#DISCUS TANK SIZE HOW TO#

Planted tanks that use these nutrient-rich substrates are more ideal for discus than bare bottomed tanks. Aquatic plant substrates like UNS Controsoil are not only designed to help plants thrive, but they also stabilize and buffer the pH to optimal levels for most tropical fish.More plants and carefully injecting CO2 to help them grow will filter the water even more. Arguably, the best filtration for aquariums are aquatic plants! Plants will absorb ammonia and nitrates right out of the water when they grow, chemically cleaning the water.In general, a pH of 7.5 or less and a soft to medium hardness level will work just fine.Īfter going through all the preferences for a discus tank setup, the conclusion is that planted aquariums could be considered the ideal setup for discus because they help achieve the ideal conditions for keeping discus. They’ve been bred in different water conditions around the world and are capable of adapting to other ones. While this is probably best for them, it’s not impossible to keep healthy discus in higher pH/hardness levels. Ideally, a pH of 7 or below and a gH of 1-3 is what many strive for in a discus aquarium. The warmer the water, the less ability it has to hold oxygen, so make sure there’s enough oxygen for the fish by installing an air pump if necessary.ĭiscus prefer soft, acidic water. Note: When maintaining a planted aquarium with high temperatures, aeration is very important. You must consider hardy plants such as bucephalandra, anubias, and java fern, and give them time to adapt to the warmer temperatures. Keep in mind that most aquarium plants don’t do well in hot temperatures. The lower temperature mimics the natural environment of the Amazon’s rainy season, stimulating them to breed. For breeding or keeping in a planted tank: 82F.The increased temperature will speed up their metabolism, allowing for more feedings and faster growth. For raising young or growing juveniles: 86F-88F.Depending on how you’re keeping your discus, different temperatures may be more suitable for your setup. Unlike most other tropical fish that prefer water temperatures of 78F or lower, discus like it warmer. Water quality and parameters are important when considering keeping discus.

Just make sure to clean the filter regularly! Canister filters hold a lot of media for necessary beneficial bacteria and usually provide a current that is strong enough to pull the debris from the tank into the filter. A great option to consider is a canister filter like the UNS Delta 120 or Delta 90. Sump filters are great for large aquariums, but can be hard to set up. Since these fish are usually kept in larger tanks, stronger and bigger filtration might prove to be better.

#DISCUS TANK SIZE HOW TO#

Learn more about the importance of and how to cycle your fish tank HERE.

Make sure the aquarium is fully cycled before adding them in. Discus fish will not do well in tanks where nitrogen levels are spiking or unstable. Good filtration is necessary to keep the aquarium clean and make sure the water is chemically clean. The UNS 90U, 120P, and 120U are all high quality aquariums that would be great for discus! Since these fish are tall, do not keep them in shallow tanks. A general rule you can follow is one discus per 10 gallons. 3-5 discus should be doable in a 55gal aquarium as long as water changes are kept up with. Most discus in the common aquarium max out at 4.5-6 inches.īased on this size range, the minimum tank size would be a 55 gallon tank, but the bigger the better for these guys. While it’s possible for discus to reach a length of 9 inches, this is only if they’re kept for a long time in the best conditions possible. As long as they are kept in ideal conditions with routine maintenance, there should be no problems. While discus fish care may require more attention than other aquarium fish, the thought of owning discus should not intimidate experienced aquarists. This is likely because there is another connotation about discus being one of the most difficult freshwater fish to keep. Particular strains of them are highly sought after, and some can easily reach a price of hundreds of dollars for just one.Įven though this species of fish is so beautiful, they are not as commonly found in the hobby as other fish. Often known as the “king of aquarium fish,” discus earn their title through their gorgeous colors, patterns, and variations. Written by: Tammy ( ) and Team Buce Plant

Discus tank size