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keeping discus in a community tank
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 8:26 pm
by angelus
Thinking about adding a few Discus to my 75-gallon community tank. Currently got some Tetras, Corydoras, and a pair of Angelfish. Water params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, pH 6.8, temp at 84°F. Anyone got experience mixing them with other species? Worried about the high temp stressing the others.
Re: keeping discus in a community tank
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 9:58 pm
by jiffix
Yep, gonna cut it straight, your Angelfish might mess with the Discus. They're chill but can get territorial. Tetras and Corys should be fine though. What's your feeding routine? Discus need multiple small meals, and the others might outcompete them.
Re: keeping discus in a community tank
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 10:30 pm
by silverbob
I've kept Discus in a community tank for years. Key is consistency with water changes, at least 50% weekly. Your temp is good, but watch the Angelfish. Also, what's your substrate? Bare bottom or sand works best to keep waste from building up.
Re: keeping discus in a community tank
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 11:48 pm
by coralCartel
My Discus are in with Rams and Cardinals, no issues. But my tank's a 120-gallon, so more space. How old are your Angelfish? Younger ones adapt better to tankmates. Also, what filter you running? Need strong flow but not too turbulent.
Re: keeping discus in a community tank
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 12:09 am
by Nimbus
I agree with silverbob on the water changes. Discus are super sensitive to nitrates. Also, make sure you've got plenty of hiding spots. Driftwood and tall plants like Amazon Swords help them feel secure. How's your lighting? Too bright can stress them out.
Re: keeping discus in a community tank
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 12:58 am
by angelus
Thanks for the tips, everyone. I've got sand substrate and a Fluval FX4 filter. Lighting is moderate, 6 hours a day. The Angelfish are about a year old, so might be sketchy. Gonna try adding one Discus first to test the vibe.
Re: keeping discus in a community tank
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 2:44 am
by bigDiscus
angelus wrote: ↑Wed Apr 30, 2025 12:58 am
Thanks for the tips, everyone. I've got sand substrate and a Fluval FX4 filter. Lighting is moderate, 6 hours a day. The Angelfish are about a year old, so might be sketchy. Gonna try adding one Discus first to test the vibe.
Smart move starting with one. Watch how it interacts, especially during feeding. What's your plan for quarantine? New Discus should be isolated for at least two weeks.
Re: keeping discus in a community tank
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 3:54 am
by Danca89
My two cents, skip the Angelfish if you're serious about Discus. They're just gonna stress each other out. Also, what's your water change schedule like? Gotta stay on top of it, or you'll run into health issues fast.
Re: keeping discus in a community tank
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 4:42 am
by silverbob
bigDiscus wrote: ↑Wed Apr 30, 2025 2:44 am
angelus wrote: ↑Wed Apr 30, 2025 12:58 am
Thanks for the tips, everyone. I've got sand substrate and a Fluval FX4 filter. Lighting is moderate, 6 hours a day. The Angelfish are about a year old, so might be sketchy. Gonna try adding one Discus first to test the vibe.
Smart move starting with one. Watch how it interacts, especially during feeding. What's your plan for quarantine? New Discus should be isolated for at least two weeks.
Absolutely agree on quarantine. I use a 20-gallon hospital tank with a sponge filter and daily water changes. Treat with Metroplex as a precaution, even if they look healthy.
Re: keeping discus in a community tank
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 5:25 am
by jiffix
Yeah, quarantine is non-negotiable. Lost a whole tank once by skipping it. Also, what's your backup plan if the Discus doesn't vibe with the Angelfish? Got another tank or a friend who can take one?