to a 150 or 180? Ideally, about half of the dicus will pair off, and will be removed, but in case that doesnt happen, i want the tank to be able to house them all.

 

[knobhill]

also, cory cats like temps in the mid 70's, discus need to be kept at a minimum 84

 

[badisbadis101]

From what i have read, you should keep discus at around 85F during quarantine, and then maintain them at 80-82F. Supposedly this increases their life span and just makes them healthier overall.

I personally have kept cory cats for many years at 82 with no ill results. They also seem to be the most recommended bottom feeders for the discus tank.

 

[badisbadis101]

K - i rethought it again - this is probably the final list (or close to it) - I removed the hatchetfish to make it less crowded, as i want it to be a simple tank (not too many species)

so, the list is the same, minus the hatchets:

12 Discus
12 Corydoras
25 Lemon Tetras
6 Farowellas

In a 120 or 150?

 

[WyldFya]

As stated earlier, I would not go bigger with the tank if you want larger discus. They will have a harder time keeping weight on if they have more room to swim. Corydoras do very well at a minimum temp of 76. Below that is too cold. I'd watch your stock list, as it is getting a little heavy.

 

[kingborris]

as for corys, its very species dependant. some come from quite chilly waters (68 deg), others are far more suited to warmer waters.

There are a few species which do fine at discus temps (~82deg). look out for C. sterbai, gossei, seusi, adolphoi and duplicareus. Ive had numerous sterbai's spawn at 82deg, although the eggs dont hatch at this temp.

Pick you corys carefully or you'll cook them in with discus.

 

[cassharper]

Just a little input. Try finding a school of nicely colored hatchets to replace the tetras. Hatchets are found in almost the exact same setting in the wild as discus, and it would be much easier to create a biotope tank.

Now just throw in some valisneria, saggitaria, anubias (I know, not true authentic), and aponoghetton and you're in business.

 

[WyldFya]

Just a little input. Try finding a school of nicely colored hatchets to replace the tetras. Hatchets are found in almost the exact same setting in the wild as discus, and it would be much easier to create a biotope tank.

Now just throw in some valisneria, saggitaria, anubias (I know, not true authentic), and aponoghetton and you're in business.

Wouldn't be a biotope tank with anubias in there, as they are from africa, and also because domestic discus have a native home in aquariums, not the wild.