Question about Discus

[Batmanjay28]

I have wanted to add a discus to my 55G heavly planted tank and was wondering from everyone's own experiences if they are hardy, are they well worth having apart of your tank? Do they do fine with tetras and rainbowfish? Just any info that I can obtain from everyone would help my a lot if I'm indeed going to buy a discus. Thanks

I have 9 rasboras

6 flame tetras

7 corys

3 ottos and 2 rubbernose plecos

2 small rainbowfish and 4 cardinals

DO I have room and if not I can move some fish to a other tank.

[Aislinn]

I've never kept Discus myself, but it is my understanding that they are anything but hardy. They are reputed to be very delicate, and need VERY specific water parameters.

[galen]

discus are magnificent fish- to me, they are the ebst, beating out the saltwater ones too.
here's a site that i have saved from someone who raises them says is one of the best going:
http://www.simplydiscus.com/library/index.shtml

[1boatnut]

I'm fairly new to Discus keeping myself, but so far I love these fish. I have 3 in a community tank and would love to get more,but I don't want to add any more fish to my current set-up.
I was told (on another forum) to get rid of them,as they felt I wasn't giving them proper care.
I am glad I kept them, and they have been a great addition to my tank.
The only things I do different than before was do an extra water change than previous,& I check my NitrAte more than I did prior.

I feel with proper acclimation and just a little extra care they can be enjoyed by many who now pass them bye. :huh:

I would however get them from some place reliable,and find out what water parameters they are keeping their fish in


Good luck if you decide to take the plunge.

[Star_Rider]

I believe that there could be some misleading information going around.
domestic discus have been tank raised for several generations.

while I do believe the water conditions
must be near perfect for Wild discus..the domestic varieies we see are a bit more adaptable and can hold their own in less than perfect conditions.
that said..young discus need several feeding per day ..and the left over food should be cleaned up shortly after they are done eating.

this usually means water changes..daily is best but at least 3-4 X per week at minimum and fairly large changes when this happens..the idea is ..clean water= healthy fish.

discus do require a good sized tank 10-15 gallons per fish, and should be maintained in schools of bare minimum 4 but 6 is better for a small school.
the water should be warm..discus will stress in cooler water ..80 is considered cool water for discus..I prefer to keep mine in tank temps of 84-86.

but they are very animated..they will get to know who feeds them and thy will greet you when you come into the room.

they are also one of the more colorful Cichlids.

[smbjedi]

i agree with star, discus are becoming more and more hardy. they are great fish, dont let anyone scare you off. check out

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i2/plants_discus/plants_discus.htm

[Marinemom]

Discus are schooling fish and keeping just one of them is not advisable. They can grow to the size of a small dinner plate and they need to be kept in groups so a large aquarium is needed. The bare minimum is 45 gallons with larger then that always the better option. They need temps. in the tank to be kept between 82-86 degrees on the farenheight scale. Closer to 86 degrees is better. Water changes are a must because they thrive much better in super clean pristene water. Juvie discus need to be fed several times a day and it is usually required to have a bare bottom tank for them. That will make the cleanup that much easier. Sub-adult and adult discus can be fed once a day and it is not necessary to have a bare bottom tank for them.

Discus are not that hard to take care of if you are willing to do a little extra care for them. Once they are acclimated to thier new home, they will give you years of enjoyment.

Good luck with them if you do decide to go that route.

Marinemom