Discus tank size full#

Avoid anything that grows large or is naturally aggressive such as Parrot cichlids, Jack Dempsey, Firemouths, Severums and Oscars. Their inclusion is down to individual preference. Glow-light tetrasĪ little bland in comparison to the Cardinals and Neons, but nonetheless not out of place. Without a doubt a pretty fish and, as with all small tetras, kept in a large shoal for best visual effect. I occasionally hear tales of Discus attacking Neons, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Inappropriately referred to as a “Poor man’s Cardinal”, the Neon is completely at home with Discus. A large shoal of these fish is a delight to behold. In warm, neutral, water and with the benefit of the Discus’ high protein diet, the Cardinals will grow to around 4cm/11/2″. Good quality Cardinals are not cheap, but most retailers will help you with large orders. For the best effect, add as many to the tank as you can afford and safely keep. The Cardinal tetra is probably the most popular and obvious species to swim alongside Discus. However, one or two of them with “flatter” bodies such as Bleeding hearts, Serpea and, needless to say, piranhas, are to be avoided. Tetras – Most tetras are great with Discus. If space allows, it is prudent to have an isolation tank, not just to quarantine new purchases, but to also incarcerate any badly-behaved occupants – even with the most meticulous planning and research, livestock can be unpredictable! Proven tankmates to Discus It is advisable to keep a range of basic medications handy, as well as a spare heater and filtration material. The results of this extra effort will be abundantly obvious to anyone looking at your aquarium.ĭaily checks: Monitor temperature and water conditions, remove uneaten food and any dead fish and detritus. Water quality: All fish will reap enormous benefit from regular partial water changes with good quality water. Spread the food over the entire length of the aquarium and make the fish hunt for it. If the tank has a balance of surface, mid-water and bottom feeders, it shouldn’t be a problem to be generous at feeding time. It is essential to make sure all the fish get their share. In any mixed community, some fish will be aggressive feeders and others shy. They will take frozen, dry and tablet foods. At 30✬ / 86✯, this will make it impossible for many common ailments such as white spot to reproduce, thus creating a healthier environment.įeeding: All fish benefit from a protein-rich but balanced diet.

Discus tank size full#

Temperature: The higher-than-normal water temperature stimulates a fish’s metabolism, so it will eat more and grow to its full potential.

Whatever fish you decide to keep with your Discus, they will benefit from the extra attention. ++Read our guide on keeping Brown Discus here Caring for your communityĭiscus requires a little more care and husbandry than most bread-and-butter tropical fish. However, it is best to avoid South African species and any large and/or naturally aggressive fish. When it comes to choosing fish, it is the temperature range that will be the most limiting factor.Īs far as size is concerned, Discus are more than capable of looking after themselves if threatened. With a few exceptions, most compatible species will hail from that part of the world. It is also preferable that the water is filtered through activated carbon or subject to a carbon block tapwater filter before being added to the aquarium.Ī weekly 25% water change should be considered a minimum, and you may need to change much more water than this.ĭiscus originates from South America. Aim for a pH of 7, GH of 10-14, KH 6-8, the conductivity of between 400 and 800ms, and a temperature of 28-30✬ (82 ✯-86✯). We can assume that as the intention is to set up a community tank, the water need not be too soft. When it comes to potential tankmates for the Discus, the first consideration has to be the water – any new fish must be capable of living in the water that Discus need. These are usually located in a domestic environment, are probably planted and contain community fish. Then there are those who will add some Discus to an already established aquarium.

There are those who keep just Discus and nothing else, usually in a set-up with no substrate or tank decor. Discus keepers fall broadly into two categories.