what's the best discus tank size?

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Bijack
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:45 pm

what's the best discus tank size?

Post by Bijack »

I'm setting up a new tank for my Discus and wanna get the size right. Heard mixed things about minimum gallons. What's the ideal tank size for a group of 6 adults? Currently have a 55g but worried it's too cramped. Water params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, temp at 84F. Using a Fluval canister filter and sand substrate with some driftwood.
boldo
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Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2022 10:04 am

Re: what's the best discus tank size?

Post by boldo »

A 55g is pushing it for 6 adults. They need space to establish territories and reduce stress. I'd recommend at least 75g, preferably 100g if you can swing it. My group of 8 thrives in a 120g with weekly 50% water changes, T5 lighting, and a mix of live plants like Amazon swords. Overcrowding leads to aggression and stunted growth.
Roadman
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:24 pm

Re: what's the best discus tank size?

Post by Roadman »

boldo wrote: Tue Apr 29, 2025 3:23 am A 55g is pushing it for 6 adults. They need space to establish territories and reduce stress. I'd recommend at least 75g, preferably 100g if you can swing it. My group of 8 thrives in a 120g with weekly 50% water changes, T5 lighting, and a mix of live plants like Amazon swords. Overcrowding leads to aggression and stunted growth.
Yep, bigger is always better with these fish. My 90g works a charm for 7 Discus, plus some tetras and Corys. Key is keeping the water pristine, mate. I do 30% changes twice a week, run a sump, and feed 'em beef heart mix. They're proper chilled now.
Dandy
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Joined: Mon Sep 02, 2024 5:35 am

Re: what's the best discus tank size?

Post by Dandy »

Ain't no way 55g cuts it, bruv. You'll stress 'em out proper. Go big or go home. My 6 Discus are living their best life in a 125g with a FX6 filter, blackwater setup, and loads of hiding spots. Temp's at 86F, and I dose tannins weekly. They're less skittish and show better colors in a spacious tank.
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Pureace
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Joined: Fri Apr 05, 2024 5:05 pm

Re: what's the best discus tank size?

Post by Pureace »

I've kept Discus in a 55g before, but it's sketchy long-term. Upgraded to a 75g last year, and the difference is night and day. They're more active, eat better, and no fin nipping. Running a sponge filter plus a HOB, temp at 85F, and feeding a mix of flakes, frozen bloodworms, and homemade beef heart. Weekly 40% water changes keep 'em happy.
Lumpo
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:07 pm

Re: what's the best discus tank size?

Post by Lumpo »

My 60g seems okay for 5 Discus, but I'm new to this. They're about 4 inches now, and I do 25% water changes every 5 days. Using a Seachem Tidal filter, temp at 83F, and have some Java ferns. Not sure if I should upgrade soon. They're eating well but sometimes hide when I approach.
Bijack
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:45 pm

Re: what's the best discus tank size?

Post by Bijack »

Thanks for the input, everyone. Sounds like I'll need to upgrade sooner than later. Gonna start hunting for a 75g or bigger. Appreciate the specifics on filters and water changes too.
boldo
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Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2022 10:04 am

Re: what's the best discus tank size?

Post by boldo »

Lumpo wrote: Tue Apr 29, 2025 4:45 am My 60g seems okay for 5 Discus, but I'm new to this. They're about 4 inches now, and I do 25% water changes every 5 days. Using a Seachem Tidal filter, temp at 83F, and have some Java ferns. Not sure if I should upgrade soon. They're eating well but sometimes hide when I approach.
Hiding behavior often means stress or insufficient space. At 4 inches, they'll grow more, so plan for a bigger tank. Also, consider upping water changes to 30% twice a week. Discus are sensitive to waste buildup.
Roadman
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:24 pm

Re: what's the best discus tank size?

Post by Roadman »

If you're tight on space, a 75g is the bare minimum, but make sure it's wide, not tall. Discus prefer horizontal swimming space. My mate tried a tall 65g, and his fish were always stressed. Switched to a standard 75g, added more driftwood, and boom, problem solved. Oh, and don't skimp on the heater, get a reliable one like an Eheim.
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