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Adding outsider discus to established community

8K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  jsm11482 
#1 ·
Am I asking for trouble if I add a similarly-sized single discus to my already established community of 6 discus? Of course I would quarantine it first; don't want anything to happen to the original 6 though.

Thanks.
 
#2 ·
I've been through that situation twice, with mixed results.

First time was a smaller tank (30g) and only 4 discus adding a 5th (all 2-3"). Went great - fish acted like they were long lost pals waiting to reunite.

Second time was a bigger tank (55g), 5 discus (had been relocated from the 30), adding a 6th (fish now ~4"). Didn't go so good. The new guy got chased a lot, especially at feeding times. I ended up taking him out after a short while, putting him in a isolation tank, and power feeding him for a week or 2. He got a little bigger than the others, went back in, and was able to hold his own much better. Still gets chased some, but not anymore than the others.

Wish I could give you a more concrete answer, but thats how it happened for me.

Good luck!
-jim
 
#3 ·
The original 6 may bully it but this will soon stop as they become accustomed to the newcomer's presence.
 
#5 ·
Cool. I was more worried about health concerns. Any info there?
 
#6 ·
jsm11482 said:
Cool. I was more worried about health concerns. Any info there?
Just quarantine the new discus to be safe. The longer it is quarantined, the easier to bet your current discus will be safe.
 
#8 ·
Yes, I quarantine all my fish for a week before adding them to the real tank(s). Thanks for the input!
 
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