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This will be kind of long as I want to be thorough since this could cost me $100+...so THANKS in advance for any advice/comments! I have wanted some discus fish for my 42G Hex, and I am seriously thinking about getting some soon. I wanted to make sure that my habitat is well suited before I purchase some though.

Here is my setup:

42 Gallon Planted Hexagon
Jebo Odyssea 4 canister filter
5 watt UV sterilizer
Compressed CO2
192 watts CF (1 5500K bulb & 1 6500K bulb)
Flourite substrate
PH: 6.6
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: <20 ppm
KH: 3 degrees
Temp: 81-82 (I can raise to 84-86 for discus)

Livestock:
9 Neon Tetras, 4 Headtail-light tetras, 2 Chinese Alg eaters, 2 rubber-lip plecos, 2 Angels (this is a breeding pair), 10 japonica shrimp.

Concerns:
1. The canister filter output is vertical in my tank due to the narrow glass panels...this cause a slight current throughout my tank.

2. Will Angel's and Discus mix well?

3. Will 192W of compact flourescent lighting be to much causing them to hide all the time?

I look forward to any and all suggestions or comments!
Thanks again!

Couple of things I left out....

I change 20% of the water once a week...will this need to increase and if so, how much?

The # of discus I was thinking about getting would be 4.
Would that be ok in my 42g tank with the current livestock load?

i do not think that discus in there would be a good idea. They like a lot of swimming room and a hex tank doesn't give that

-Vincent

I also don't think there is room for Discus. They are big fish, as are angels and a hex tank doesn't have much swimming space. I think with the stock you have now, you are stocked.

*Kristin*

I too agree, that tank is too small for discus.
I wouldnt even put them in a tank less than 55g myself,
and 75 is much more suitable for a nice size group.

Other than the tank size being too small, and the chinese
algae eaters, I see no reason why Discus would not be suitable with your current fish and equipment, if only you had a bigger tank.


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Thanks for the advice...I'll wait until I get a bigger tank which will require some serious saving of $$$! I've been wanting a larger tank for some time though...which do you think would be better for discus; 125 gallon that is 6 feet long or a 150 gallon that is 4 foot long, but much deeper from front to back and taller as well?

I think the 125 would be better, it gives them lots of extra swimming room.

-Vincent