concientious discus husbandry?

[PianoTuner]

I am new to the forum, new to planted tanks, and new to discus although I have wanted a planted discus tank for more than 10 years.

Would it be concientious husbandry to buy and house three to five, 3"-4" discus in a 50g (30.5" x 18" x 21") planted tank, assuming all other discus specific needs were accomodated? (like ph, temp, water chemistry, social preferences, etc).


The big question is:

Would the short tank length make the discus unhappy or compromise them in a significant way?


Michael

[Howie_W]

Hi Michael and welcome to the forum! http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/happy/457.gif


If you are thinking of setting up a planted Discus tank, bigger is better. My suggestion would be to get a half dozen or so juveniles and use your 50 gallon as a bare bottom grow out tank. While you're growing out the fish you can use the time to set-up a much larger planted tank, allow it to become well established, and then to place the Discus in as they get larger.


Howie

[PianoTuner]

Thanks Howie for the tip.

To be honest, it's about all I can do to purchase, set up, and maintain the 50g. I'm afraid that's going to be my new tank. If discus in a tank of that size is simply unworkable, or detrimental to their well-being, I will just have to stock apistos and tetras instead. I like them too. I just have always liked discus and have always wanted some.

Michael

[Howie_W]

It is doable, but there are certainly downsides to consider;

Discus are schooling fish, so the more you have the better for spreading out agression, and having them more comfortable together.

If you are planning on buying juveniles, it's best to grow them out in a bare tank first...much easier to perform regular feedings and tank maintenance.

Overall, I've found the larger the tank, the easier to keep clean. If you haven't already purchased a tank yet, even going with something like a 75 gallon would give you a bit more to work with. If you look around, I'm sure you can save on cost by buying a used tank, or one on sale.

Another option might be to find some slightly older fish, and place them in a planted set-up once it's been up and running for a while.

Don't settle for less...get yourself some Discus! http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/happy/1398.gif


Howie

[PianoTuner]

Howie

Thanks again for the informed reply. I have learned a lot about the discus. That they are social and a little aggressive (they are chiclids after all) and they probably do better in groups of 6 or more. I just can't or won't put 6 in this tank. I could get 4 or maybe on a big stretch, 5, but what they gain in a more peaceful interaction might be traded for elbow room and space. I just don't have the experience or intimate first hand knowledge to know.

I have no problem with getting more fish or adult fish, and in fact I went to meet a breeder (Peter Thode) last winter in Baltimore MD (owns Gynbrook Farm Discus Hatchery. You haven't seen discus till you've seen large tanks with 20 or more discus swimming together. And the colors ...... (melon, brown, and turquoise) were both breathtaking and exquisite.

I would be happy to have any of his fish. Just want to do the right thing.

I can't get a 75. My wife and I have one nice location for the tank in our living room where it is an exact fit. I kept a 29g there for 15 years. This tank has the same length.

What do you think. You seem to have a good feel for this. Advise me oh wise one.

Michael