Who Gives A Fish Forums

I've got a 75 gallon planted tank with 6 Discus, 2 years old, and I'm thinking about adding some shrimp. Water's at 84°F, pH 6.5, with a canister filter and weekly 30% water changes. Anyone tried this combo before? Do they just eat the shrimp or can they coexist?

Gnatto wrote: ↑Sun Jun 08, 2025 4:51 pm I've got a 75 gallon planted tank with 6 Discus, 2 years old, and I'm thinking about adding some shrimp. Water's at 84°F, pH 6.5, with a canister filter and weekly 30% water changes. Anyone tried this combo before? Do they just eat the shrimp or can they coexist?

It depends on the shrimp species and your Discus' temperament. I've kept Amano shrimp with mine in a 90 gallon, heavily planted with driftwood. The shrimp had hiding spots, and the Discus ignored them. But Cherry shrimp? They'll likely become snacks. Try larger, hardier shrimp first.

My Discus are in a 55 gallon with a sponge filter, temp at 82°F. Tried Ghost shrimp once, and they vanished within a week. Maybe my guys are just extra hungry, but I wouldn't risk it unless you've got tons of cover.

I've seen Bamboo shrimp work in bigger tanks. They're bigger and kinda chill in one spot. But yeah, tiny shrimp like Cherries are gonna get wrecked. My Discus are in a 120 gallon with lots of Java moss, and even then, I only keep Amanos.

Lol, my Discus straight up murdered every shrimp I put in there. Even the big bois. Maybe yours are nicer, but mine are savages. Tank's at 80°F, sand substrate, and a HOB filter. Shrimp didn't stand a chance.

If you're set on shrimp, go with Amano or Bamboo. They're tougher and less appetizing. Keep the tank heavily planted with driftwood and rocks for hiding. My 100 gallon has both, and the Discus don't bother them. Water's at 83°F, pH 6.8, with a sump filter.

Yeah, nah, shrimp with Discus is sketchy unless you're cool with losing a few. My tank's got a bunch of caves and plants, but the shrimp still get picked off. Temp's at 81°F, and I use a UV sterilizer. Maybe try snails instead?

Amano shrimp are the way to go. Mine have been living with Discus for months in a 65 gallon, temp at 82°F. The key is lots of hiding spots and a dense carpet of Dwarf Hairgrass. The shrimp come out at night when the fish are chill.

lad wrote: ↑Mon Jun 09, 2025 2:59 am Amano shrimp are the way to go. Mine have been living with Discus for months in a 65 gallon, temp at 82°F. The key is lots of hiding spots and a dense carpet of Dwarf Hairgrass. The shrimp come out at night when the fish are chill.

Exactly this. Amanos are hardy and smart enough to hide. I've got a 110 gallon with Discus, Amanos, and even some Cardinal Tetras. The shrimp scavenge at night, and the Discus don't care. Just avoid small shrimp species.

My Discus are in a 75 gallon with a bunch of Red Cherry shrimp. Yeah, some get eaten, but the colony's big enough to keep going. Tank's got tons of Java fern and driftwood, temp at 83°F. It's a gamble, but if you're okay with losses, it can work.