Discus Grow Out in a Planted Tank?

[OllieNZ]

Hi all
Im doing some research into a main fish for my tank it is well planted 48x12x16 40usgal with a rena xp3 external filter and has been set up for about 18mths. One of the fish I've been considering is discus and have just one major question.
Can discus be sucessfully grown out in a planted tank? I looked into buying adults but at £60+ea compared to £10ea for 3in juvies, and Im a diy kinda guy and it would be nice to have the satisfaction of growing out my own.

Any help/suggestions would be much appreciated

Thanks

Ollie

 

[sickbugs]

i know quite a few people who have done it in heavy planted tanks with great results, the fish definately were very relaxed, not getting darty or nervous even when we were standing in front of the tank for quite a while discussing them, ive seen people with discus in bare tanks and the fish seem less relaxed, more skittish. just keep up with your water changes and make sure the conditions are pristine. the only prob i think is discus seem happier in a much larger tank, as they seem more relaxed in larger numbers and 5 fish in a 40 gallon may be overstocking it

 

[Kwazy]

^ I agree ^

 

[MadRussian79]

I've done it twice. Just make sure you keep up with water changes and gravel vacuuming.

 

[OllieNZ]

Thanks All
I have a sand substrate which I find loads easier to keep clean than any gravel one I've had. Forgot to mention the dimensions given are for water column (tank height - substrate depth) I was planning on trying 4 (10gal per adult) and If Im lucky enough to get a pair selling the other 2 on would 5 be better to start? Im not after sardines here If I cant give them a comfortable home I wont get them.

Thanks

Ollie

 

[pradeep.dhamodhar]

make sure the temperature is above 27'c

 

[3dees]

it can be done but it's a lot more work. best to use sand for easier siphoning. the problem is that with the amount of water changes juvies require and the temps, the plants can suffer. best to get at least 4" fish.