Big discus tank

[ai823]

Right now I have a 176 corner tank but this evening I’m going to pick up a 420 gallon tank. I’m trying to have all my ducks in a row. Most of my discus are 2.5-4 inches I have 16 right now with plans to get more but I’ve seen some things that say it’s not best to grow them out in a big tank. should I try and grow them out in my 176 before moving them or would they be okay in the big tank? I’ve currently been doing 50-75% water changes every other day with bare bottom tank with plants in pots. This is my first post but I’ve used similar boards before so I’ll try and attach a picture of my set up

[Iminit]

Well if growing out I’d use a 40-50g. Less water to change and you’ll get the same results. I use a 50 as the grow out. But much more important! Great looking pup! What type of dog?

[ai823]

Well if growing out I’d use a 40-50g. Less water to change and you’ll get the same results. I use a 50 as the grow out. But much more important! Great looking pup! What type of dog?

Thank you!! He is a olde English bulldog.. so I guess I’m far better leaving them all in the smaller 176 for a while then putting them in the 420.. it’s gonna be hard leaving this sucker empty..

[Iminit]

It’s going to take awhile to get it ready anyway so growing out in a smaller tank is better. Like I said a 40-50g is a better way than the 176. Makes water changes easy and keeps the food in a smaller area so all will get it. You really don’t want them burning up the food chasing it all over a 176. They will probably grow faster in the smaller tank. Once they hit 4.5-5” you can move them into a bigger tank. Also the smaller tank will be your qt tank and hospital tank. Any way you need the smaller tank. Discus require a main tank and a smaller qt/hospital tank.

[ai823]

It’s going to take awhile to get it ready anyway so growing out in a smaller tank is better. Like I said a 40-50g is a better way than the 176. Makes water changes easy and keeps the food in a smaller area so all will get it. You really don’t want them burning up the food chasing it all over a 176. They will probably grow faster in the smaller tank. Once they hit 4.5-5” you can move them into a bigger tank. Also the smaller tank will be your qt tank and hospital tank. Any way you need the smaller tank. Discus require a main tank and a smaller qt/hospital tank.

so at this moment I have my qt tank full with 6 new discus its a 40 breeder I have setup as a qt/hospital tank. I have had 10 discus with 4 clown loachs and a couple dozen tetras in the 176 for the last 2 months doing 50-75% every other day which hasn't been awful its bare bottom so its easy to clean.. I just picked up a 420 yesterday, which you are right it is gonna take me a bit to get it set up. I'm gonna go threw and buff the acrylic, modify the stand, get the sump setup and plumbed. I'm thinking of setting it up on a drain/fill water change deal where I can set it to as much water as I would like daily. how long should I grow them out before I would dare move them to the big tank (420) a few months? my bigger ones are about the size of the palm of my hand. thanks for the help!!!

[Iminit]

I like the 4.5-5” size to move them. They will still grow in the bigger tank