Changing my stocking plan, again

[jackturbine]

I've been reading up on this and most of the articles I've come across say a 55 gallon tank is fine for 6 discus. They mention something like 5-10 gallons per discus, but I'm not sure how accurate that is. Would even 6 not fit in my 66 gallon tank, considering I'm willing to do large water changes and it's heavily planted?

[sidthy]

Honestly, I'm changing my plans again, but can you really blame me? I've got a 48x18x18" tank, and it's about to get even more interesting.

Right now, I've got 7 Angels - 5 juveniles and 2 full-grown males - and 22 Albino Congos that are almost adults. I know, I know, it's overstocked, but I was planning on removing the juvenile angels and getting some adult females, and then getting rid of half the congos.

But then my dad surprised me with an amazing opportunity - he's getting me discus imported from the capital! I've always dreamed of having discus, but I've been held back by my lack of knowledge and not wanting to spend a ton of money on them.

I think I'm finally ready, though - I've got 12+ tanks and years of experience under my belt. He's already ordered 10 discus - 2 Ring Leopards, 2 Red Melons, 2 Red Leopard Pigeons, 2 Leopard Snake Skins, and 2 Yellow Pigeons.

My dad says it'll be fine, but I'm not so sure - most sources say a 55-gallon tank can only handle 3-5 discus, and I've got a 66-gallon tank. It's heavily planted, and I'm willing to do big water changes, but I'm still a bit worried. I mean, discus aren't as big as angels, but apparently, they need more space? I've also heard they're super calm and don't swim around much, so maybe they don't need as much space after all...

My dad used to keep discus, from 2 inches to adults, so I'm hoping he knows what he's talking about. If I really have to, I'd consider decreasing the number of discus to 8 or 6, but 6 seems like too few to me. We've already ordered them, so we could just sell the extras if we need to.

I'm really attached to my angels, especially the adults, so I'd want to keep those 2. But the discus we're getting are only 2 inches big - will they get bullied by the angels? And what about tankmates? My dad wants to add a redtail black shark, which I think is a great idea - I've heard they're peaceful with other species, but not with themselves. I'd probably just get one, though.

I'm also thinking about adding some cories - a group of 8 or 12. They're pretty pricey here, but they'd be a great addition to the tank. And maybe, just maybe, I'll add some bristlenoses my friend is giving me.

So, the overall stock would look like this: 8-10 discus, 2 angels, 8-12 peppered corydoras, 1-3 redtail black sharks, and maybe 4 albino bristlenoses. Is this overstocked? What can I do to improve it?

I'm going to say it again, discus need their own space. They're super territorial, they'll want to chase everything away from the middle of the tank, that's their territory. They're not a community fish, they just don't work that way. If you keep more than one, the tank needs to be massive, and even then, you gotta be super careful. And please, no other territorial fish with discus, that's just a recipe for disaster.

[jackturbine]

Honestly, I'm starting to think the tank might not be spacious enough for the discus, and that's a concern for me. I mean, I've heard they can thrive in smaller tanks, but only if you're okay with them being a bit stressed and not reaching their full potential.

I'll scratch the redtail black shark idea.

[graye]

I never look at fish as they are, I see their potential. As a seasoned fishkeeper, I've learned to think about the long-term. Those Discus you're getting might be small now, but they'll grow, and with that growth, some will have to go. Most online advice is geared towards casual hobbyists who treat fish as disposable. They're not expecting their fish to live long, happy lives.

I've found a way to balance my desire for new fish with my commitment to providing them with a good home. My fishroom is full of tanks, each one a new opportunity to learn and grow. I've had the chance to learn from experienced breeders who kept just a few Discus in large tanks. They were true enthusiasts, and their passion was inspiring.

New hobbyists often get bored and switch out their fish constantly. They expect their fish to increase in value over time, but that's not how it works. I've seen people pay top dollar for a small Discus, only to sell it for a fraction of the price when they get bored. You're in a unique position with your family store – you can experiment with Discus and sell off any that don't work out.

I've made deals with other hobbyists to grow out fish that I couldn't keep long-term. It's a win-win situation – I get to learn about new species, and they get to enjoy the fruits of my labor. If you didn't have your angels and Congos, you could consider something similar with your Discus.

I don't worry too much about tank height for Discus. What matters is their maximum size and making sure they have enough space to thrive. I've seen big Discus, and I know they need room to grow. My rule of thumb is to provide at least 20 gallons of unshared space per fish, with 40% weekly water changes. It's not for everyone, but it's what works for me.

[jackturbine]

As a parent myself, I must say I'm shocked by the stocking plan you've outlined. I would never dream of pairing a red-tailed shark with discus - it's a recipe for disaster. In my opinion, discus are best kept alone, without the stress of other fish competing for resources. And as for the number of discus, I think 10 is far too many for a tank of your size. I've always been a proponent of understocking, rather than overstocking, and I believe that's especially true when it comes to delicate fish like discus.

To be frank, I think you're taking a huge risk by introducing so many discus to a tank that's already home to other fish. And let's not forget the compatibility issues - discus are notoriously finicky, and they won't tolerate tankmates that are too boisterous or competitive. I understand that you're excited about the prospect of keeping discus, but I implore you to reconsider your plan and think about what's best for the fish.

I know you're looking for confirmation, but I'm afraid I'm not going to give it to you. The discus are on their way, and I hope for your sake that everything works out. But I have to be honest with you - I have my doubts.

Thanks for the reassurance, I guess. I'm thinking of just growing out the discus and then finding a way to get them into our petshop's 4ft display tank. Maybe I can split them up and sell some off. I read that some pros do it this way - they get a bunch, 10-12 or so, and then once they grow up, they keep 2 males and the rest females.