My New Stendker Discus Have Arrived!

[snoopy65]

They arrived about 10 minutes ago. Floating bags, will take pictures and post shortly!!:dance2::dance2::dance2:

[snoopy65]

Ok, here are some pics. Talk about service! I just got a call from Discus Hans to see how I was doing and to give me advise on their first day in my tank! That was pretty cool.

I did what he said to do and they are all kind of exploring in the tank. I put a bit of food in so if they are hungry, they can eat.

Wow, it feels like Christmas Morning and I am 7 years old. Or for you deer hunters, first day of buck and a 12 point is walking toward your stand!

[msjinkzd]

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[Adonism2]

They are pretty!

[JimL]

Nice looking fish. Gratz

[kayla25690]

beautiful!!!

[benzjamin13]

Nice!

[Alexandrian]

Really cute looking discuss
Good luck

[KatelynC]

awesome!!!

[Star_Rider]

shweet:grinyes:

[snoopy65]

Thanks guys. I have been trying to stay away from the tank so they can settle in some. Yeah, that is a joke! I feel like a little kid.

[pinkertd]

Yay Snoopy!!!!!!!!!!!

[Stargazer53]

Hooray for new fish!:thumbsup: They look great!!! I'll be feeling the same emotions and adrenaline next week when I receive your package. Hehe, on that note, I think this occasion calls for a celebratory waaave!
:dance::mwave:

[LuciferSam]

those are some cool fish

[petluvr]

Very pretty. I know you have been waiting a while for them and I can only imagine your excitement. I would love to have discus but am afraid I don't have the time to give the the proper care.

[snoopy65]

If I were not a stay at home mom, I don't think I would have gotten them either. Thanks guys! They look soooooo cooollll swimming around in the tank!

[jm1212]

sweeeeet!

dibs on any fry!

[Temptress]

Very beautiful fish, I hope you keep updating this thread as they grow and mature! Discus fascinate me.. I'm just not experienced enough to give them the time they need yet.. someday tho! =)

[snoopy65]

Thanks, I will keep updating and taking pictures. It took me quite a while to feel competent enough to take the chance on getting them. If you stick with the hobby, ask lots of questions, and listen to the advise given you, you will be ready before you know it.

[Arturo]

Nice, hopefully they are not very stressed.

[snoopy65]

Most of them don't seem to be. 2 are just kind of hanging out in the back, but still have normal coloring. I will give them a couple of days now before I go taking more pictures or bothering them too much besides water changes and feeding.

[snoopy65]

Ok, tell me this is normal. This morning I have gradually made it lighter in the room, first a lamp then an overhead light, then another, etc. until I turned one of the lights on the tank. The group of discus swam from one end of the tank to the other and back. Once they got back to the other end (the lighted end), 1 layed against the glass, another flat on the bottom. The other 5 swam around a bit more and were hanging around together, fins open, looking great.

I fed the tank a small portion of food. The fish that have been in the tank all came over to eat. The discus did not. Then after just a few minutes all of the tetra are at the surface with their noses up and 2 of the discus are doing the same. The cories are fine as well as the Rams. I am paranoid and get a aerator and add a small stone to the tank just in case. I think they were getting tiny bits of food off of the surface, but I have always heard that discus are bottom feeders so I am a little worried. A total of 5 of the discus have gone to the top and hung out a while with their noses up, but are now back down swimming around with their fins spread wide open. The 2 are still over at one end of the tank on the bottom kind of leaning on the glass. All of the fish in the tank appear to be breathing harder than usual, but I could just be imagining it! Everyone has great color- the rummies noses are red, the rams have all of their coloring, the new discus all have their colors- the 2 have the same color as the others except still have stress bars. They have not darkened at all.

[Arkangel77]

Sounds like the 2 are still stressed from the trip, as for yout fish being on the top - they do come up to eat if thats what was going on then you should be OK. I would watch them close and give them a little time. The Air stone was a good Idea IMO. Remember I am a noob!!!!!!!!!!!! Lets see what the proe's say about all this.

Grats on your new fish.
Arkangel77

[snoopy65]

Thanks Ark

[pinkertd]

Sounds like they still startled when the tank light came on They are blind when that happens and they freak a bit. Ummm, I'm thinking this was before the sun came up Snoop?:grinyes:

[snoopy65]

lmao.....now what would make you think that?

So what do I do now?

[pinkertd]

The reaction will always be like that, it never changes. This is one of the biggest reasons I am totally against manzanita type of wood in discus tanks or even malaysian driftwood if it's got a stick out piece. This time of the year my timer on the discus tank is set at 6:30. By then there's daylight in the room and they just kinda sink down for just a few minutes while their vision adjusts to the tank light. We have to find you something to do between 4:30 AM and 6:30 AM besides peering into the discus tank!:lol2:
Because of the discus, I now keep a decorative lamp on all night long in the living room about 4 feet away from their tank. It takes three 15 watt bulbs. We're still walking around past the tank after their lights are off at night, and I have to walk past them several times in the dark before I leave for work at 5:45 AM. Sometimes they sense the movement past the tank and in a split second they think predator and dart for the other side of the tank blindly in the dark and slam into the glass. If a neon darts across the tank, it'll probably stop before it reaches the other side...not an issue. If a large discus darts.....it could kill them. One on my walks past the tank this morning even with the night light on caused one of them to do a huge whooooooooooooosh flop through the water. Your heart skips a beat when you hear this!

