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I've got a 75-gallon tank with six Discus and was thinking of adding a couple of Bristlenose Plecos. Heard mixed things about compatibility. My water's stable, 84°F, pH 6.8, with weekly 30% changes. Anyone got experience with this combo?

Yep, Bristlenose Plecos are usually chill with Discus. I've kept them together in a 100-gallon with driftwood and plants. Just make sure the Plecos have hiding spots. They're nocturnal, so they won't mess with your Discus much.

Depends on the Pleco species. Common Plecos get huge and can stress Discus. Bristlenose are safer, but watch for aggression during feeding. My Discus get skittish if the Plecos hog the food. Maybe try one first?

I tried it once, and my Discus got weird vibes from the Plecos. Tank's 55 gallons, sand substrate, lots of plants. The Plecos kept hiding, and the Discus seemed stressed. Maybe it's just my setup, though.

Bristlenose Plecos are fine if the tank's big enough. I've got a pair in my 120-gallon with Discus, no issues. Water's at 82°F, pH 6.5, and I feed them separately to avoid competition. Works like a charm.

Hued wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 11:33 pm Depends on the Pleco species. Common Plecos get huge and can stress Discus. Bristlenose are safer, but watch for aggression during feeding. My Discus get skittish if the Plecos hog the food. Maybe try one first?

Exactly. Also, Plecos produce a lot of waste. You'll need to up your water changes to keep the Discus happy.

I've kept Discus with Bristlenose Plecos for years. Key is plenty of space and hiding spots. My 90-gallon has driftwood, caves, and floating plants. The Discus are calm, and the Plecos do their thing at night. No drama.

Sounds like it's worth a shot! My tank's smaller, 50 gallons, but I might try a single Bristlenose. Discus are healthy, eating well, and the water's stable. Fingers crossed it works out.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll start with one Bristlenose and monitor how they interact. Appreciate the tips!

Good call. Start slow and see how it goes. Keep us posted!