I Dream Of Discus...

The title says most of it. I'm really curious about their care. Also, what's there minimum tank size (in your opinion of course!) en I read fishlore posts, I seem to read a lot of contradictory information. In terms of setup, how cheap have y'all gotten 75 gallon tanks? I'm shopping used because I really don't feel like a new tank is worth the money. For a used tank, a little scrubbing and maybe silicone, and it's brand new!
Also, how do y'all care for your discus? I've read meaty foods(?), tetras as tankmates, sand or bare bottom for substrate(?.) In addition, have any fishlore members successfully had discus fry? What did you feed them?
Ps. I have to do a project (for work) on how to keep or breed discus and I thought fishlore was a great place to start.
Pps. I hope I implied I won't be getting discus any time soon. I fully intend on doing more research.
Moderators: I wasn't entirely sure where to post this, so feel free to move it.

 

Discus are beautiful but are expensive and difficult to keep. Their picky eaters, need really good water quality and a large tank. Mine would pick at flake food and would hold out for live brine shrimp and tubifex worms. They would usually take frozen foods. They also have an odd dynamic with other discus. With two one becomes dominate and the other hides all the time. With a group they fair better and establish a pecking order. They do ok with other fish like tetras but they boss around angelfish badly.

 

Discus are beautiful but are expensive and difficult to keep. Their picky eaters, need really good water quality and a large tank. Mine would pick at flake food and would hold out for live brine shrimp and tubifex worms. They would usually take frozen foods. They also have an odd dynamic with other discus. With two one becomes dominate and the other hides all the time. With a group they fair better and establish a pecking order. They do ok with other fish like tetras but they boss around angelfish badly.

What tank size have you kept discus in?
I was intending on doing a group without my angels (who will stay safely away from the discus)
Ps. Thanks to Dwarf Seahorses, I can hatch baby brine shrimp.
I understand that discus will be difficult to keep. This is why I'm asking my question before going and setting up a tank. This way, I can create the best environment possible for them (other than the wild, I can't really compete with that) Also, that's why I'm trying to find used tanks. That way, my budget goes to the fish.

 

I had a 150 gal. If you go used make you fill it with water for at least a few days before adding fish. I've had slow leaks on tanks that didn't leak right away. Your on the right track, study before buying. Make sure you have a good water change system like a Python, they need clean water so make water changes as easy and safe as possible. Carrying buckets to the other side of the house usually results in spills. What area are you from? Around here [Long Island] some stores sell small discus for @ $25. A large one can go from $75-150.

 

I definitely need a water changer. With 40 gallons of water to change a week, plus a (potential) new discus tank, WC's are a pretty extensive work out. I'll definitely fill my tank and wait for a few days. Thanks for the advice. I seriously do need a python...
Maybe it's my Christmas gift to me!

 

55 gallons is the minimum for a shoal of 5 alone with good filtration. Bigger is better of course, 6-7 inches tall and 5 inches long is the average adult size. I'd highly recommend an RO unit unless your tap water is soft. Cardinal Tetras, Rummynose Tetra, Rams, and Clown Loaches are great tank mates.

 

55 gallons is the minimum for a shoal of 5 alone with good filtration. Bigger is better of course, 6-7 inches tall and 5 inches long is the average adult size. I'd highly recommend an RO unit unless your tap water is soft. Cardinal Tetras, Rummynose Tetra, Rams, and Clown Loaches are great tank mates.

That’s seriously good to know. I’m on well water so my water is about a PH of 7 and loaded with minerals. I’ll deffinately need to get an ro unit.