[snoopy65]

I have a moon light string that has about 6 lights working on it that I can put on top of the tank if that will help them. I didn't realize they had that much of a problem with light. I haven't had them dart. Thank goodness! I was good this morning! I waited until 530 or so before I started turning on lights. Tomorrow, I promise I will wait.

[pinkertd]

And they will go to the surface sometimes for food. Especially if they are chasing the errant bloodworm! But they are mostly bottoms feeders. Sounds like yours were hungry this morning...good sign!!

[snoopy65]

Yeah!!!

[pinkertd]

You will soon find yourself thinking that you have new fish puppies in that tank....beg, beg, beg for food!!!!! Sometimes frantically like they're gonna die any second if you don't give them food again! All the fish I have kept over the years, I have never encountered any this dog-like with their begging abilities! You will be wrapped around their little dorsal fin almost immediately. The spunk of young discus is very entertaining!

[snoopy65]

I can't wait! I have the begging from my Polleni in my other large tank. The 5 are schooling now, checking things out. All I can do is hope the other 2 perk up.

[msjinkzd]

I am sur ethey will. Mine did that all the time in the beginning, its one of the reasons I ended up pullling out 70% of the plants in my discus tank as they were growing. I couldn't see them half the time and they hid! Sneaky little things. I, like Deb, keep a light on in the room for ambient light so they do not startle as much as kids/cats/me go bumbling by the tank. Another thing, mine were VERy reactive to dark colors and would freak out if I got near the tank in my black clothing. I started keeping an old labcoat at the fishroom door to put on which really helped their startling as well. It also makes me feel like a mad scientist which I just love! :grinyes:

[snoopy65]

Wow, reacting to what you had on. I don't have a lab coat so I hope mine are ok with some of what I wear. I will leave some sort of light on for them starting tonight.

[Star_Rider]

I agree , give them time to adjust.
mine get pretty much the same routine. 4:15 I turn on the overhead light in the den. I leave them alone till 5. by then they are awake and begging for food.

btw these were raised in the same planted tank since 2"
they now vary in size from 4-6" and are housed with a Peruvian Angel and a single bolivian ram.

[snoopy65]

I agree , give them time to adjust.
mine get pretty much the same routine. 4:15 I turn on the overhead light in the den. I leave them alone till 5. by then they are awake and begging for food.

btw these were raised in the same planted tank since 2"
they now vary in size from 4-6" and are housed with a Peruvian Angel and a single bolivian ram.


Thanks Star. I was going to get a tank to have bare bottom, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to keep them in this tank. It isn't heavily planted and I can get the python in between everything. I thought, and you guys may laugh, would I be more comfortable in a room with pictures on the walls (filter tubes and heater) and nothing else or would I be more comfortable in a room with an easy chair, couch, tv, carpet, etc. (plants, wood, substrate). I know it is more work to vacuum in a room with furniture, but would you keep your house empty to make it easier to clean?

[thrak76]

[...] I thought, and you guys may laugh, would I be more comfortable in a room with pictures on the walls (filter tubes and heater) and nothing else or would I be more comfortable in a room with an easy chair, couch, tv, carpet, etc. (plants, wood, substrate). I know it is more work to vacuum in a room with furniture, but would you keep your house empty to make it easier to clean?

I think like this too. Perhaps it's a bit of anthropomorphism, but don't many of us treat our fish like family already?

[Star_Rider]

Thanks Star. I was going to get a tank to have bare bottom, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to keep them in this tank. It isn't heavily planted and I can get the python in between everything. I thought, and you guys may laugh, would I be more comfortable in a room with pictures on the walls (filter tubes and heater) and nothing else or would I be more comfortable in a room with an easy chair, couch, tv, carpet, etc. (plants, wood, substrate). I know it is more work to vacuum in a room with furniture, but would you keep your house empty to make it easier to clean?
snoop
you still need to be aware that daily water changes are in order many times 20 % or what ever it takes to remove uneaten food.

I found my discus like to forage and will search every where for food.

so i didn't remove so much uneaten food but the waste for all the food they ate.
the big thing to keep in mind.. is that bare bottom is easier . but planted can be done with a bit more effort.

[wesleydnunder]

Snoopy, growing out discus in a planted tank has its challenges. If these are your first I encourage you to go bare bottom, but bb is not an absolute must, just easier for growing out discus.

As your discus become more comfortable in their new home and are eating well you'll notice them pushing on each other, especially around feeding time. Discus naturally assume a pecking order with a dominant fish and an omega fish, the least subordinate. The omega(s) are the ones you have to really watch. The dominant will chase them away from food, or attempt to. In a really subordinate fish, they are easily chased from the food and can, in a planted tank, hide behind plants most of the time and not get enough to eat. These fish will stunt easily and may need to be spot fed away from the other fish in a planted tank. In a bb tank with no place to hide they often get aggressive enough to push their way to some food.

