Are these tetras OK as discus tankmates?

[lsuber]

I think I may have asked this question before, but can't remember: Would Congo tetras and Black Neon Tetras make good tankmates for discus? My Congos are pretty much full sized, and I think would look good in the 90-gal with the discus. In that tank already are some clown loaches (big ones too, and a little aggressive at feeding time), cardinal, rummynose, and bloodfin tetras, and a few cory cats.

[Cosmo]

lsubar,

Don't know the definitive answer, but.. we have Congo Tetras in my daughters Angel tank, they seem to do ok in slightly acidic water, and, temps of 83-84 F. Have read they won't like any temp higher than this but have never tried it. This is low end temp for Discus.

Also, they are constatanly moving, and moving fast so my guess is they would not make good tank mates as Discus could be come stressed by this.

I've read in numerous places that clown loaches are difinately not good as Discus tankmates.

Jim

[Howie_W]

Either of the Tetras are fine with Discus. When keeping the smaller species with Discus, make sure you do not introduce juveniles into a community tank with Discus, as they will quickly become snacks...this is true for Neons and Discus in general...expensive treats. :)


I keep Loaches with my Discus without any problem...they are also schooling fish and do best in groups...excellent bottom feeders and good for maintenance.


Howie

[Cosmo]

learn something new every day :)

[Tad]

Isuber,
I have used large schools of Congo Tetras and Black Neons (also rummynose, cardinals and corys), with discus in a 80 gallon community tank. The approach that I took was to set up the community tank with my full stocking level of tetras and later, introduced the Discus. IMO if done the other way around the possiblility of tetras becoming "tetra treats ;D" is more probable! (discus think its feeding time) This approach worked for me and never loss a tetra due to discus snacking.

JME,
Tad

[lsuber]

Thanks for all the input guys, I think I will give it a try. I need to match the temperature in my two tanks before moving them I guess, then we'll see what happens. Maybe the Congos will give the clown loaches some competition in the tank!

Lsuber