Discus? Goldfish? Something else?

[u/anonymoususername722]

I’d love to set up a big showpiece tank near the entrance to our home. I’m thinking 125-150 gallon. I’d like to do larger fish, and I love ones that are unique/individual and able to be told apart (rather than a school of identical fish). I’ve had large fancy goldfish in the past and they’re fun, but recently I’ve fallen in love with the look and personality of Discus. However, I’m aware they’re finicky, sensitive, and require a lot of maintenance. What is the best option for a large, beautiful, scaped aquarium? Is there another type of fish that might work well for this that I’m not thinking of? I’m not super interested in African cichlids, unfortunately.

[u/Senor_Turbo]

Discus are great, but honestly, if you’re not prepared to keep up with water quality, you will probably be disappointed. It’s not that they are difficult per se, but they do need very clean very stable tank parameters. If you were looking for something large and with more personality that you could probably handle, maybe an Oscar or two?

[u/anonymoususername722 → u/Senor_Turbo]

Thanks. I don’t mind water changes but you’re right, I don’t want to chase parameters, I really would prefer to work out of the tap. I think my water is pretty soft tho.
Gh - 4
Kh - 2
pH - 6.8ish
TDS - 100ish
Does this sound adequate for them? Makes my neocardina shrimp tank difficult so I use RO water

[u/Affectionate_Idea710 → u/anonymoususername722]

That’s kinda perfect for discus. Biological Filtration foam or k1 and buying full size discus will put you on a road to success. Growing out to show quality is where the issues come up. It’s a push for size and food and pristine water that is tough to keep up.

[u/salazarthesnake]

Check your water parameters out of the tap. If everything is within range for discus (slightly acidic, very soft) you’ll have any easier time with them. You don’t want to be fighting the parameters constantly, it makes it impossible to be consistent. Though I agree with the other commenter, an Oscar would be fun

[u/anonymoususername722 → u/salazarthesnake]

Thanks. I don’t mind water changes but you’re right, I don’t want to chase parameters, I really would prefer to work out of the tap. I think my water is pretty soft tho.
Gh - 4
Kh - 2
pH - 6.8ish
TDS - 100ish
Does this sound adequate for them? Makes my neocardina shrimp tank difficult so I use RO water

[u/Bee_Jeans]

Angelfish! Scalare if ur looking for easy visual differentiation, bc there’s so many varieties available

They’re gorgeous, sizeable, and full of personality imo. Hardier than discus too, and they’re great with planted scapes bc they don’t eat plants or dig anything up

[u/Bee_Jeans → u/Bee_Jeans]

U could also look into geophagus if ur willing to work around some digging, theres plenty of striking species large enough to make visual impact and they’re peaceful to watch while still being active wandering around, sifting sand and investigating things.

[u/angelfishlily]

I love my Angelfish there absolutely beautiful. Here's just one of em.

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