Tank size questions

[Yschen]

So I have moved my Yellow lab juvies from their old home into my 140 gallon Malawi tank. Now I have an empty 53 gallon tank on my hands that I don't know what to do with. I have asked around on other parts of cichlid parts of the forum for ideas on what to keep in this tank.
Because of the weird measurements of the tank 31.5x19.7x19.7 inches, I have come to the conclusion that Angels would do nicely in it, but I wanted to try my hand at keeping Discus.
The ones I had looked at are tankbred locally, I've read that tall tanks are better than long ones for Discus. However I have neither room nor money for a bigger tank. Would 5 Discus be able to live comfortably in the tank or should I opt for a pair of Angels instead?

If the Discus are greenlit (they can stay in the tank for life) I'll get all the substrate out and go Barebottom with some roots and plants.
Hope to hear from you guys soon!

 

[3dees]

with many and large wc's it can be done, but I would'nt take the chance. IMO, there is barely enough room for five discus and you should'nt keep any less. you may end up with stunted fish. there is the option of a mated pair. angels would be a bettere choice.

 

[Skittle]

I definetly would recommend angels


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[Yschen]

Okay, Angels it is then! Pterophyllum Scalare are the ones I had in mind. Are the "natural" looking ones called something specific? I don't really care for the black/white or the other colors,
I just want plain, striped Scalare. Could I keep a breeding pair with the same tankmates as a community tank or would it disturb them?

 

[decoy50]

Natural/wild looking scalare are called Silvers.

Tankmates are fine w/ a breeding pair, if you aren't serious about raising the fry. You will have a hard time raising fry in a community tank as other fish love eggs/fry - it can be done though.

 

[Yschen]

Okay, thanks you. I'll have them as a lonely pair then, however isn't dithers good for the pairs bonding process?