Need help: How to safely transport discus?

[Bree7]

Hey guys, looking for some help.

I am planning to buy 6 small discus (2.5-3 inches) in a couple of weeks. Their setup will be a 55 gallon bare bottom (or light, very thin sand bed), heated to 83 degrees. I'm thinking of getting a couple of sponge filters instead of using my current HOB's (although they've worked wonders for me) because 1.) they are impossibly loud, and 2.) the water flow they give out is very strong. Water changes will be 3-4 times a week at 50%, and eventually I will add a small school of smaller tetras. Farther down the road I will consider making it a show tank after they have grown and fully settled in- but that's a long way off, I want to make sure they start off great with a super clean, healthy tank.

Overall, I'm super excited for the new additions and the tank! I have a couple of questions, though.

The discus are located 3 hours away. There are absolutely NO discus locally, and the place I will be getting them at keeps very quality fish. I am hoping for some advice on the safest, best way to transport them from the store to my home. I know I will have to find a way to keep the water warm, oxygenated, and clean during the drive- but how? I need all the advice I can get on this, I don't want to do it wrong or have any mishaps along the way!

Also, if/when changing my filters from HOB to sponge, how would you suggest I do it... I don't want to remove the good bacteria in the HOB's because I would have to completely re-cycle the tank. Should I keep the sponge filters in with the HOB's for a while so the bacteria will spread and then remove them? Thoughts?

Thank you SO much guys :) The help is appreciated.

-Bree

[stephcps]

Leave one of your HOBs going with your two sponge filters for a couple of weeks. With your frquent water changes it is actually not that big of a deal.

When I bought my first discus, the hobbyist I bought from was 2.5 hours away. I brought a cooler and placed the fish in the bags in the cooler. That way They were fairly stationary and stayed warm. It was winter as well...everyone stayed nice and toasty!

Good luck!! Remember it is supposed to be fun! I love my Discus...but they really are a lot of work! Don't forget to keep reading.

Steph

[Reframer]

You are giong to have to put the sponge filters in the tank for awhile before taking out the HOB. I have both in my tank, my HOB is an aqutech, cheap from Walmart and makes zero noise.
But I would think you could get a rubbermaid container with a battery air pump and keep the car warm.

[Bree7]

I called the shop- they said the most they can do for the trip is double bag them and pack them in a Styrofoam box inside a cardboard box. Think this will be alright for 3 hours? I will keep the car warm! :)

[stephcps]

I think you will be fine. That should provide a fairly consistent temp until you get them home.

What kind are you getting?

[msjinkzd]

that should be fine. Waht I usually do is take a 5g bucket lined with shipping bags (to preserve their slime coat). I drill a hole in the lid and run an airline with an airstone in and use one of the airpumps with the converter to plug into the car lighter.

[ponderingky]

The best way I have found is like msjinkz suggested. I use a 5 gallon bucket w/and air stone and heater. I have a voltage converter that plugs into my car and has 2 regular plug outlets to plug in the heater and air pump. Works like a charm and I wouldn't be overly concerned on keeping the water 84 degrees for such a short time. They will be fine. I have just found the fish I transport in this way are much less stressed and it is easy to acclimate them because they are already in the bucket.

Good luck - I love discus!

[Bree7]

Thanks for all of the help, guys! I feel a lot more comfortable for the drive now, and less worried. I had one other random question-

Since I figure I'll be changing the water so often and consistently, I am thinking about moving the tank to a location that is near a window (but not in direct sunlight). My thought is that this will make it extremely simple to drain the tank- just syphon it outside. My question is, can I use the garden hose outside the window to fill it back up? This would make it SO much more simple to change water and take away the bucket.... after bucket... after bucket system! Any thoughts on that? We've never used any chemicals on our yard, or hardly even used the hose- although I could get a brand new hose to ensure it's cleanliness/safety.

Yes? No?

Thanks again.

[ponderingky]

Hey Bree,

Since you are committing to proper care for your discus (several w/c's a week - daily is best when they are young) I would invest in a python water changing system (or something similar). They aren't that expensive and it will make your water changes a breeze. I would not use a garden hose for your water changes unless it is rated "drinking water safe" (Big Lots carries one for about $8 I think).

Also - you will read a lot of differing opinions on using straight tap water for your water changes. I used a barrel to hold my tap water for 24 hours before adding it to my discus tank to stabilize my ph (had a heater and air stone in it). Make sure the barrel is rated food safe - other types could leach toxins into your water, I found this out the hard way. After my fish matured I switched to straight tap water and really didn't see any difference. But I cut my water changes down to 2 or 3 times a week instead of daily (which I did for several months as they were growing). I never used RO water or anything to lower my PH - these are tank raised discus not wild caught from the Amazon. Warm, clean, ph stable water is what your discus will thrive in.

