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Hey everyone,

I have two 29 gallon tanks that I currently have swordtail fry in. Once I sell them, I was thinking of getting Discus. I have always liked them, but never got around to keeping any.

I read in a book that you can't keep gravel in the tank with them, you can't keep angels with them, you need cones for them to breed on, the only decoration in the tank can be oak roots, and all these different rules like that.

My question is, can anyone tell me if these are really true? Is it easy to keep and breed Discus? And also, how much do they move? I heard that they just stay still and float there all day (Which doesn't matter anyway, the color is enough to keep me entertained).

Thanks.

Discus are pretty much just floaters, they don't move around a whole lot.
I can't really tell you much about these 'rules', but I think that gravel and non-oak root decorations are okay with discus. I'm not completely sure though, and you should get a second opinion.

As for keeping discus, they require very good water quality, and stable tank conditions. They seem to be more needy than your average tropical fish.

Also, I don't think that a 29 gallon would be enough room for a discus. I've heard that larger tanks (40 gallons and above) is much better for keeping these fish. I know that they need a good bit of space.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Sir Brooks is right on the mark, a 29 gallon tank is too small for discus.

These fish are the "cadillacs" of freshwater fish. They need a big tank with very frequent water changes. Before purchasing them, you should do alot of research on them, they are very demanding (and expensive). They are quite a commitment, but for those that can do it, they are definately rewarding.

I would love to get a few, but I know that I wouldn't be able to commit the time to do 3 or 4 water changes a week.

Thanks guys, I'll do some more research, and then decide if I'll get some, maybe I'll switch everthing around and they'll end up in my 55.

I'll tell you guys if I get them though, but thanks for the quick replies.