At what size should I move them?

[etr63]

Hi All

I have 8 young discus in a 55 gal bb tank. They range in size from 3 to 5 inches. About 4 to 5 months old. At what size should I plan on moving them? Im hopeing to get some pairs out of them.

Earl

[Tad]

Earl,
No need to move them yet IMO, a 55 gallon tank can easily house 8 fish of the size you indicated. Obviously there are many factors which would dictate a move ranging from pairing to over zealous dominate fish. The key IMO for you at this time is to do ample/daily WCs with the higher stocking load and to have adequate bio filtration to deal with ammonia and nitrites. IMO you can keep them all together until pairing starts...let them experience a few spawns in the community tank which can help develop strong parenting skills and eventually move a "confirmed pair" to their own private breeding tank. Alternatively if no pairing occurs and they reach the adult size lets say 5" you may consider moving them into a more accomodating enviorment at 1 adult per 10 gallons.

JMO,
Tad