Discus are demanding but worth it,

[stephcps]

Test your tap water first, to make sure your PH stays stable. It is best to put it a container with heater and aerator for 24 hours. Test PH before and after. If the ph is stable, you can use your tap water without difficulty. If it is not, you will need to age your water first. You need to heat the water to pretty close to tank temp. A python or something similar is a must. My outside faucet water was nowhere near 86 degrees. Though I am able to use my inside faucet for refilling of tank where I can adjust temp.

[Bree7]

Test your tap water first, to make sure your PH stays stable. It is best to put it a container with heater and aerator for 24 hours. Test PH before and after. If the ph is stable, you can use your tap water without difficulty. If it is not, you will need to age your water first. You need to heat the water to pretty close to tank temp. A python or something similar is a must. My outside faucet water was nowhere near 86 degrees. Though I am able to use my inside faucet for refilling of tank where I can adjust temp.

Thanks, I hadn't thought about the temperature of the outside water- of course it will be cold! I will have to find a container and heat the water for a day ahead of time. I'll use the air pump too. Sounds good. Thank you :)

And Ponderingky- I do have a python, but the tank is nowhere near a faucet other than the one outside.

[DiscusOnly]

Know your water. I find it safer to use product such as seachem safe or prime to take out the chlorine. I use straight tap water for my water change and I do as much as 80% in some of my tanks.

If you are going to use straigh tap water without aging, there is no way you are going to get the right temperature unless you mix with your hot water. It's perfectly fine to do so as well. I use a mixing valve on my faucet so water comes out around 84-85 degree.

Not only should you change the water and suction off the waste. You should wipe your tank down when you do your water changes. Depending on your feeding schedule, types of food and bio load, you may be able to do 50%-60% wc every other day. My recommendation is to over do your water change in the beginning without stressing discus. Scale back as you figure out your schedule.

[Star_Rider]

Bree7
good luck hope you enjoy the fruits of your labors.
FYI, I noticed you were setting the temp to 83f?
this may be a bit cool for Discus Juvies.

you may want to consider increase to 86.

one thing about discus.. they tend to show stress easily. they lose color and darken..
they will prob do this for a few days after you get them..
lots of sound advice mentioned

[Bree7]

Bree7
good luck hope you enjoy the fruits of your labors.
FYI, I noticed you were setting the temp to 83f?
this may be a bit cool for Discus Juvies.

you may want to consider increase to 86.

one thing about discus.. they tend to show stress easily. they lose color and darken..
they will prob do this for a few days after you get them..
lots of sound advice mentioned

Actually, I meant 85, but 85-86, I plan to be around there.

So I found the discus I want from Discus Hans, and I thought I'd get some input.

These are the six I plan to buy:


1 blue/cobalt
1 red scribblet
1 pigeon blood
1 blue pigeon blood
1 marlboro red
1 flachen

and the total is $234 (this includes shipping, which was pretty pricey.)
Considering the amazing quality that Hans holds, I figure this will end up being a pretty good deal in the long run. My other plan would be to spend $160 on the 6 discus out of town which are nowhere near Discus Hans quality.

I figure that ordering from Hans instead of from the fish store will help eliminate stress and I'll end up with more healthy fish.

Has anyone here had experience ordering from Hans, and is this what you would reccomend?

Thanks again for ALL of your help guys- I definitely came to the right place :)

-Bree

[stephcps]

I would personally go with someone like Hans for the quality. I know from what I have read on Simplydiscus, his packing and shipping is excellent. In my opinion, with any fish, not just Discus, it is always good to go with quality stock. Stendkers are quality.

[Bree7]

I would personally go with someone like Hans for the quality. I know from what I have read on Simplydiscus, his packing and shipping is excellent. In my opinion, with any fish, not just Discus, it is always good to go with quality stock. Stendkers are quality.


That's my thought. I suppose I will get what I pay for!
I'll either do Hans or Kenny from SimplyDiscus.com

[DiscusOnly]

Actually, I meant 85, but 85-86, I plan to be around there.


These are the six I plan to buy:


1 blue/cobalt
1 red scribblet
1 pigeon blood
1 blue pigeon blood
1 marlboro red
1 flachen


Why such variety. I personally think you will be better off getting 2 of 3 different strains or 3 or 2 strains.

for example:

3 red scriblet
3 ss pigeon

or

2 red scriblet
2 ss pigeon
2 flachen

As for ordering from Hans, I've only gotten his discus in person. I am lucky enough to be a few hours driving disctance so I go there to pick them out myself. It's like a kid being in a candy store.

Kenny is also very good to deal with. He specializes in Asian import so if you looking for albino, he is the guy to go to.

Hope that helps.