The old saw about fish hiding less if they have more hiding places doesn't really apply to juvie discus, IME.

Also, the fish look great and it's very nice to see that they don't appear to be hormone treated.

Mark

[snoopy65]

Thank you for the insights and for the complements on the fish. I will target feed anyone that doesn't appear to be eating with the rest of the pack. I also will be doing daily water changes at least until they are at what is considered "young adults". Then it will be water changes as the params dictate, daily or every other. They all seem to be doing better today, even the 2 that were hiding.

[snoopy65]

Yeah!! Everyone is foraging this morning! I put some of Ken's spyro flake in this morning and all 7 are swimming along and blowing on leaves eating!! The last one to move and start swimming is out eating too. It's fins are still not opened up like the rest, but at least it's stress bars have disappeared and it is getting nourishment.

[msjinkzd]

Excellent! They will all be acting like puppies before you know it!

[snoopy65]

I can't wait! I just got some pictures of them and of some of my other fish and snails and will be putting them in the photo gallery.

[Star_Rider]

:clap::woot::thm:

sweet. can't wait for the pics.

[Arkangel77]

:thumbsup: WHOOT :clap: YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[snoopy65]

They are hungry little buggers! And have eaten everything I have offered. Which is wonderful. I did make some of Hans' mix for them, but only fed it one time today. I am hoping to get away from the beef. They really like the mixed stick from kensfish. I put them in my Pampered Chef chopper and chopped them smaller as I was afraid they would be too big for them to eat. Boy did they ever go after that. It has veggie, earthworm, spiro, and a couple other kinds of sticks in it. They also liked the bloodworms, but I figured that would be a given. The cories and BNs seem to like cleaning up too. So all seems to be going well. They do hide when I vac the tank, but are right back out within 5 minutes of stopping.

I do hope you guys don't mind me continuing to update this as I am way excited about these guys and my hubby doesn't quite understand my giddiness or my stress over doing this right.

[pinkertd]

They I do hope you guys don't mind me continuing to update this as I am way excited about these guys and my hubby doesn't quite understand my giddiness or my stress over doing this right.

You are expected to keep us updated Snoop! I feel your excitement having discus of my own and know the thrill of adding new ones! It's always a bit apprehensive when getting new ones, not knowing if they'll settle right in, etc.....and oh so thrilling when they do! I cannot add any more discus at the moment, so I enjoy you sharing your experiences with them. And yes, juvie discus are hungry buggers and full of spunk! The adults are much more complacent. I have not tried any of the kensfish sticks with the discus, I do put some earthworm stick pieces in the plants at night for the amano shrimp. I have found that all my other fish go wild for those earthworm sticks.

[Arkangel77]

:iagree:Updates are a MUST -

[LuciferSam]

If constint updates are not produced We will start riots in the streets lol

did you get 2.5" discus or 3"?

[snoopy65]

I paid for 2 1/2" fish, but I think Hans misread the labels on the tanks because they seem a bit larger than that.

[bs6749]

I paid for 2 1/2" fish, but I think Hans misread the labels on the tanks because they seem a bit larger than that.

Hans and most other reputable breeders will go by the SL measuring system, which doesn't include the length of the tail. The TL measuring system includes the length of the tail. You got 2 1/2" SL fish or probably 3"+ TL fish.

[snoopy65]

Makes sense, thanks

[bs6749]

I think it's better to sell them the way they do simply because when customers receive them they feel like they got more for their money and they are happy and will repeat business. Hans has some nice fish and he will take care of you if you order through him.

[snoopy65]

Thanks BS,I normally measure without the tail as well, and these guys are still big.

They are still very active and out most of the day. I had been told they may get lost in such a big tank, but they are front and center when ever I go over to the tank. They school from one end to the other. It is absolutely breath taking. I can't wait till they get bigger and do this. They seem to like my sword plant that I have on one end of the tank. They don't hide behind it. I feed at both ends and they like the food on the large leaves. What really makes it nice is they all pick a different leaf. I haven't had any battles for food so far. They have been doing a little pushing at other than eating time, but I imagine it is pecking order. I have been keeping up with params daily and doing 20%ish water changes daily. My nitrates are continuing to stay around 5. PH steady at 7.8. So all seems to be well in their world.

[LuciferSam]

Good to hear! now we need more pics :popcorn:

[Arkangel77]

My BIG guys just sit still in my tank and look for me to feed them - the smaller ones are ALL over the place!

[snoopy65]

Will get pics today.

[Arkangel77]

YA for Pics!

[snoopy65]

Not the best in the world, but pics none the less. They are looking for food I just dropped in on that end of the tank.

[wesleydnunder]

Awwwww...lookit the itty bitty pointy faces.

Looks like they're exploring the jungle.

Mark

[snoopy65]

They really like the plants. I only have 1/2-3/4" of gravel in there and all of the plants are either movable or are a sword so vacuuming is not to bad.

[pinkertd]

They are really cute Snoopy!!!

[snoopy65]

Thanks Pink!

[snoopy65]

They are out and eating well again this morning. I have a question though. I have noticed that, in the mornings, their color is muted or a bit darker but by mid morning they are back to their normal coloring. Is it normal? I know with quite a few tropical fish they go bland while sleeping. I just want to make sure it is normal for discus.

