Page 1 of 2
keeping discus with corydoras?
Posted: Sun May 18, 2025 2:50 am
by 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.
Re: keeping discus with corydoras?
Posted: Sun May 18, 2025 3:27 am
by 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.
Re: keeping discus with corydoras?
Posted: Sun May 18, 2025 4:45 am
by 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.
Re: keeping discus with corydoras?
Posted: Sun May 18, 2025 4:56 am
by 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.
Re: keeping discus with corydoras?
Posted: Sun May 18, 2025 6:30 am
by Dawn
Seadog wrote: ↑Sun May 18, 2025 3:27 am
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.
Re: keeping discus with corydoras?
Posted: Sun May 18, 2025 7:05 am
by 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.
Re: keeping discus with corydoras?
Posted: Sun May 18, 2025 7:19 am
by 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.
Re: keeping discus with corydoras?
Posted: Sun May 18, 2025 8:27 am
by 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.
Re: keeping discus with corydoras?
Posted: Sun May 18, 2025 9:13 am
by 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.
Re: keeping discus with corydoras?
Posted: Sun May 18, 2025 10:42 am
by 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.