tank size for discus?

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Sir-KS

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 10, 2008
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NYC Queens/Thailand
Planning to get a discus got good deal on its about $25-35 each their about 3"-4". I wounder what would be a good size tank for 2 discus? (30GAL WOULD DO THE JOB)
 
unless they're a breeding pair, discus need to be in shoals IMO (6 minimum). they simply dont do well in low numbers.

they will feel insecure and you may weel suffer from aggression problems if kept in small numbers. one will take dominance, the other will be the sole target of aggression, and will get picked on remorselessly.
 
i would get a 75 or a 90 just for the heck of it since its got the same 4 ft footprint plus gives you more options for a planted tank :)
 
Definitely get the largest tank you can get to house the discus in. If you can only support a 55 gallon then 5-6 discus will be fine in there for life.

Now when you say you can get a deal on discus what kind of discus are they that the deal is so great?
I found 2-2.5" blue diamonds for $35, marlboro reds for $25 and others for cheaper depending on where you shop.
 
Sir-KS;1852450; said:
Planning to get a discus got good deal on its about $25-35 each their about 3"-4". I wounder what would be a good size tank for 2 discus? (30GAL WOULD DO THE JOB)

Research what a good Discus looks like before you buy them. Watch out for so called "good deals". There are more undesirable fish for sale than they are good ones. Things to watch out for are, large eyes on a small body, "football" shaped fish, peppering, misshapen fins, dark color, cloudy eyes, excessive rapid breathing, breathing from only one gill, stringy poo hanging from the anus, etc. Also, never get just 2 Discus, it is very stressful for them. They have a social, or pecking order, and need a group of fish to do this and feel secure. A good economical Discus tank would be a 55 gal. with a group of 6 fish, with a good HOB filter such as a AquaClear 110 using no carbon, and frequent vac and water changes.
 
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