[Arkangel77]

I am not sure But I think thats Normal - You got the magnifying glass out on these guys dont ya? LOL:D

[snoopy65]

lmao.....Yes. I do it with all of my fish, especially new ones. I could probably tell you where every spot is suppose to be on my Paratilapia Polleni Small Spot. I find that if I pay very close attention to them, if anything becomes amis, I catch it early.

[tonergirl]

:thumbsup: Simply Beautiful!!!:thumbsup:

[snoopy65]

Thank you

[pinkertd]

Yes, Snoopy, depending on color, some fade a little, some darken in the dark sleeping. You got the baby cam on them yet?:)

[snoopy65]

Wish I had one Pink! I would do that just to see what is going on.

[snoopy65]

Well I gave you guys a break yesterday from me rambling on about my discus.....not because I wanted to, but because my daughter decided we needed to go to the emergency room for stitches. She is fine. Anyway, all of the discus are still out doing what discus do. There is some pushing now though. Surprisingly to me, is it is the smallest of them all doing the pushing.....and winning. Fortunately for the losers, I spread the food at both ends of the tank, so they just go foraging away from the "bully". I find it funny that the littlest one is the one saying....Hey, this is mine!!

Question: Regarding their color, at about what size do they really color up? Thanks a bunch.

[pinkertd]

Glad your daughter is ok!!!
Coloring up has a lot to do with genetics and type of discus. You should see a big difference in colors somewhere between 6-9 months, but still not fully colored for some until close to a year. To me it seems the turqs and snakeskins always seem to color up faster than blue diamonds and blue cobalt type of fish. Each month that goes by you'll see more and more color in the top and bottom fins, then the body.

The smallest ones seem to be the fiestiest most times. Pushing, bumping, trying to intimidate the others....all part of the kids growing up phase. They are much more boisterous as juvies! Fun to watch!

[snoopy65]

They are really fun to watch. Thanks for the insight on the colors. Boy, these guys really, really, really like blood worms! They are going goofy.

[pinkertd]

I agree, they REALLY, REALLY like bloodworms. I feed mine BW's every day. But not until after they get a flake and pellet feeding a few hours earlier, don't want to spoil them too much. I have 2 blue cobalts that will not touch flake or pellets. Only FBW and live white worms.

[snoopy65]

This is their second meal of the day. They had spyro flake earlier and everyone ate. They eat everything, they just go goofy for the blood worms....By the way, once it cools off, I would like some white worm culture....if you can walk me through how to keep them.

[pinkertd]

Sure thing! They're easy. They will go goofy for them!!

[snoopy65]

Awesome, thanks.

Here are some from today as well as a couple of the plecos in with them.

[ayra321]

wow stunning colors already,i bet they'll color up a little more when they get used to thier new home

[snoopy65]

Thanks, yeah they are still really young. They should gain alot of color as they mature.

[snoopy65]

Just a quick update. They seem to have grown quite a bit and are eating like little pigs. I must be giving plenty of food though because even though I am vaccing every day, my trumpet snails have exploded. I guess I am going to have to get some of them out. 5 of the 7 are at least 3" now and the other 2 aren't too far behind. Not bad in 2 weeks.

For those of you thinking about young discus in a planted tank....if you do it, plan on ALOT of gravel vaccing and try to get plants that are either attached to something or not easily uprooted. It is very labor intensive to get the bottom clean with substrate and plants in the tank.

[snoopy65]

Just a quick shot of my babies. How do they look? I am not looking for ohhh pretty or anything. I am asking, are they growing right? I do not know what they are suppose to look like at about 3". I just want to make sure I am not stunting them or anything.

[wesleydnunder]

What's your feeding regimen, Snoop?


Mark

[snoopy65]

They get: Hikari Bloodworms, Ken's Beefheart Flake, Ken's Spyrolina + Garlic and Paprika Flake, Ken's Premium Sinking Bits, Ken's 5 Stick Blend, and Han's Mix. Not necessarily in that order, but they do get it every day.

[pinkertd]

They look great to me! Is that fat little tummies I'm seeing?:grinyes: Did you know they are closely related to the piggy family?:grinyes:

[snoopy65]

I believe it Deb! They eat almost non-stop!

[Star_Rider]

snoop,
how often are you feeding?

they do appear to have fat lil tummies ;)

[snoopy65]

They get fed 6 times a day.

[Star_Rider]

:thumbsup:

[wesleydnunder]

Awesome Snoop, I saw the little round bellies and wondered what foods they get. Looks like a good, varied diet. You're gonna make a great discus mommy.

Mark

[snoopy65]

Thanks

[snoopy65]

You guys are going to think I have way too much time on my hands but....I have been watching my discus several times a day, everyday (aren't you surprised!). I have discovered, if you pay attention, they tell you when the water needs changed. With my observations I noticed that in the first half of the 24 hour period, they stay almost exclusively in the bottom 3rd of the tank. They never go above it. In the 3rd quarter they are pretty much mid tank. In the last quarter before water change time they are in the top half and rarely go below the mid point in the tank. It is this way at feeding time too. I have mixed up the order they get their foods just to make sure it wasn't because they like this more than that and are up higher because of it. During the water change they sort of hide in the tops of the plants, but not to where I can't see them. Within minutes of the water change they are back down to the bottom third of the tank and stay there. This is every day. I have been taking note for about a week. At first I thought I was just imagining it, but I am not. So now I know that if I look at my tank before it's normal water change time and they are up high....go ahead and change the water.

