Discus Questions

[MarkInNC]

I am considering a second tank and looking into raising Discus fish. My current tank is a 45 gal community tank and I plan to keep it.

I have spent some time over the past several weeks reading about the requirements for raising discus. In short, I may not be a candidate as it seems that they require daily water changes and several feedings throughout the day to stay happy. I work and the fish are home under the care of my dog during the day, (she cant handle water changes yet).

I happened to be in a meeting in NY two weeks ago and the meeting was in the office of one of the folks I was meeting with. There was a very nice tank in that office with a half dozen discus who looked very happy. I could not resist and so I asked about the fish and their care. The guy said the previous office tenant brought the tank and the fish in and left them when he moved on. In terms of care, I was told that weekly water changes were done and feeding was done twice daily. That sounds like what I am doing for my community tank.

These were mature discus reported to be about six years old. Do mature discus require less stringent care than juveniles? Are there some species of discus that require less stringent care than others?

thanks,

Mark

[fishorama]

Yes, adult discus don't need quite as many WCs or feeding as juvinles. I have juvies & change water, 30-50% daily and feed 5-7times a day. I can't wait until they're bigger, little cute PITAs LOL.

I'm a stay at home fish mom but others use autofeeders for some dried food feedings.

[pinkertd]

Adult discus are a lot less care! Mine get weekly water changes now, 75% each week, and get fed twice a day. While the adults are more expensive, not unlike a lot of other fish...the bigger the fish the more $$$, they are much easier to maintain. Between raising plecos and cories and keeping my fry tanks growing and clean, my adult discus tank is the tank that requires the least amount of maintenance!

[fishorama]

I'm jealous Debbi!

[pinkertd]

You'll be there soon! I paid my dues!!!;)

[sushiray]

I am considering a second tank and looking into raising Discus fish. My current tank is a 45 gal community tank and I plan to keep it.

I have spent some time over the past several weeks reading about the requirements for raising discus. In short, I may not be a candidate as it seems that they require daily water changes and several feedings throughout the day to stay happy. I work and the fish are home under the care of my dog during the day, (she cant handle water changes yet).

I happened to be in a meeting in NY two weeks ago and the meeting was in the office of one of the folks I was meeting with. There was a very nice tank in that office with a half dozen discus who looked very happy. I could not resist and so I asked about the fish and their care. The guy said the previous office tenant brought the tank and the fish in and left them when he moved on. In terms of care, I was told that weekly water changes were done and feeding was done twice daily. That sounds like what I am doing for my community tank.

These were mature discus reported to be about six years old. Do mature discus require less stringent care than juveniles? Are there some species of discus that require less stringent care than others?

thanks,

Mark

I started with discus juvies in june, have had my share of setbacks - mainly due to poor judgement - I didn't QT any new fish intros so I paid the price & am still paying for those mistakes. Many have done quite well including snoopy - even in a planted tank! so if you really like discus, go for it but don't make any rookie mistakes like I did - then you'll do great!