Too much lights for discus?

[penpal]

My tank has 96w of t5ho over a 36 gallon. I know it's on the high side but i prefer having a bright tank and my plants are doing fine and don't have algea problems. Water parameters are good. The thing is my 2 discus are always dark even though they come out and are active and eating well, so I attribute it to the high light. Am I correct? Do high lights cause them to stay dark? I've read other people with highly lit tanks and it doesn't bother their discus.

[rickztahone]

Your discus are dark because you only have 2 of them. You need about 5-6 minimum. With that being said youan not keep 5-6 discus in the sized tank you currently have, especially since its planted. I know that doesn't help but its better to know ahead of time I think.

[penpal]

See but I have one in another tank that's bare bottom by itself growing out and it's beautiful, colours are vivid and not shy at all. so hence the reason why I attribute it to the bright lights. But I welcome all suggestions

[rickztahone]

Bright light is definitely a cause for stress in discus. They really prefer low light and usually some type of floater blocking out some of the light.