Just thought I would share.

[fishorama]

That's very interesting. I just got 2" babies & will watch for that behavior. I also appreciate your foods list. I'm trying them on a different food each feeding, bloodworms are the hands down favorite of course.

Snoopy, your fish look great!

[snoopy65]

Thanks!

[snoopy65]

I had my first scare today. This morning I counted and could only find 6. It took quite a while for me to find the last one. It was just hanging out in my amazon sword, but was where I couldn't see it. The sword is huge and it had itself turned so that no matter which way I was able to look all I could see of it was it's thin side and it blended in well. As soon as I added food though, out it came with everyone else. Talk about your heart in your throat! I knew it couldn't get out as the tank is completely covered other than 1" holes that the filter tubes go into. Being paranoid, I thought for sure it was going to be laying somewhere on the bottom of the tank.

[fishorama]

Whew! At least with a bare tank I can count them easily (& do several times a day, lol)

[snoopy65]

I count mine more times a day than I am going to admit!

[pinkertd]

Oh yeah, we forgot to tell all you new discus keepers that you need to start taking prozac on a daily basis once the discus arrive!:grinyes:

[Arkangel77]

It in an EMOTIONAL roller coaster, that's for sure!

[snoopy65]

Oh yeah, we forgot to tell all you new discus keepers that you need to start taking prozac on a daily basis once the discus arrive!:grinyes:

I am having some Ameretto instead!:thm:


It in an EMOTIONAL roller coaster, that's for sure!

That it is!

[fishorama]

Red Zin for me. I deserve it after 2 WCs today!... & I thought the Python did away with my upper arm strength. I am woman hear me groan!

[snoopy65]

2? what happened that you needed to do 2?

[fishorama]

Well, the first was the morning 1, the second when I was pythoning everyone else's tank. I needed to remove the "big bits" from the bloodworm plus. Too big for the babies & i'm still on new mom paranoia mode. Nothing too scary.

[snoopy65]

I know what you mean about the paranoia! I look at them and think.....aren't they breathing too fast? Why are they just staying there? Has a heater broke? What is the temp? and on and on!

[fishorama]

Yeah, I'm still trying to figure out how much is enough food & now they're attacking, or maybe just cleaning the heater? So cute if I don't overthink stuff, no wonder I have a glass of wine while watching...

[Discus-Hans]

Good to see you're having fun Sam,

Hans

[snoopy65]

Thanks Hans!

[snoopy65]

Well I think I am going to change the background on the tank. It has a planted aquascape background attached right now. I am noticing that as the discus swim in different areas of the tank they are duller with just the background behind them and brighter when in front of a plant. I am going the easy cheapy route - self stick shelf paper. I just have to find a nice blue or aqua color. The back side of the paper is solid regardless of what design is on the front. So I will just peel and stick it to the back of the tank.

They all seem to be doing well. Will get some updated shots of them tomorrow.

[snoopy65]

New shots taken this morning. Please excuse the poor quality and water streaks! How do you think they look? They have grown quite a bit since I got them.

[fishorama]

They look great to me!

[snoopy65]

Thanks! I worry.

[bigwave]

I agree, they look great. How about a whole tank shot for us?

[snoopy65]

Thanks, will get one today of it's new look.

[snoopy65]

Ok, here is the tank before discus.

[snoopy65]

After background change. Midway through.

[snoopy65]

And now. Tell me what you think.....I am not sure if I like it.

[Arkangel77]

I think I wish I could get my plaints to grow like that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[snoopy65]

I don't do anything for them.....low light no ferts, just fish poop and now I am vacuuming that everyday so I don't know. I guess they just like it in the tank. I moved the Giant Val out to my 125.....it is 63" long.

[pinkertd]

It looks nice! They are so cute traveling in their little kiddie school like that! LOL!

[snoopy65]

Thanks Pink. It is mesmerizing watching them.

[pinkertd]

They gotcha! Hook, line and sinker! Especially the hooked part!:grinyes:

[wesleydnunder]

Very nice, Snoop.

Mark

[snoopy65]

Thanks Mark!

[fishorama]

I like it, lots of swimming room, nicer background. The only thing that strikes me is the small upright wood on the right looks...lonely

[snoopy65]

Yeah, I was thinking that I needed to get another small piece or two for that side. I will have to keep my eyes open.

[snoopy65]

Well I am down to 6 discus. Details are in this thread http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203201 Gotta go, I...can't see to type right now.

[fishorama]

Oh, I'm so sorry snoopy, fingers crossed for your unhappy one.

[snoopy65]

Thanks fishorama. Hopefully I wasn't too late for it to pull through.

