Can Discus Fish Live In A Community Tank?

Discus fish are social creatures that enjoy living in a community of freshwater tanks. However, keeping them with other fish can be quite challenging.

When I housed my saltwater aquarium in a community of freshwater tanks for the first time, I fell in love with the way they interacted with one another. I had never seen such beautiful creatures before and I was mesmerized by their gracefulness!

But then I started noticing some problems. My discus fish were losing weight and their colors were fading. I knew I had to do something to help them, and discovered that keeping them in a community tank requires some extra care and attention.

In this article, I will share everything about how to care for discus fish in a community tank to ensure that they stay healthy and happy!

Can I Keep One Discus Fish?

You can keep a single discus fish, but I do not recommend it. They are schooling fish, which means they feel more comfortable and secure when they are around other fish.

Can you imagine living in a vast house all by yourself? It would be pretty lonely, right? The same goes for discus fish. They need the company of their own freshwater species to feel happy and fulfilled.

If you must keep a single discus fish, make sure to provide them with plenty of hiding places so they can feel safe. Also, be prepared to give them a lot of attention because they will crave your interaction.

Can a Discus Fish Die If Kept Alone?

Discus fish might die if you keep them alone. This is because lonely fish is more prone to stress, which can lead to a weakened immune system and make them more susceptible to diseases.

In extreme cases, your pet fish can die if they live alone for too long. This is why it’s important to provide them with a company of their own species or at least interact with them on a regular basis.

Otherwise, good company will make them feel relaxed and happy, which will lead to a long and healthy life.

How Many Discus Can Be Kept Together?

These fish species need at least a group of 5-6 to feel comfortable and secure. However, if you have a larger tank size, you can keep more discus fish together.

Just remember that the more fish you have in your tank, the more space they will need and the more maintenance your tank will require. For a group of 5-6 discus, I would recommend a tank that is at least 75 gallons.

What Fish Can I Keep With Discus?

These guys are very peaceful fish, so they can be kept with a variety of other fish. However, there are a few things you need to take into consideration when choosing tank mates for your discus fish.

First of all, make sure the other fish are not too big or aggressive. Also, they should have nearly the same water requirements as discus fish.

Some of the best tank mates for discus fish include:

Rummy nose tetras
Neon tetras
Bleeding heart tetras
Glowlight tetras
Corydoras catfish
Small loaches
Ottocinclus
Guppies
Dwarf gouramis
Bettas

Tips for Discus Fish Community Tanks

Although aquarium fish can live peacefully with other fish, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your community tank is successful.

Here are a few tips:

Add Some Plants: Plants will provide your discus fish with hiding places and rise the oxygen level in the water
Use a Sand or Gravel Substrate: A sand or gravel substrate with neutral hues will make your discus fish colors pop. Also, these substrates are much easier on their delicate fins than a bare bottom tank
Cycle Your Aquarium Regularly: It’s very important to keep your water quality high in a discus tank. I would recommend doing a partial water change every week or two
Quarantine the New Comer: Whenever you add a new fish to your tank, make sure to quarantine it first for 3 weeks.
Install High-Quality Aquarium Heater: You can add a high-quality submersible or in-line heater to maintain a stable water temperature in your discus tank
Add an Aquarium Filter: Add a large canister filter or sponge filter to help collect solid waste and remove toxins from the water

Last Words

Discus fish are beautiful and peaceful fish species that make a great addition to any community tank. With the right tank mates and proper care, discus fish thrive in their new home.

Do you have any experience keeping discus fish in a community tank? Share your tips and advice in the comments below!