How many discus?

[christian1971]

Would it be acceptable to put 4 discus in a 75 gal bare bottom tank rather then 6?

[ericatdallas]

That totally depends on who you want to 'accept' it.

I'm on the no less than six train... actually, I'm transferring to the no less than 10 train at the next stop.

[mmorris]

Would it be acceptable to put 4 discus in a 75 gal bare bottom tank rather then 6?

No.

[Skip]

They like more friends...
I had 4.. Very skittish, hide, not happy, not so good eaters...
Added 3 more from same source.. Very happy not scared.. Better eaters

[strawberryblonde]

I bought 5 for my 54 gallon tank (4 inch size) and received an extra one. The six seemed to get along really well, but one had some healthy issues early on and died at the 2 week point. Now there are five of them and it was a big readjustment for them when they lost that 6th buddy.

They get along really well now, but I can see where only 4 would cause a lot of unhappiness in the tank and possibly a lot of fighting. My littlest one tends to be a bit skittish, unlike the others and hangs back during feedings.

So yep, get at least 5 and possibly 6 if you can afford it. They will be much happier.

[Bill63SG]

Seems when it get's down to 4 or less,you get a dominant the beats up on the rest.Over that spreads it out.

[rubinsteinnyc]

ok, now i have a question. due to space restraints i would like to keep a COUPLE/ PROVEN PAIR. how does that work to just keep a pair in a 20-24 gallon, for more less 8-10 months?

[Tarheel]

That would not be a big enough tank for a pair of discus IMO. Someone else may tell you different but they get around 7" long so that just seems wrong.

[rubinsteinnyc]

lemme modify my question. Since discus live in small groups and it is advised to keep them in groups of 6+, would an ADULT PROVEN PAIR be miserable/jittery/spooked by THEMSELVES in an aquarium?

[YSS]

That's what discus breeders do. They keep pairs in small tanks.

[Bill63SG]

That's what discus breeders do. They keep pairs in small tanks.

The breeder/friend I deal with keeps his pairs in 20H's and maybe a couple of 29's.

[ericatdallas]

If you put a proven pair due to space constraints, you would seem to be worsening your problem because soon you will have to figure out where to put 100+ discus.

[rubinsteinnyc]

ill give it to a friend who has space and doesn't mind having 100+ discus, for now I need to settle for a pair.

[mmorris]

A proven pair should be fine in a 20, but I prefer 29's. 20's don't leave wiggle room. If you are thinking about cost (four rather than six) a proven pair will be expensive - $250-350 and more, shipping not included. Be certain that you are getting a pair, rather than just two adults. If you just get two adults you may well end up having to separate them. If you should get lucky and get fry, well, a 70 gallon makes a fine grow-out tank! :)

[rubinsteinnyc]

It would actually be a 24 18x18x18inch (self made) I would be getting a pair from Hans, from people's posts I conclude that he is trustworthy :)

[deepflyball]

Keep my pairs in main tank 110 gal. When they start laying in there move them to 29 gal tank. Jerry