[snoopy65]

Just to update the thread. My 6 discus are now doing fine. They all seem none the worse for wear for their trial a few days ago. I think if all continues to go well, I will see about picking up 4 more from Discus Hans. Hopefully he will be able to bring them to the Erie meeting that I will be attending next month. I will have to ask him and see. Maybe a couple of the new Tefe and a couple of the Pigeon Blue.

[snoopy65]

The 6 are doing great. Hopefully I will be able to get some pics of them up later today. I have been even more paranoid about the tank since my low O2 nightmare. I have put 3 air stones in the tank, one on each end and one in the middle. I am not crazy about the bubbles look, but would rather have healthy, happy fish.

[snoopy65]

Just a couple of quick shots. What do you think?

[ayra321]

prrreeeeetttty:drool:.
but no really they look nice.

[snoopy65]

Thanks

[msjinkzd]

they are adorable! You are gonna love these early shots when they are full grown :)

[snoopy65]

Thanks MsJ. I hope to keep adding to this thread so that we all can see their growth.

[Arkangel77]

Whats awesom is after a few months and ya think back, dang that Guy use to be 1/2 that size - Look how great he looks now!!!!!!!!!

[snoopy65]

I can't wait!

[Star_Rider]

keep at it.. when I looked at the pic I went over to my discus tank ..man..they can get quite large..

[snoopy65]

I am hoping!

[snoopy65]

Updated pictures. Excuse the green spot algae, it is time for the razor blade to come out!

[Arkangel77]

Nice Nice!!!!!!!

[snoopy65]

Thanks Ark!

[Arkangel77]

Its really nice to watch them grow -I have a Blue Diamond who I get at like 1.5" size. He is a High Finned fish and he is easily doubbled in size. He is rapidly becomming one of my Favorit fish. I mostly dont even like Blue D's I just grabbed him for $10 so I figured why not. Just watching them develop is awsom!!!! I am hopping this Blue D keeps growing at his current rate and becomes a MONSTAR!!!!!!! lol

[snoopy65]

You need to take pictures of it, so that you can see how "little" it used to be.

[Arkangel77]

its hard to forget what a 1.5" discus looks like! It was the smallest Discus I had!

[pinkertd]

Babies are looking really good Snoopy!!

[snoopy65]

Thanks Pink!

[minka-1974]

They look lovely ... I am very jealous! :o

[snoopy65]

Thank you Minka.

Here are some so so pictures of them now. The largest is about 4" and the smallest 3 1/4" with the average of 3 1/2" or so. They are eating like pigs 6 times a day. The one in pic #6 has a scar on it's side and is the one I almost lost. It laid against the heater for 2 days and ended up with a wound. It has healed nicely and it is eating just as much as everyone else.

[msjinkzd]

wOW! they have really grown! Doing a great job snoopy!

[Star_Rider]

:thm::thm:

[Arkangel77]

:clap:Looking Good!!!!!!!!!!!

[pinkertd]

They are looking really super! I happen to really love the discus that show bars. Keep up the great work!

[snoopy65]

Thanks guys!

[snoopy65]

These guys are eating like pigs. They tussle a bit, but no major fighting. It is surprising, at least to me, that the smallest seems to be second in command with the biggest being the boss. They don't always stay together anymore and can be found swimming and exploring on their own. They do, however still school and are always front and center when I get close to the tank. They swim back and forth, looking at me as if to say....please feed us, we are starving. I know that is not the case. They get fed 6 times a day.

Their tank mates all seem to be doing well with the higher temp. My bolivians and aeneus cories have even spawned several times.

[JamieB]

:cool: Those are Beautiful!

[stratusfearrr]

awesome looking fish!

[snoopy65]

Thanks guys!

[Super Mutant]

Congratulations my friend!

[snoopy65]

Thank you

[snoopy65]

A single shot without the flash in sport mode (still the kodak easyshare so not the greatest). You can really tell what colors I am seeing in person with this picture. The flash washes them out so bad.

Enjoy

[Star_Rider]

they look really good

nice job

[froglover007]

Those are great!

[msjinkzd]

looking great, they are really growing up!

[snoopy65]

Thanks guys! Yeah they seem to be growing by the day.....They should, they eat like pigs.

[fireman5214]

wow those are great looking discus. im looking to get into discus maybe for breeding.

[pinkertd]

Those ones with the bars don't look so good!:liar:
They look terrible!:liar:
Pack them babies up and mail them to me QUICK!!!!!:laugh::laugh:

[snoopy65]

NOOOOOOO!! They really are coloring up soooo much!

[pam916]

They look great!

[snoopy65]

Thanks

[noodles62]

They are lovely fish and apparently quite happy!

[snoopy65]

Thanks Noods!

[fishorama]

Gorgeous fish!

[snoopy65]

Thank you

[LiL GinGeR]

r u gonna breed them someday? they are gorgeous by the way! :D

[snoopy65]

If any pair, I may try. Thanks by the way.

[snoopy65]

Some updated pics. So what do ya' think? And no Pink, I am not sending you the striped ones!:p:

[pinkertd]

You're just a halloween-ie-meanie! LOL!
They are gorgeous!!!! I LOVE them!

[fishorama]

They keep getting more & more beautiful, Snoopy.

