Discus in 16" high tanks?

[AngelsAndApisto]

I have an 80 gallon reef tank I would like to use for freshwater. It has a hefty sump and I was thinking I might try a group of discus in it but the problem is it is only 16" high. Has anybody kept discus in a shallow tank like that? How well did it go? Is it too cramped for them?

Worst case scenario I think I could convince my wife to let me put a 75 gallon tank next to it and plumb that into the system but would like to avoid if possible.

 

[Rainbowfan]

Many many years ago I kept 3 discus in a 29 long. One male and two females. Raised them for years to about the size of four and a half inches. They did just fine. Hope this helps.. Oh buy the way ...... lots of mostly java fern against the back wall for hiding places for them if and when they got shy or timid

 

[AngelsAndApisto]

Thanks that does, I think I will try it. For adding some cover I actually was thinking about trying to grow mangroves along edges of aquarium since it is so wide and and rimless there's not really a good lid option. Just need to figure out how to hang lights securely above.

 

[bossanova]

Thanks that does, I think I will try it. For adding some cover I actually was thinking about trying to grow mangroves along edges of aquarium since it is so wide and and rimless there's not really a good lid option. Just need to figure out how to hang lights securely above.

You can do it, but it’s not ideal especially since it’s rimless. Remember that the more stuff you put in there, the harder it will be to keep “discus clean”. I’d get a group of 6 for the 80.