4 Discus In 36 Gallon Bowfront?

HI everyone, I currently have a 36 gallon bowfront, planted aquarium with two 60 gallon sponge filters. I read that some people had success in keeping 4-6 Discus in a 36 gallon aquarium and I was wondering if it would be a good idea to try my luck with Discus in a 36 gallon aquarium also (only 4 Discus).Some people say that it isn't a good idea while others say that it's okay as long as it's a species only aquarium and that I do my weekly water changes (at least 25%).

I'm planning on using it for Discus that are 2" and raise them until they're a little larger to move into my 70 gallon community tank (it consists of angels, a common pleco, and some different types of tetras). Both of my aquariums are also fully cycled.

I really adore Discus and have been wanting to get them for years but was always too afraid to get them. So I guess my question is this, would it be a good idea to house only 4, 2" Discus in my 36 gallon bowfront, planted aquarium temporarily?

 

If you're using your 36 bowfront as a grow out tank, then it should be fine.

 

Since the 36 gal. is just a temporary growout tank, for 2" juveniles, no problems.
Remember Discus need to be kept in a well cycled tank, kept at 86 degrees. Weekly 50% - 75% Water changes. They also need a high protein diet.

 

I wouldn't personally, I wouldn't mix them with angels either...
Not to mention that they need daily water changes, not weekly if you want them to reach their full potential

 

I wouldn't personally, I wouldn't mix them with angels either...

I agree. Not because of the whole angel/discus disease, but because of competition. Angels are definitely the pigs of the aquarium. They won't stop until every food has been eaten, which leaves the discus with little to no food.

 

I agree. Not because of the whole angel/discus disease, but because of competition. Angels are definitely the pigs of the aquarium. They won't stop until every food has been eaten, which leaves the discus with little to no food.

You do have a point with the angels, so would it be a much better idea to house Discus in the 70 gal. aquarium by themselves to begin with and not temporarily place them into the 36 gal.?

 

You do have a point with the angels, so would it be a much better idea to house Discus in the 70 gal. aquarium by themselves to begin with and not temporarily place them into the 36 gal.?

That's fine. A 70 is a good size aquarium for long term.

 

I wouldn't personally, I wouldn't mix them with angels either...
Not to mention that they need daily water changes, not weekly if you want them to reach their full potential

Would weekly water changes still be enough to sustain Discus though? Or is it mandatory to do water changes daily?

Since the 36 gal. is just a temporary growout tank, for 2" juveniles, no problems.
Remember Discus need to be kept in a well cycled tank, kept at 86 degrees. Weekly 50% - 75% Water changes. They also need a high protein diet.

Ah alright, thank you for the information.

 

Would weekly water changes still be enough to sustain Discus though? Or is it mandatory to do water changes daily?

Mandatory? Not really, but it is strongly advised. They just might not grow to their full size.

 

The 70 gal would be great for 6-7 2-4” discus. When 2” they need lots of food 6+ times a day. Because of all the food and waste you will need to do 50% water changes every other day. The will need a temp of 84-86 to grow correctly. Once full grown they will eat less. Twice a day will be enough and your water changes will be reduced to once or twice a week.
Keep them away from the angels and the pleco May become a problem down the line. Sometimes they go after the slime coat.

 

The 70 gal would be great for 6-7 2-4” discus. When 2” they need lots of food 6+ times a day. Because of all the food and waste you will need to do 50% water changes every other day. The will need a temp of 84-86 to grow correctly. Once full grown they will eat less. Twice a day will be enough and your water changes will be reduced to once or twice a week.
Keep them away from the angels and the pleco May become a problem down the line. Sometimes they go after the slime coat.

Thank you for the information, I think keeping just Discus in the 70 gal. aquarium would be a lot more ideal at this point due to all of the helpful information that I've been given. Thank you again for the advice and info.

 

Mandatory? Not really, but it is strongly advised. They just might not grow to their full size.

Ah alright, that's understandable. Thank you for the advice.