So I have 3 Pigeon Blood discus that I've had for 2 weeks now. They stay hidden in the bushes at the bottom of the tank and only come out when there's no one around. Once they spot you they hide. I have clown loaches, bristlenose plecos and cardinal tetras in the tank. It's a heavily planted tank and I even dimmed the lights to see if it's because it's too bright, but that didn't change anything. I feed them frozen bloodworms, flakes and pellet food, but they'll only come out a little to get a worm, then go back and hide. I know it takes time, but it's been 2 weeks. I'm getting 6 more discus in a couple of days and I'll be QT them so they won't be in the main tank for about a month or so. Any suggestions as to how to get these guys out? They were swimming freely at the LFS and were very sociable, so why not here?
How can I coax my discus out of the bushes?
- Thread starter Diann62
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Lupin
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- Sep 21, 2006
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It takes time. Unfortunately, discus tend to be that coy.:huh: I'd be patient. Try smearing the foods with garlic.
Its because you only have 3 discus in your tank they are avoiding each other more than they are hiding from you. once you add the others you will see a big difference in their behavior.
I have 12 in a 150 and they will all come to were ever I am and watch me as they are now as I am typing this.
the other thing is don't wear black clothing as that realy spooks them
I have 12 in a 150 and they will all come to were ever I am and watch me as they are now as I am typing this.
the other thing is don't wear black clothing as that realy spooks them
Lupin
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I have 5 juvies in a 75g and am facing the exact same scenario. I am hoping that being consistent with feeding times will help them to come out of their shell and as they grow they will become more outgoing. Do they seem spooked by your other stock? How big are your discus?
It takes time with most juvie discus. No one can tell you exactly how many weeks it is going to be. Even when I added my two young cobalts to the tank with all the adults, the young cobalts still fled into the plants at any room movement. Having more discus will help them to all be comfortable more quickly. They see shadows and large moving things as predators so it is their instinct to dart and hide from the perceived predator. Hopefully the tank is in a spot that gets a fair share of traffic, if not, it will take "forever" for them to feel safe when you approach the tank. A couple of things will help.....if you have higher wattage bulbs for plant growth, switch them out with lower wattage for at least several weeks; consider putting their tank light on a timer to come on when the room is empty to give them a chance to acclimate to the instant light change while the room is empty; they do not like black/navy blue clothing (must look like a shark to them LOL!). Patience. They will get comfortable, but at their pace, not yours. Before you know it, they'll be acting like starving, begging dogs at the front of the tank, making you feel guilty cause it's not feeding on demand! With my adults, I have to push them out of my way when I'm doing the weekly water changes. I can't see what I'm doing cause they're all crowded in front of my face!!
yup, pretty typical for young discus.
they are afraid of being food.
give them time.
it does help if there are more but even then they need time to feel comfortable.. when they do..they'll be out front begging...
they are afraid of being food.
give them time.
it does help if there are more but even then they need time to feel comfortable.. when they do..they'll be out front begging...
the more, the merrier with discus..
3 will always hide..
you need at least 5, and then they will come out more often..
3 will always hide..
you need at least 5, and then they will come out more often..