tank size ok?

[mickeyG]

Hi,

Used to come here all the time. Figured I could not do discus and stopped coming to your board. I am physically limited and did not think I could handle the required wc. Finally set up a planted tank last month. Got a python. With it I can easily do wc. I know you strongly suggest aged water and I am sure it is a good idea. I cannot do that.

I have a 50g oceanic 30" x 21" x 18. Can I put in 4 adult (~5") discus and with this limited space. It is the 30" length that worries me the most. If this is unhealthy, I won't consider it.

Thank you

[Tad]

Mickey,
Welcome back :) , and glad you finally setup a discus tank...IMO 4 adults should be fine in your planted 50 gal tank.

regards,
Tad

[Scott S.]

Yes, 4 would be fine. Why not 5?

[mickeyG]

5 would probably be better socially from what I read, but my Oceanic which says 50 gal actually is 43.6 and only holds 37 gal water after 100lbs of eco-complete. Maybe 4 is too many also?

[Carol_Roberts]

Try 4 adults - you may have to settle for a pair if they start to defend a breeding site.

[mickeyG]

thank you for your answers. Is it likely that 4 adults would fight? I would really prefer that nobody wants to kill their tankmates. Am I better off just buying 2, and if I do, what if I get 2 males. Would that be a guarantee of "trouble in tank city"?

I want to do this right. And I know they are chiclids, but I would love to have peace in my tank.

[Carol_Roberts]

perhaps a hobbyist or breeder in your area has an adult pair for sale?

[mickeyG]

actually a long standing (reasonable quality) lfs has lately gotton big time into discus. Has lots of pairs - some large adult pairs - 6" . Asking a lot - like $400 per pair, but I can get a smaller pair at 4" much better price.

Thanks again

Mike