100% new

100% new to discus besides knowing how they look. I am currently working on initiated and fixing up my 55 which is running into some troubles, so this probably won't happen for 2-6 months. I was wondering how many discus could fit in a 10g, I was hoping 2 (I don't know discus average full grown size) or if one or non can fit in a 10, than numbers for a 20 and 29 would be nice. Also do discus have any special requirements? Thanks!

 

I believe the minimum is a 55 gallon for these guys and they need to be in groups of at least 6. They also require very pristine water conditions (i.e. daily/every other day water changes from aged water). Check out simplydiscus for more info.

 

HI Cameron,
Without wanting to sound harsh, I don't believe you are anywhere near ready to consider Discus. Discus are often regarded as the pinnacle of fresh water aquaria.

They are some of the most beautiful freshwater species that can be kept. They can be very very sensitive, and do have special requirements https://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-Discus.htm

Discus do best in a species only tank, greater than 30G (according to the profile), they require special attention and specific parameters.

To be honest - after years of keeping fish, I still don't believe I have enough experience and/or knowledge to successfully keep Discus.

And if I'm perfectly frank - it would be wise for you to slow down, concentrate on getting your 55 corrected and established. Gain the experience slowly and understand what you're doing. By all means, aspire to keeping Discus, but there is a lot for you (and all aquarists) to learn before delving into Discus. :

 

Interesting. So the minimum is 55g, and they require 6. I also have heard some people say that a water change every 1-2 days is required while others say every week is fine.

HI Cameron,
Without wanting to sound harsh, I don't believe you are anywhere near ready to consider Discus. Discus are often regarded as the pinnacle of fresh water aquaria.

They are some of the most beautiful freshwater species that can be kept. They can be very very sensitive, and do have special requirements Discus Fish Care, Size, Life Span, Tank Mates, Breeding

Discus do best in a species only tank, greater than 30G (according to the profile), they require special attention and specific parameters.

To be honest - after years of keeping fish, I still don't believe I have enough experience and/or knowledge to successfully keep Discus.

And if I'm perfectly frank - it would be wise for you to slow down, concentrate on getting your 55 corrected and established. Gain the experience slowly and understand what you're doing. By all means, aspire to keeping Discus, but there is a lot for you (and all aquarists) to learn before delving into Discus. :

Ok tanks for the advice. Guess I'll go get my 55 gallon established, focus on working, increasing knowledge and maybe in a few years I can come back here. Cya discus section (besides occasionally looking at people's pages and pictures.

 

yeah I think you need to work up to discus. get familiar with things, other than easy platies, and danios. discus are a far cry from those. maybe one day I'll even try them

 

Someday when I move to California and have epic fishtanks built into the walls (hey, a girl can dream), I'll have a discus tank. But I second everything that has been said; they are extremely sensitive to water quality; the slightest misstep and you'll lose hundreds of dollars worth of fish (well, at the prices around here), not to mention gorgeous fish! I figure I'll practice with a couple dozen tanks (at least) before I even think about discus

 

Cya discus section (besides occasionally looking at people's pages and pictures.

Don't be discouraged, and certainly don't abandon the dream. It's probably good to lurk around the discus forum and learn as much as you can. You'll get to learn what issues others face, learn about their setups and how to look after them. It doesn't cost anything to learn/research.

As my late grand-father used to say:
"The wise old owl sat in the oak,
The more he saw, the less he spoke.
The less he spoke, the more he heard.
Now wasn't he a wise old bird"

I know this is a common wisdom quote, but I loved the way Pa would tell it

 

speaking from experience, I tried Discus about 18 months ago. Failed badly. But, didn't know a thing, kinda the way a lot of us learn. but have used the past 18 months to research this species. my tank is now set up and awaiting
the arrival of 6 new discus. should be in about a month, check out my blog https://www.fishlore.com/aquariumfishforum/threads/new-discus-project.116903/
So, I agree with what everyone is telling you, but I also agree with ryan saying don't get discouraged. I have enjoyed reading and learning about them.