A mixed bag, or all the same?

[srusso]

I am finally ready for discus! I am looking at different pictures and as an over all look do you think it looks better to have a mixed group of discus to a uniform group of discus... Also I have a 55 gallon I am thinking of getting 4 or 5... good number?

[rickztahone]

I am finally ready for discus! I am looking at different pictures and as an over all look do you think it looks better to have a mixed group of discus to a uniform group of discus... Also I have a 55 gallon I am thinking of getting 4 or 5... good number?

it's all a personal preference. there was a thread not too long ago with this exact same topic in mind, let me try to find that for you

here you go:
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?t=77166&highlight=mixing+strains

[tcyiu]

I am finally ready for discus! I am looking at different pictures and as an over all look do you think it looks better to have a mixed group of discus to a uniform group of discus... Also I have a 55 gallon I am thinking of getting 4 or 5... good number?

Like Ricardo says, it's a subjective thing.

BTW, 4 is a no go. I think 5 is barely enough to spread the aggression around. You may get lucky and get 5 fish that settle quickly on a pecking order and live happily ever after. But maybe not.

Better to start off with 6-7.

With good maintenance, you can bend the 10 gal per fish rule. But if you do have 6-7 in the 55 gallon, I would not add more bioload (i.e. additional tank mates).

Tim

[darkknight87]

Its all personal preference.
But I would go wtih atleast six, always seemed to my favorite amount.
Personally, I go with mixed..IO love the variety of each fish standing out because none of the others look anything like it. But tanks with all the same are always nice too

[ValorG]

For me, for my show tank, I would prefer a group of the same type. If I had a large enough tank, I would go with maybe 2 groups of 2 different types.

[Elite Aquaria]

If I am planning on breeding down the road I would buy a group of one strain...otherwise I would mix with whatever I liked...

[srusso]

wow... i didnt know soooo many others felt the same way... thanks for the link

I think i want to go with 7... I didnt think i could do that many... thanks!

I have a heavily planted tank... i should up date my photo... all the plants really grew... cant wait to get discus!! finally!!