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Discus

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Symphysodon spp.

Complete Discus care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, peaceful temperament, minimum 55 Gallons tank setup, and compatible freshwater tankmates. Difficulty: Advanced.

Discus

Quick Answer

Discus (Symphysodon spp.) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. It requires a minimum 55 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 6.0 - 6.8 and temperature range of 26-30°C. This omnivore occupies the middle zone and makes an excellent addition to community setups.

Intro

Discus (Symphysodon spp.) is a captivating and highly sought-after freshwater species. Known for their peaceful nature and distinct appearance, they occupy the middle levels of the aquarium and bring dynamic energy to any setup.

Setup

Discus requires a stable, well-filtered aquarium of at least 55 gallons. They thrive best with moderate water movement and a reliable heater to maintain temperatures around 26-30°C. Ensure pH levels remain consistent between 6.0 - 6.8 to prevent stress and support long-term health.

Feeding

As a omnivore, the Discus is not a picky eater. They should be fed a high-quality base of flakes, sinking pellets, or wafers. Periodic supplementation with frozen or live foods, such as bloodworms or brine shrimp, will boost their health and colors.

Compatibility

Discus has a peaceful temperament. They are schooling fish and MUST be kept in a group of at least 4 individuals to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. Avoid placing them with aggressive species or tankmates they are listed as incompatible with, such as: african cichlid, tiger barb.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
26-30°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
6.0 - 6.8

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

African Butterflyfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet semanticSimilarity African Cichlid Care Guide: Tank Size & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity Bala Shark Care Guide: Tank Size & Tank Mates semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Discus should be kept together?
Maintain a minimum group of 5 to 6 individuals in a tank of at least 75 gallons (284 liters) with a footprint of 48x18 inches (120x45 cm) and height of 20 inches (50 cm). Discus (Symphysodon spp.) are social cichlids that form a hierarchical pecking order; groups under 4 cause severe stress, stunting, and disease susceptibility. A school of 8+ spreads aggression and displays natural behavior. Provide at least 1 discus per 10 gallons (38 liters). Tank height is critical (minimum 18 inches/45 cm) for their vertical body shape. Use bare bottom or fine sand for juveniles; add driftwood and broad-leaf plants for adults.
What are the exact water parameters for Discus?
Target pH 6.0 - 6.8, General Hardness 1 - 4 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 1 - 3 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 50 - 150 ppm, Electrical Conductivity 100 - 300 μS/cm, and temperature 82°F - 86°F (28°C - 30°C). They require very clean, warm, soft water; high temperatures are mandatory for immune function. Maintain ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm; nitrates below 5 ppm with daily 30% water changes for young discus. Use RO water mixed with tap to achieve hardness. Add peat filtration or Indian almond leaves. pH must be stable; sudden drops >0.2 cause hexamita outbreaks.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Discus?
They are carnivores with high metabolic needs, requiring 50% protein, 15% fat, 35% plant matter. Feed specialized beefheart mixes (homemade), frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, blackworms, and high-protein granular foods (New Life Spectrum) 3-5 times daily. Juveniles require 5+ feedings. Avoid tubifex and brine shrimp (low nutrition). Medication alert: Sensitive to copper (0.1 mg/L max) and formalin. Use praziquantel for tapeworms; metronidazole (250 mg/10 gallons) for hexamita. Quarantine with methylene blue. They are prone to hole-in-the-head; maintain pristine water and vitamin supplements.
How to breed Discus with step-by-step environmental triggers?
Select a bonded pair (2+ years old) and condition with beefheart and bloodworms for 4 weeks. Raise temperature to 86°F (30°C) and perform 30% water changes with soft (1 dGH), warm (84°F/29°C) RO water daily. Provide a spawning cone (8-12 inches tall). The female lays 100-400 eggs on the cone; both parents fan and guard. Eggs hatch in 48-60 hours at 84°F (29°C). Wrigglers attach to parents' sides for 10-14 days, feeding on parent mucus. Remove cone after hatch. Begin feeding Artemia nauplii after day 10. Frequent water changes (50% daily) are critical for fry growth.

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