INtroducing new discus into establised tank

[gillym]

Hi

I just got two beautiful blue 3 inch diamonds from Gwynnbrook and am trying to introduce them into an existing 40 G tank that has four 3 inch super reds. As expected, the new guys are getting pummeled and stay in the corner most of the time, not getting a chance to eat or anything. The new guys seemed to have acclimated to the water chemistry, but dealing with their tankmates is another story.

I'm hopeful a new pecking order will be established at some point soon that will get them out of the corner...and I wish I had a bigger tank, but alas, no room in the apartment :-(

Does anyone have any advice on helping them to all get a long, at what point would a tank divider (if I can get one for this tank) an option?

thanks and since this is my first post to this forum, I'll just say hi to all

thanks
DrGilly

[bigpacman]

Hello,
Was long as there isn't any real sign of problems I would say you are ok. Plus is there enough hiding places for the fish until they get use to each other? Kind of sounds to me you might be getting a little overstocked with six discus in a forty gallon tank but I may be wrong. I had to split up my two discus after about a week because "the bully" was pushing the other one completely out of the water. Plus like you said the poor little one couldnt get anything to eat.
But both are doing fine now and often sit next to each other near the divider. I'm sure there is someone on here that can better answer your question. Just thought I would put in my two cents.

[Carol_Roberts]

Next water change put some of the tank water in buckets. Remove all discus to buckets. Finish water change, rearrange decorations (if any). Add blue diamonds to tank.Wait another 30 minutes then add the reds back one at a time (biggest bully last)

[Jeff]

It looks like you missed the most important step...the QT. This step is not to be taken lightly unless you look at all the discus as expendable. Be careful and start stocking up on drugs and have a plan just in case. ::)

[gillym]

thanks for all the advice. I did forget to mention that the fish were quarantined and medicated prior to purchase. I chose not to re-quarantine them, but that is certainly a risk on my part

I'm scheduled to do a water change today so I'll try out your advice Carol

there arent too many hiding places in the tank. I do have red melon sword growing in clay pot in the tank..I'll move that around.

[gillym]

Update

I tried the bucket trick and unfortunately doesnt look like it will work. The two BD's are obviously not as settled in this tank as the Super Reds, even after the Reds spent time in the bucket.

The BD's were acting submissive, even after I added the smallest, least dominant super red back into the tank after a water change and 1 hour.

Hmm... I know I should give it some time and see what happens, but trying to plan ahead. I even looked for a tank divider online, but I cant find one that fits a 40G that is 36 inches long. I really cant get another tank right now

other suggestions are welcome

thanks

DrGilly

[Tad]

I know I should give it some time and see what happens

Gillym,
I think you answered your own question. I agree give them some time ;) And welcome to the Forum :thumbsup:

regards,
Tad

[Carol_Roberts]

You can make a divider out of plastic "eggcrate" flourescent light covers sold at home depot type stores.

[Willie]

That pre-quarantine stuff does not work, I assure you. In the future, you need to handle the quarantine yourself.

Willie