Discus Tankmates

[Austin]

So i think i'm going to try my hand at discus. I am getting rid of my oscars and will have my 90 gal free. I have a shoal of clown loaches that i want to keep in with them. will this work? how many discus should/can i keep, i know they like to be in groups? thanks guys!

eidt: i also have a fei feng i want to keep in there, it's only 3" at the moment

 

[Westie]

Loaches and discus go together like peas and carrots! Discus also feel more secure in groups. I'd probably go with 4 or more but, thats just me.

 

[-arowana-]

actual its 6 min.
FYI clown loaches eat faster than discus, so feedin is gonna be more difficult

 

[Knowdafish]

Loaches yes. Fei Feng no!

 

[Austin]

no fei feng? he'll "lick" the slime coat i'm guessing? Also, saying 4 or more discus, will the different morphs interbreed? should i only get one kind?

 

[Knowdafish]

1) Yes 2) Yes 3) Possibly 4) Up to you

 

[Austin]

1) Yes 2) Yes 3) Possibly 4) Up to you

thanks! i like definite answers, no bs

 

[Westie]

I have several different types of discus and suprisingly they do stick to their own kind when it comes to mating. I have one pidgeon blood that is so ready to spawn but, nobody will show her the time of day. I have 9 discus and 5 clowns in a 90g as well and there are no problems when it comes to feeding. There is plenty of room for everyone. Good luck!

 

[Lupin]

actual its 6 min.
FYI clown loaches eat faster than discus, so feedin is gonna be more difficult

Have you tried the combo before, Arowana?

I've tried the combination with no issues. The only trouble is clown loaches are rather inquisitive fish and may trail around the discus much to their fright. This usually happens in cramped quarters so if your tank has plenty of space while permitting plenty of hiding places, it should be fine. I'd assign an area for currents as well for the loaches to swim along. They originated from fast flowing rivers and shouldn't be deprived of the acitvity they truly enjoy.

no fei feng? he'll "lick" the slime coat i'm guessing? Also, saying 4 or more discus, will the different morphs interbreed? should i only get one kind?

All strains of discus are still the same species so yes, they can breed with each other. For a 90g, I'd consider 6. If you're starting with juveniles, make the tank barebottom so maintenance is easier. They do tend to require plenty of feedings which subsequently requires plenty of water changes to keep water conditions on top.

I agree with Knowdafish. Forget the feifengs. They are already incompatible with stingrays. Discus are no different as these secrete slime coat which could become the protein source of most suckers such as plecos if deprived of proper food diet.

 

[Austin]

I have several different types of discus and suprisingly they do stick to their own kind when it comes to mating. I have one pidgeon blood that is so ready to spawn but, nobody will show her the time of day. I have 9 discus and 5 clowns in a 90g as well and there are no problems when it comes to feeding. There is plenty of room for everyone. Good luck!

cool, i have a shoal of 10 loaches so far so i'll probably stick to fewer discus.

Have you tried the combo before, Arowana?

I've tried the combination with no issues. The only trouble is clown loaches are rather inquisitive fish and may trail around the discus much to their fright. This usually happens in cramped quarters so if your tank has plenty of space while permitting plenty of hiding places, it should be fine. I'd assign an area for currents as well for the loaches to swim along. They originated from fast flowing rivers and shouldn't be deprived of the acitvity they truly enjoy.


All strains of discus are still the same species so yes, they can breed with each other. For a 90g, I'd consider 6. If you're starting with juveniles, make the tank barebottom so maintenance is easier. They do tend to require plenty of feedings which subsequently requires plenty of water changes to keep water conditions on top.

I agree with Knowdafish. Forget the feifengs. They are already incompatible with stingrays. Discus are no different as these secrete slime coat which could become the protein source of most suckers such as plecos if deprived of proper food diet.

thanks man. would ray's go with discus? i want a couple teacups also but haven't decided what to do with that tank, really leaning toward discus for now but we'll see.