Debbi, lets go trick or treating for discus at her house! If we dress as fish maybe she'll be distracted & not notice. I'll bring the coolers...

[snoopy65]

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:lmao

[pinkertd]

They keep getting more & more beautiful, Snoopy.

Debbi, lets go trick or treating for discus at her house! If we dress as fish maybe she'll be distracted & not notice. I'll bring the coolers...

I'm with ya on that one! And I know just where to get a guppy costume too! LOL!

[snoopy65]

Hehehe.....you have to get past the dogs!

[pinkertd]

Here doggy, doggy.....come get the nice big ham bone us two little fishies brought you for halloweenie......hahahahahaha....
We got it covered Snoop!

[snoopy65]

You are too funny Deb!

[stephcps]

Wow!!! I was just reviewing this thread (really the pics...). They have really grown. Absolutely gorgeous. Great job Snoopy!!

[snoopy65]

Thanks Stephcps!

[snoopy65]

Well it has been a week and a half since I posted pics of these guys.The first pic is with no flash and shows their true colors. As you can see by their fat bellies, all of them are pigs. All of them have definitely grown. Comments are welcome. Thanks

[Rbishop]

Great looking discus!!!

[snoopy65]

Thanks Bob.

[snoopy65]

Some new shots of my babies. These all were taken with no flash so you can see their colors as I do. The last pic is of the smallest....right at 4" now.

[Temptress]

They are so beautiful! I can't wait til I get mine someday =)

[fishorama]

Lovely!

[bigwave]

Very nice, their fins are nice and tall!

[snoopy65]

Thanks guys.

[pinkertd]

Very, very purdy!!!

[snoopy65]

Thanks Deb.

[Arkangel77]

WOW Snoops - they Look Great!

[snoopy65]

Thanks Ark.

[msjinkzd]

they have really come into their colors! Looking good :)

[snoopy65]

Thanks MsJ

[snoopy65]

The newest update of pictures of my discus. Their colors are really getting brighter and brighter. It is amazing looking back through this thread as to how much they have changed over the last 4 months. The fish in the center of the 4th and 5th pictures is the one I almost lost. It is now my 2nd largest coming in at about 4 1/2" not including it's tail. The largest one is almost 5" not including it's tail. The way I tell is, I have cut out circles in different diameters and taped them to the end of the tank. When I feed them they all come swimming over and I get a guestimation of their size.

Thanks for looking.

[pinkertd]

Just beautiful Snoop! Isn't it wonderful to feel how far YOU'VE come from the scary beginnings. And it's a good feeling when comfort and accomplishment replace fear of the unknown!!! Great work woman!!!

[Rbishop]

Their colors are quite striking!

[snoopy65]

Just beautiful Snoop! Isn't it wonderful to feel how far YOU'VE come from the scary beginnings. And it's a good feeling when comfort and accomplishment replace fear of the unknown!!! Great work woman!!!

Yes it is! and Thank you.


Their colors are quite striking!

Thanks

[fishorama]

Fantastic fish!

[snoopy65]

Thank you

[discus_lover]

nice terquoise....

[snoopy65]

Thanks

[wesleydnunder]

Just beautiful Snoop! Isn't it wonderful to feel how far YOU'VE come from the scary beginnings. And it's a good feeling when comfort and accomplishment replace fear of the unknown!!! Great work woman!!!

+1

Mark

[snoopy65]

Thank you

[RhondaAnn]

I just read this whole thread this morning. I loved it! The ups n' downs, and everything (especially the photos). You just might have inspired me to give discus a go! Thanks for the great updates & keep 'em coming!

[BreezeRuehls]

Wow, they are stunning!

[snoopy65]

I just read this whole thread this morning. I loved it! The ups n' downs, and everything (especially the photos). You just might have inspired me to give discus a go! Thanks for the great updates & keep 'em coming!

I was hoping to give a realistic account of raising them and will continue with the updates.


Wow, they are stunning!

Thanks!

[GlennR]

This is a looong thread & I'm a new guy around here.

Your Discus are beauties. What have you been feeding them?

I used to keep them and mine loved slices of frozen beef heart and live white worms. Are these still common Discus foods? They'd just go crazy tearing at the worms as they wiggled out of the feeding cone.

I can't wait to raise them again, but till I do I will visit here to enjoy yours. :)

[snoopy65]

This is a looong thread & I'm a new guy around here.

Welcome to AC!

Your Discus are beauties. What have you been feeding them?

Thank you. They eat only prepared foods from kensfish.com - flake, bits, and pellets, as well as freeze dried bloodworms.

I used to keep them and mine loved slices of frozen beef heart and live white worms. Are these still common Discus foods? They'd just go crazy tearing at the worms as they wiggled out of the feeding cone.

Most people still feed those foods I believe.
I can't wait to raise them again, but till I do I will visit here to enjoy yours.
:)


I can't wait to see yours in the future.

[snoopy65]

Just a quick note to say my babies are doing quite well still. After the first of the year the construction in the house to move our living room to the other end of the house will begin and I will be moving them from the tank they are now in a (110 gal) to a 125 gal with white substrate and light blue background. Some of the plants will be moved with them, but I think I am removing the swords as they take up too much swimming space. I also think I will be doing something different with the wood - more of it, but I am going to try and invert it so it appears to be roots hanging. We will see how it goes.

