can discus live with loaches

[Ace]

Thinking about adding some Loaches to my 75 gallon Discus tank. They're all around 4 inches, water's at 84°F, pH 6.8, and I do 30% changes twice a week. Anyone tried this combo? Worried about the Loaches messing with their chill vibe.

[archibald]

I've kept Discus with Clown Loaches for years in a 100 gallon. Key is space and hiding spots. Mine share a sand substrate, driftwood caves, and Java Fern. Temp at 86°F works for both. Just avoid tiny Loaches, they might get bullied.

[dynamo]

I've kept Discus with Clown Loaches for years in a 100 gallon. Key is space and hiding spots. Mine share a sand substrate, driftwood caves, and Java Fern. Temp at 86°F works for both. Just avoid tiny Loaches, they might get bullied.

Yep, bigger Loaches cut it. My Yo-Yo Loaches are 5 inches and ignore the Discus. Tank's got a Fluval FX6, so waste isn't an issue. Feed sinking wafers at night to keep the peace.

[digger]

My Kuhli Loaches hide all day. Discus don't even notice them. 55 gallon, planted, with a sponge filter. Water's soft, 6.5 pH. Not sure if that helps, but zero aggression here.

[butteredBiscuit]

Loaches can be sketchy with timid Discus. Had to rehome my Zebras after they nipped fins. Now it's just a solo Dojo in there, and he's cool. Tank's 90 gallons, weekly 40% changes, and a ton of Hornwort for cover.

[Ace]

Thanks for the input, folks. Gonna start with one Clown Loach and see how it goes. Got plenty of driftwood and a backup tank if things get weird.

[Boldie]

Yo, my cat ate my Loach. True story. Keep the lid tight.

[dynamo]

Yo, my cat ate my Loach. True story. Keep the lid tight.

That's rough, man. Glass tops are a must. Also, Discus jump if spooked. Lost one to a power outage once. Now I run battery backups.

[archibald]

For real, lids save lives. My setup's got a mesh top with clips. Back to Loaches, though, they're messy. Double up on filtration if you're adding a group. Canister plus a sponge works wonders.