What is the minimum tank size for discus?

Minimum 55 gallons for a small group of 4-6 discus. A larger tank, like 75 gallons or more, is better for water stability and adult size.

What do discus fish eat?

Discus need a high-protein diet: quality pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Feed juveniles 3-4 times daily, adults twice. Avoid beef heart.

Can discus live with angelfish?

Not recommended. Angelfish can become aggressive, compete for food, and may bully discus. Better tank mates are cardinal tetras, rummy nose tetras, and Corydoras.

How often should I change water for discus?

Perform 50% water changes weekly. Discus are sensitive to nitrates and waste. For heavily stocked tanks, more frequent changes may be needed. Use dechlorinated water at the same temperature.

Discus Care Guide: Tank Size, Diet, Tank Mates & Care

Tank Size and Water Parameters

Discus fish are demanding when it comes to their environment. The minimum tank size for a group of discus (you need at least 4-6 to reduce aggression) is 55 gallons, though larger is always better. A 75-gallon or larger tank is recommended for a community setup. The tank should be tall (18-20 inches high) to accommodate their vertical shape.

Water temperature: 82-86°F (28-30°C). Use a reliable heater and thermometer.
pH: 6.0-7.0, soft to moderately hard water. Amazon blackwater conditions are ideal; you can use driftwood, almond leaves, or peat moss to lower pH naturally.
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm. Nitrate below 20 ppm. Discus are extremely sensitive to water quality. Perform 50% water changes weekly (or more often if bioload is high). Use a dechlorinator and age the water in a separate container if possible.

Filtration: Canister or sump filter with high flow. Overfilter by at least 2x the tank volume per hour. Sponge filters are also good for biological filtration and gentle flow.

Diet and Feeding

Discus are omnivores with a strong preference for high-protein foods. A varied diet is essential for color and growth.

Staple foods:
– High-quality discus pellets (e.g., Hikari Discus Bio-Gold, Freeze-dried or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
– For best color, include foods with natural carotenoids like spirulina or astaxanthin.

Feeding frequency: Feed small portions 3-4 times daily for juveniles, 2 times for adults. Remove uneaten food after 5 minutes to avoid water fouling.

Supplement with live or frozen foods to mimic their natural diet.

Note: Avoid feeding mammalian heart or beef heart (common in discus diets) as these can cause digestive issues and fat deposits; use fish-based alternatives if possible.

Tank Mates

Choose peaceful, similar-tempered fish that thrive in warm, soft water. Avoid fin-nippers or aggressive species.

Compatible tank mates:
– Cardinal tetras, rummy nose tetras, neon tetras
– Corydoras catfish (some species tolerate warmer temps)
– Apistogramma dwarf cichlids (but watch for territorial issues)
– Otocinclus catfish for algae

Avoid:
– Barbs (they may fin-nip)
– Angelfish (can compete for food and may bully discus)
– Shrimp (will be eaten)
– Cichlids like Oscars (too large and aggressive)

Always quarantine new fish for 4-6 weeks before adding to a discus tank to prevent disease introduction.

Health and Common Issues

Discus are prone to disease when stressed. The most common issues are:

Hole-in-the-head disease (HITH): Pits or lesions on the head. Often caused by poor water quality or nutritional deficiency. Improve water conditions and add vitamins to food. Consult a vet if severe.

Discus plague: Highly contagious, causes cloudiness, loss of appetite, and rapid death. Quarantine new fish and maintain strict hygiene. Immediate vet consultation needed.

Parasites: Roundworms, flukes, or internal parasites. Signs include weight loss, white stringy feces, or scratching. Use aquarium-safe medications under vet guidance.

Prevention:
– Quarantine all new fish.
– Perform regular water changes.
– Avoid overfeeding.
– Provide clean, stable water.
– Offer a varied, high-quality diet.
– Minimize stress (low traffic, good hiding spots).

For any health concerns, consult a licensed veterinarian experienced with fish. Do not self-medicate without proper diagnosis.

Setting Up a Discus Tank

Cycling: Fully cycle the tank before adding discus. Use a fishless cycle with ammonia source. It can take 6-8 weeks.
Aquascape: Use driftwood, smooth rocks, and sturdy plants like Java fern, Anubias, or Amazon swords. Discus like open swimming areas and some shade.
Lighting: Moderate to low. Discus can be shy under bright lights; use floating plants to diffuse.
Acclimation: Drip acclimate discus over 1-2 hours. Do not rush.

Summary of Care Recommendations

Tank: 55+ gallons, tall, well-filtered.
Water: 82-86°F, pH 6-7, soft, very clean.
Diet: High-protein pellets, frozen/live foods, no beef heart.
Mates: Peaceful tetra, Corydoras, etc.
Maintenance: 50% weekly water changes.
Quarantine all new fish for at least 4 weeks.

Remember, discus are not beginner fish. They require dedication and attention to detail. But with proper care, they reward you with stunning beauty and engaging behavior.

Key Takeaway

Start with a large, cycled tank (55+ gal), stable warm soft water, and a varied high-protein diet to keep discus healthy and colorful.

Sources

AKC
ASPCA