tankmates question

[Soeman]

Would a single discus co-habitate well with 2 apistos in a 25g (30x12x16) tank?

Too small a tank for the discus?

Are discus generally good tank mates for breeding apistos?

[NjOyRiD]

the tank is way too small

[ciaus]

Discus is a schooling fish.  Keeping a single Discus fish is not recommended at all.  I would suggest tot yuo that a minimum of three be kept, but you may find that wo will gang up on one, so for that reason, a group of five or more would best.  Discus can grow to 10" in diameter so a tank of the size you described would not be sufficient for a healthy group of discus.

Best regards,

Caius

[fischkopp]

I have to agree agree with everyone else. The tanks foot print is great for a pair of apistogramma. Breeding apistos can be very nasty to any tank mate, no matter what size the are. You can assume that any fish in a diameter of ~12" around female/fry will be target to continuous harassment, and that will go on until the "intruder" leaves. A small school of tetras make good tank mates, they provide a good target for aggression, but usually don't take any harm.

Generally, discus and apistos can be good tank mates though. They coexist in the wild, and will in the aquarium provided there is enough room for both of them.

[Soeman]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I knew the tank would be too small for anything more than 1 discus, but didnt realize they are a schooling fish and thus prefer having conspecific tankmates.

I am interested in keeping discus, and have heard they are one of the most demanding fresh water fishes. Until I can afford and accommodate a much larger tank though, I think these plans will have to wait (mmm... that 280g tank in the classifieds is looking more and more tempting )

[Daisy]

I couldn't help chiming in to confess that I have a case of... anthropomorphism :-)...   when it comes to purchasing fish.

I can't seem to buy just one of anything, since I worry that one (of anything!) would be too lonely :-)

Because afterall, wouldn't it be hard to live your life in a tank, without seeing anybody who looks like you?

My latest related crisis concerns the potential purchase of an aquatic frog.  I want just one... but would that be mean?

Hmmm.

Aquariums aren't for softies :-)

[ottawa_fry22]

Aquatics is great for softies Daisy.     I'd probably get 2 frogs. lol

Sometimes I wonder a lot about what fish are thinking, when they seemly look happy and are looking at me.  I worry about their well being and I guess you could say "fishy happiness". 

In my opinion, if I were to try having discus, I would start off with a group of young dollar size ones.  But if you got the money for a large tank then go ccrrraaazzzyy!  whoohooo

Oh ya and apistogrammas are fierce on their territory for their small size.  Thats why I only have one male.  They seem to be more at peace without another apisto in there.  Yup, even in my 75gal they fought and fought.  I don't think they were as aggressive with other fish in comparison.  Discus would eat them too if they are small apistogrammas.