keeping discus with corydoras?

[seaquake]

Thinking about adding some Corydoras to my 75-gallon Discus tank. Heard mixed things about tankmates. Anyone got experience with this combo? My water's at 84°F, pH 6.8, and I do 50% changes weekly. Corys would dig the sand substrate, but not sure if they'll mess with the Discus' vibe.

[Seadog]

I've kept Sterbai Corydoras with Discus for years. They're a solid match since Sterbai handle higher temps. Just avoid sharp substrate—their barbels are sensitive. Mine share sinking pellets fine, but watch for food competition. Your params sound good, just keep nitrates under 20ppm.

[Jazzie]

My Discus get spooked by fast movers, but Corys are chill. Maybe start with a small group? I've got three in a 55-gallon with driftwood and Java fern. They hide a lot but come out at feeding time. No aggression either way.

[Blaze]

Tried it once, total chaos. Corys dug up my plant roots and the Discus refused to eat for days. Maybe my tank was too small (40-gallon), but I'd skip it unless you're gonna monitor 24/7.

[Dawn]

I've kept Sterbai Corydoras with Discus for years. They're a solid match since Sterbai handle higher temps. Just avoid sharp substrate—their barbels are sensitive. Mine share sinking pellets fine, but watch for food competition. Your params sound good, just keep nitrates under 20ppm.

Yep, Sterbai are the way to go! Mine school under the Discus during water changes, super cute. Just drip acclimate the Corys slow—temp swings sketch them out.

[giggle]

Biologically, Corydoras and Discus occupy different niches, reducing conflict. Ensure your filtration can handle the bioload (I recommend a canister + sponge combo). Observe for stress bars on the Discus initially—they'll fade if the Corys aren't a threat.

[digger]

Sand's a must for Corys. If your Discus are juvies, keep the tank bare-bottom till they're bigger. Adults handle substrate better. My group ignored the Corys completely after week one.

[dramatic]

It's all about the Cory species, darling! Pandas will perish in that heat, but Julii or Adolfoi thrive. My tank's a planted paradise with both—zero drama. Just QT the Corys first, nobody wants a parasite party.

[Guard]

Not a fan. Corys stir up debris, and Discus need pristine water. If you're set on it, double your water changes. My LFS warned me against it, and they breed both species.

[Peachfluff]

My Discus flare at the Corys sometimes, but no real fights. The Corys just scoot away. Maybe it's a personality thing? My tank's heavily planted, so everyone has hiding spots.