4 wild discus in 54 gallon corner? appropriate TDS?

[mattjm1121]

as the titles implies, i've been kicking around the idea of adding adult wild discus to my loose SA biotope 54 gallon. its a well established tank (about a year) with wet/dry trickle filter; i filter through peat moss. current stocking: 10 columbian tetra, 5 emperor tetra, 6 cory cats. i do 30-40 % water changes 2x per week with peat pretreated water.

i have a few questions:
- could a 54 gallon corner (drilled internal overflow) house 4 adult discus?
- i live in scarsdale, NY where the TDS of tap water is reportedly around 38-40 mg/l. would this be safe for wilds or would i need to use ro/di water?
- is there anything that i would need to amend with my current maintenance regimen or stocking to accommodate discus?

thanks in advance

[DiscusLoverJeff]

You could squeeze in 2 more. Discus do better in groups of 6 or more. Your tanks is on the border of 10 gal per discus rule. Maybe 5 perhaps?

Do you have a source for the wilds? There are some good sponsers here, check the sponser section.

[mattjm1121]

You could squeeze in 2 more. Discus do better in groups of 6 or more. Your tanks is on the border of 10 gal per discus rule. Maybe 5 perhaps?

Do you have a source for the wilds? There are some good sponsers here, check the sponser section.

I've done business with snookn21 and I like what I've seen and heard about his discus. Do you have any input on my other questions? Thanks for the reply.

[rbarn]

A nice pair might be a better choice. sometimes less is more.

[mattjm1121]

A nice pair might be a better choice. sometimes less is more.

better because of the space or easier to maintain?

[lipadj46]

better because of the space or easier to maintain?

Space, 55 gallons is the minimum sized tank you want to keep a group of discus in but the corner tank dimensions does not lend well to a group of 5 discus (the smallest size you want to keep). It might it work OK but not ideal.

[Keith Perkins]

I would ask the administrator here who breeds wilds. Both for advice and possible sourcing too.

[rbarn]

better because of the space or easier to maintain?

space and from the research I have done discus like to be either in pairs or in groups of 6-8 fish or more. In smaller groups its easier for one loaner to get picked on by the bullies of the group.

[mattjm1121]

Space, 55 gallons is the minimum sized tank you want to keep a group of discus in but the corner tank dimensions does not lend well to a group of 5 discus (the smallest size you want to keep). It might it work OK but not ideal.

i see...in your experience, whats the general price range for a pair of wilds?

[lipadj46]

It's pretty tough to purchase a pair of proven wilds.

[bonghapster]

Hi Matt,

I have a planted 54corner with 4 adult wild discus.

1. yes, 4 discus is fine. Get them from the same source, reduce some agression.
2. aged tap water is fine for wilds. keep the water consistent is better then adding additives.
3. 2x w/c is fine, unless you are keeping juveniles.

Hope that helps,
Hap

[mattjm1121]

Hi Matt,

I have a planted 54corner with 4 adult wild discus.

1. yes, 4 discus is fine. Get them from the same source, reduce some agression.
2. aged tap water is fine for wilds. keep the water consistent is better then adding additives.
3. 2x w/c is fine, unless you are keeping juveniles.

Hope that helps,
Hap

great to hear! if you dont mind, would you be able to post a pic? thanks!

[Second Hand Pat]

Matt, four wilds in your corner tank may be ok. In my experience it depends on the dynamics of the group. Maybe you could ask John if he has a spare tank if he could put a compatible group together for you.

[mattjm1121]

Matt, four wilds in your corner tank may be ok. In my experience it depends on the dynamics of the group. Maybe you could ask John if he has a spare tank if he could put a compatible group together for you.

Great idea! I'll see what he says

[mattjm1121]

quick question. what would be some examples of tetras and other small fish that would be found alongside wild tefe discus? i cant seem to find any info that specific. thanks guys