What size is it safe to add discus to a planted tank?

[Masahiro]

Hello, I am new here and just picked up two 4" Albino blue platinum discus from AngelFishUSA. I have them in a 20 gallon BB grow out tank, i have been doing 50% water changes daily. Should I be doing 75%? And i'm starting up a 31" Tall 18" Wide and 20" long planted tank and was wondering when it would be best to add them? I was thinking 6"+ please correct me if i'm wrong, thanks!

[pastry]

Matt, just going off of the info you have, you might want a bigger tank and more discus. Discus tend to do much better in groups (rule of thumb, 5 fish minimum). Also, although I haven't done the math on how many gallons your tank is from the dimensions you posted (can't remember what number to divide by), it's going to be too small (if you factor in a group of discus. That's just what a lot of people on here have experienced (some the hard way... and I'm no exception :p). Now, not saying "it can't be done", but you'd probably see those two more comfortable with a few others. I've only ever put two discus in their own tank when they were a proven pair, but prior to that, that pair was in a group feasting, and fighting, and bickering without a care in world of what was outside that tank unless I was coming up to feed them. Just give it a thought... on the bright side, you can get a bigger tank and more discus!

[Masahiro]

The tank i have is 48 Gallons. I have other Discus i can add if i need to. I already 90 gallon BB growout with 10 Discus, I really wanted to just have the two albinos in the planted tank, but i know it's a long shot.. Anyways, still would like to know a good size to add them to a planted tank.

[discuspaul]

Preferably adult discus, but no less than 4" in size.

[Masahiro]

Putting 4" discus in a planted tank won't mess up they're shape or growth?

[pcsb23]

The problem answering a question like this, is that there are a multitude of variables. If the fish are really young and have grown quickly to 4" (approx 6-8 months old) they can still achieve another 1 1/2 to 2" growth, in exceptional circumstances you may get another 1/2" on that (we are talking about albinos here). If the fish are already compromised, as in they are somewhat older then they will not grow anywhere near as much as above. And it won't matter what type of tank they are in either. There are no hard and fast rules, but generally albinos grow slower and end up smaller thna other strains.

Sometimes two discus work well together be they a pair in the breeding sense or just two compatible fish. By the time they are 4" most of their shape is already determined as their significant growth rate is over, they still grow, but not as fast. Final size depends on many things including their inherent genes, typically albinos do not grow as large as other strains. 2 sub adult discus should do fine in the size of tank you mention provided of course they are compatible and all other husbandry is up to scratch.

[discuspaul]

Your response covers the essentials very well, Paul.
There is nothing meaningful to add.

[musicmarn1]

Except perhaps to ask for pictures? Your in good hands here, would love to see them :D

[Masahiro]

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag128/Yojoo1/1795364_685138121549748_525400375_o_zpsd10b43a8.jp g (http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/Yojoo1/media/1795364_685138121549748_525400375_o_zpsd10b43a8.jp g.html)
http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag128/Yojoo1/1622342_685138318216395_1474903897_o_zps7ce4aa37.j pg (http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/Yojoo1/media/1622342_685138318216395_1474903897_o_zps7ce4aa37.j pg.html)
http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag128/Yojoo1/1601340_685138218216405_925758113_n_zps19cf463d.jp g (http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/Yojoo1/media/1601340_685138218216405_925758113_n_zps19cf463d.jp g.html)

[Robbo89]

Very lovely discus

[dirtyplants]

I keep albinos with albinos because of there eye sight, they don't compete for food as well for the most part. I never place a smaller fish into an established tank, (unless it has very big teeth :) ). I wait until my fish is as large or larger then the ones in the tank. My tank has been running for twenty five years fully planted. There are so many exceptions to the rules. But these are my rules.

[PhantomCavie]

Beautiful discus!

[Tres]

Usually safe to add from 4", but if you're patient to wait until they're 6" then you might be able to get them to a larger size than you would otherwise.