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Discus in a 30gal aquarium?
I upgraded to a 55g and moved the fish that were in the 30gal into there so now all the 30g has is 6 serpae tetra and a bristlenose pleco. The freshwater fish I have always wanted ( Parrot cichlids, dwarf rams, angelfish and yoyo loaches), I have, the only ones I don't have are discus. Ive researches water parameters and the kind of set ups they like and the tank is heavily planted but still has alot of open area to swim.
Everything I have read says they are shoaling fish and need 5gals per discus, and several employees at LFS have said I could have 5 if I rehome the serpaes but 30gal seems like it would be too small for 5 discus. Would 3 be okay or is it too small for them altogether?
If so I'm open to stocking suggestions. Would like a couple bigger colorful fish instead of smaller schooling fish.
I thought so. Just wanted to ask on here and see if anyone knew for sure. I actually have a really good breeder that has discus at great prices so that's why I was interested.
Well since Discus are out :( Anyone have any interesting stocking suggestions?
4 Answers
- Anonymous8 years agoFavorite Answer
I agree that 30 gal isn't a good Discus tank, especially for that many. They get quite large, prefer to live in a large group, and need perfect water. Maybe more like 10gal each, and a group of 6 or more? Has you up around 60 gal.
What about Rainbowfish?
They are obviously colourful, as the name suggests, and a school will be OK in 30 gal. They grow bigger than the little tetras etc
Ian
- ?Lv 68 years ago
Discus need 75 gallons for a school of 6+, the more the better, and they need a species only tank. A 30 gallon is hideously cramped space for them seeing that they get the size of an IHOPS pancake.
They are finicky at water quality and small 10% water changes DAILY are best with them. I also recommend double or triple filtration and good current.
Bottomfeeders would be the only choice of tankmates, I recommend a large school of same species Cory Catfish if you ever get the appropriate size tank.
EDIT: Remember never to rely on the people at the petstore. They will lead you anywhere to get a hole of your money especially when it comes to pricey Discus. The cheapest Discus I saw was a 50 dollar juvenile pigeon blood, some go for 100+ and up.
Note: The smaller the tank, the harder it is to keep water parameters stable. Personally I'd only keep them in a 125g just to be on the safe side if I was risking that much money. But it can be done in a 75gal.
EDIT 2: If you do intend to rehome to Serpae's have you looked into a large school of Ghost Catfish? They have similar sensitivity and they are great to watch.
