is discus tank too crowded?

[JUSTICE]

I've got a 75-gallon tank with 8 adult Discus, a school of 12 Cardinal Tetras, and 6 Corydoras. The fish seem active, but I'm worried about space. Water params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, pH 6.8. Temp's at 84°F with a Fluval FX6 running. Anyone think this is pushing it?

[Boldly]

Dude, that sounds tight. I ran a similar setup once and my Discus got mad stressed. They started hiding behind the driftwood all day. Maybe cut it back to 6 Discus? Tetras and Corys are chill but they add up.

[coralCartel]

The bioload seems manageable with your filtration, but Discus need swimming space. Are they showing aggression or staying in one spot? My 90-gallon has 6 Discus, and even that feels full when they're all adults.

[Cloudy]

Dude, that sounds tight. I ran a similar setup once and my Discus got mad stressed. They started hiding behind the driftwood all day. Maybe cut it back to 6 Discus? Tetras and Corys are chill but they add up.

Agreed. Overcrowding can mess with their growth long-term. What's your water change routine? Frequent changes might help if you're stuck with the current stock.

[pacer]

I'd watch for fin nipping. Crowded Discus can get territorial, especially during feeding. How's their appetite? If they're eating well and not fighting, you might be okay, but it's sketchy long-term.

[Taleno]

Yo, my LFS guy swears by 10 gallons per Discus minimum. Your tank's on the edge, but if you're doing 50% water changes weekly, it could work. Just keep an eye on their behavior.

[JUSTICE]

Thanks for the input, everyone. I do 50% water changes twice a week, and they're eating like crazy. No aggression yet, but I'll monitor closely. Might rehome a couple if I see issues.

[darksage]

The Tetras and Corys aren't the issue, but 8 adult Discus is a lot for 75 gallons. They'll grow more, and space will shrink. Consider upgrading or reducing stock before it's a problem.

[chippy]

My 75 has 5 Discus, 10 Rummy Noses, and 4 Corys. Even that feels packed when they're all active. Your setup's doable but not ideal. Watch for stress bars on the Discus.

[vivid22]

Dude, that sounds tight. I ran a similar setup once and my Discus got mad stressed. They started hiding behind the driftwood all day. Maybe cut it back to 6 Discus? Tetras and Corys are chill but they add up.

Agreed. Overcrowding can mess with their growth long-term. What's your water change routine? Frequent changes might help if you're stuck with the current stock.

Second this. More water changes could buy time, but it's a band-aid. Long-term, fewer fish or bigger tank.