I also have VHO lighting on the tank, but am unsure if I should use all 4 bulbs. Each bulb is a 36" 95W 6500K T8 VHO. So what do you think, use all 4 or just 2? If I use 2 they will light the back half of the tank or the front half of the tank. I am thinking that if I use all 4, I will end up with an algae problem because I do not use CO2. The lights came with the tank and up until now I have only used half at a time.

Stay tuned tomorrow for updated pics of the discus.

[fishorama]

I think the lighting will depend on what plants you keep & if it changes how the discus look. Can't wait for new pics!

[pinkertd]

looking forward to updates!!

[Arkangel77]

WHOOT!

[snoopy65]

Here are some updated pics. Sorry they aren't the best quality. The thing I can't get over is how they almost appear to be neon. You would think they could glow in the dark.

[FindingBlemo]

Beautiful discus, I must say I'm rather jealous, yet inspired. :)

[pinkertd]

They are super duper awesome Snoopy!!! Great shots!

[snoopy65]

Thanks guys.

[fishorama]

Wow!!!

[GlennR]

Here are some updated pics. Sorry they aren't the best quality. The thing I can't get over is how they almost appear to be neon. You would think they could glow in the dark.



Hmmm?

I wonder how they'd look lit by a blacklight? I'm sure somebody's tried it, but I haven't seen it before. Might be a good "party trick":dance:

[snoopy65]

I have a black light bulb here some where.....Maybe I can get hubby to hook it up somehow.

[ROYWS3]

So how big are your babies now? They look to be growing like weeds!!

ROY

[snoopy65]

They all are between 4 1/2" and 5 1/2" not including their tales.

[snoopy65]

Just a quick update on these guys. They all are doing well and eating like pigs. I thought they slowed down with the feeding, but not mine. I will get some pics up tomorrow.

[bigwave]

Good, I am glad they are continuing to do well.

[snoopy65]

I meant to take pictures yesterday and got side tracked, but here they are. I can't wait to get them moved to their new spot in the house. It is so much lighter there and they will have a white substrate so their colors should be even brighter.

[Arkangel77]

Incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[snoopy65]

Thanks Ark!

[pinkertd]

Total sweetness!!!

[snoopy65]

Thanks Deb

[fishinmt]

Very beautiful! You've done a great job.
I can't wait to see picts in their new home.

[snoopy65]

Thank you, I am hoping to have them moved by next weekend.

[Rbishop]

Great looking fish! Can't wait to see them in the new location.

[snoopy65]

Thanks Bob, it is going to be interesting moving everything. I am not sure which way is the easiest to move discus. Anyone have any ideas?

[wesleydnunder]

Gorgeous fish Snoop. You're doin' a great job...they look healthy and happy.

Mark

[snoopy65]

Thanks Mark

[wesleydnunder]

This past year I pulled all but a few plants out of my discus tank and changed the substrate from fluorite to white pool filter sand. I'm so glad I did. Along with being much easier to clean I get the added benefit of watching the new feeding behavior. Now the discus blow little puffs of water into the sand to expose food...so cool.

Mark

[rich_one]

nice fish, man! a few years ago, when I moved my discus, I simply filled the new tank with water, got the temp up to match the tank they were in, took the filter from the tank they were in and put it on the new tank (along with, of course, the new filter system I had with the new tank, which was bigger), and then I just netted them from the old tank, and plopped them right into the new tank. the old filter seeded the tank, so there was minimum cycle... I watched closely, and stayed on my usual water change schedule... no problems at all when I did it that way.

whatever way you go with, good luck!

-Rich

[snoopy65]

Thanks Rich, for the info. Yeah, their filters are moving with them. I just want to stress them as little as possible.

[rich_one]

no problem... I would also say that anything you can take from the old tank... wood... plants... whatever... that you can add into the new tank, can only help. espeically anything like wood or even take a stocking, and fill it with some of the gravel from the old tank, and just sit in the new tank for a while. it will help the mini cycle happen even faster. just fyi. then, once everything is stable, just remove it!

your discus should be fine... they are tougher than people think... ESPECIALLY those Stendhkers... imo, the most bulletproof discus available anywhere!

-Rich

[snoopy65]

All of their wood and the anubias is moving over with them. Some of the other fish will be moving with the discus, but I am going to try and get some fry from my 4 rams. They spawn all of the time but everything gets eaten. One of my bn plecos will be moving to a different tank as well, so the bioload will be less. I am planning on daily 25% H2O changes anyway just to make sure.

[rich_one]

sounds good. you should be good to go with the move then! let us know how it goes... can't wait to see the new pics!

[Sportsnutim]

Cool! Where did you get these discus? We need a couple of new ones after we transfer the mating pair.

[snoopy65]

I ordered them from Discus Hans.

[snoopy65]

It has taken longer than originally expected, but the discus move into their new tank tomorrow. Updates with pictures tomorrow night.

[rich_one]

cool... can't wait to see 'em!

-Rich