I've been doing some research on Discus and I would really love to have some in my empty 55 gallon. I have low ph (6.4) and soft water (not sure of Gh and Kh gonna get a kit for it and see though) and it seems discus would love that. I've read that like goldies they have a 10 gallon per adult fish rule and that odd groups are good. I was thinking 5 for my tank. I really want to heavily plant the tank so i'm looking into a CO2 system. I've also seen they like pristine water so would my 2 penguin 330s be ok for the tank filtration? Do they require an airstone? I read that they don't like water turbulance. Are different types like snakeskin and ruby discus compatable or do you need to get the same "color" fish? Any info would be greatly appericated, thanks.

I love discus but never felt brave enough to keep them, and the price of them has put me off as well.
They really need RO water as well but if your kh is low enough then you should get away with it. Most are now bred to be a bit tougher and the more common strains are hardier than angels.
My ph is less than 6 with a kh of 0 so my water is perfect for them. I think if you use RO water then you need to add stuff back in but I reckon these days you should be able to get by with normal tapwater.

If you get some then please post pics, would love to see them

Thanks for the help Sandy. I still have a lot more research to do yet. I'm heading to the library and bookstore later today and see whatelse I can learn though after seeing the price of CO2 infusors for a 55 gallon I am begining to think twice but I'll see what I can learn about aqua scaping that might help me out in that department. I'm going to go try a find a Kh Gh test as well hope I can find one I have a hard enough time getting non strip test kits.

My uncle keeps discus in his 75 gallon planted tank. I love them, theyre so gorgeous. I look forward to seeing pics if you go ahead with it!

If discus were the same price as angels I would buy them.

They are expensive and require PERFECT water (moreso than other fish)

I am starting to research them for my 125 gallon now. But if they need low PH, if your water isn't that low to begin with, is there a safe way to lower it? I'm sure I can find an answer somewhere - just thought I'd ask while on the subject.

I think the Discus are beautiful, but for now, am in the very beginning infant stages of research.

this topic is over 2 months old so don't post here.

if you have questions them make a new topic

thank you

I've always loved discus, but I've heard they are hard to keep. I would love some, but because they are so expensive I am afraid. Hope you have good luck with them!!

I have a suggestion, since this is the second time I've been told this.

On most message boards, MODS get upset when newb's don't do their homework and use the SEARCH function - since most of the time, the answers are already in the forums. This keeps users from having to post the same info over, and over, and over, and over, and over..get my drift?

So, when/if a new user posts in a "old" thread (and seriously, 30-60 days is hardly old!) to get more information on a topic, isn't it easier to keep the topics together? I would think this would be appreciated and preferred.

Just my 2 cents.

BTW, you made a typo. It was 1 year, not 2 months.

If its relevant to the original post then its ok to open it. The problem comes when old posts are dragged up just to say one word.

If you want discus then find a local breeder who uses the same water chemistry or make sure your local supplier has had them for a while and they are feeding well.

Keep a close eye on water quality, tankmates, and to ensure that they're eating - all are known problems of discus keeping. Best of luck...