Discus question

[arl]

I bought 15 small discus from a breeder/hobbyist, size range from 1.5" to 3" with out the tail. Their strain are pigeon blood, red marlboro, cobalt and santarem. My question is are they suppose to have colors already at these size? atleast the 3" ones? Because they are so pale looking, and not so round I guess. I just talked to the seller by e-mail didn't really see the discus before I bought them. Do you think I got a lower quality discus. He claims that they are stendker discus. any body ever heard of stendker discus? Are they good? LFS here in my place don't sell discus you'll have to special order them for 3 times the price I got these guys for.

http://images.tabulas.com/99421/m/My_Pictures00201.jpg

http://images.tabulas.com/99421/m/My_Pictures0011.jpg

[arl]

They're already more than a week with me so I guess theyre already settled down?

[Rbishop]

How's your water quality...I would expect more color at that size.

[liv2padl]

i think they need to put on some size before you see much in the way of 'color' from them.

[Rbishop]

at 1.5" to 3", not counting tail...??? Not IME.

[liv2padl]

bob is right .. i did some research and found that at 2.5-3 inches, they should be looking like this: http://www.aquabid.com/uploads/fwdiscus1167186604.jpg

[Rbishop]

Kewl...thought I needed new glasses Dan! LOL

[arl]

So I might have been given a lower quality discus?

[Rbishop]

Well, that's hard to say. They could still be getting used to the new surroundings and the shipment. Possibly different food. How's your lighting schedule?

[arl]

What do yiou mean by lighting schedule. does lighting also contribute to their color? They're in a growing tank in my basement right now. I keep room light on 24-7. No aquarium lights.

[Rbishop]

Well, IME, they prefer darker conditions and black water. I also get better color from ones that have plants and structure to hide in for security feelings.

[Star_Rider]

Well, IME, they prefer darker conditions and black water. I also get better color from ones that have plants and structure to hide in for security feelings.
:thm:

many breeders like to keep the fish in growout tanks similar to yours.

I would hesitate to leave the lights on 24/7 but instead opt for a lighting schedule.
I do agree that the discus may look and feel more comfortable in a planted or decorated setting.
I'm used to seeing young discus with barring (natural defense mechanism?)
but also some coloring..I have young red white diamonds ..athey are at just about 3" now and the red is a nice velvet red..the white won't show till they get a bit bigger.

[greyhoundfan]

IMO..

You're discus look just fine. It is not uncommon for discus to look pale. They often mirror their surroundings. If you have a black background than they'll be darker. Judging from your pics I think they're in good shape. Erect fins and nice shape for their size.

At 3" you can't really tell how they'll turn out. In fact I would not purchase a discus that is full of color at 3". This would indicate that discus might have been hormoned or stunted. Don't be hung up on the shape just yet, they are entering the ackward teenage years.

Give them a good diet and lots, and lots, and lots of water changes and they'll turn out beautifully.

I think my discus prefer lighted conditions cause they know it's soon feeding time.