Van

[Bree7]

Why such variety. I personally think you will be better off getting 2 of 3 different strains or 3 or 2 strains.

for example:

3 red scriblet
3 ss pigeon

or

2 red scriblet
2 ss pigeon
2 flachen

As for ordering from Hans, I've only gotten his discus in person. I am lucky enough to be a few hours driving disctance so I go there to pick them out myself. It's like a kid being in a candy store.

Kenny is also very good to deal with. He specializes in Asian import so if you looking for albino, he is the guy to go to.

Hope that helps.

Van


I guess it's just my personal preference. I really like a lot of color and variety. I don't really want duplicates, I want them all to be different. Is there a reason you suggest I get less variety or is that just your personal preference?

No kidding, I'm pretty sure if I visited Hans my wallet would explode. I'd never leave empty handed- that's for sure!

Kenny has an insane June shipment and some killer albinos. Not sure what I'll do yet.

Thanks for all the advice!

[stephcps]

If you want Kenny's you better order fast. His shipments almost always sell out.

[DiscusOnly]

It's a personal preference. These may be domestic discus but having 1 of each color strains just doesn't look natural. Discus are usually in group. A group of different strain, never less different color just doesn't look natural. Again, it's a personal preference.

Now from a future paring reason. Just in case you may want to breed them in the future, having 3 of the same strain gives you a good chance of getting a pair of the same. Not a guarantee cause you may get all 3 male or all 3 female but it would be better than having 2 different strains pair up. Some strains can pair up fine but it get's tricky.

Also another thing to consider is that some discus strain are better with certain food than others. A lot of the food out there have color enhancer in them, especially for red discus. You don't want to feed them to blue discus.

[stephcps]

I don't know, I like the variety myself. Look at a lot of pics and decide what YOU like. You are gonna be spending a lot of time with them!! LOL

[Bree7]

Oh I know, Kenny sells out fast. I've been in communication with him for the last few days and I think this is what I'm going to do.

If I don't order from Hans, I will get these:

(1) 3-3.5" Albino Pearl Diamond (striated type)
(2) 3.5" Checkerboard Pigeon
(1) 3.5" Blue Diamond (select-grade with red eyes)
(1) 4" Altum Flora

And possibly a 6th. Is 5 discus enough, or do I absolutely need 6 to keep aggression down?

I know that Kenny's fish will be bigger and therefore have a more developed color than Hans' because I would have to get a 2.5 size (from discus hans) to be able to afford it, but Hans is also like, the most famous quality discus breeder out there.

So I can't choose. Kenny or Hans?? Which group sounds better?

Help! :) :)

[Bree7]

link to Kenny's new shipment that I'd be ordering from:
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?t=79885

help me decide :)

[DiscusOnly]

Oh I know, Kenny sells out fast. I've been in communication with him for the last few days and I think this is what I'm going to do.

If I don't order from Hans, I will get these:

(1) 3-3.5" Albino Pearl Diamond (striated type)
(2) 3.5" Checkerboard Pigeon
(1) 3.5" Blue Diamond (select-grade with red eyes)
(1) 4" Altum Flora

And possibly a 6th. Is 5 discus enough, or do I absolutely need 6 to keep aggression down?

I know that Kenny's fish will be bigger and therefore have a more developed color than Hans' because I would have to get a 2.5 size (from discus hans) to be able to afford it, but Hans is also like, the most famous quality discus breeder out there.

So I can't choose. Kenny or Hans?? Which group sounds better?

Help! :) :)


Those 5 discus will cost you more than $238 shipped. If you are willing to spend more, get the bigger discus.

[Bree7]

Those 5 discus will cost you more than $238 shipped. If you are willing to spend more, get the bigger discus.


They are $217 without shipping. Still waiting on a quote. So it will still be pretty close...

[DiscusOnly]

They are $217 without shipping. Still waiting on a quote. So it will still be pretty close...

In the past, my airport to airport shipping charges for discus from Kenny has always been close to $80-$100.

[Bree7]

In the past, my airport to airport shipping charges for discus from Kenny has always been close to $80-$100.

Uh-oh... Well I haven't heard back from him with a quote yet but I had no idea that his shipping might be so pricey. I figured $60 tops.

Hmm.. I'll see what he says. I may have to go with Hans.

Really though, it will be a win-win situation either way. They are both amazing sources in my opinion.

[DiscusOnly]

Uh-oh... Well I haven't heard back from him with a quote yet but I had no idea that his shipping might be so pricey. I figured $60 tops.

Hmm.. I'll see what he says. I may have to go with Hans.

Really though, it will be a win-win situation either way. They are both amazing sources in my opinion.

His shipping is pricey cause airport to airport shipping is expensive (I would not receive shipped discus any other way). If you use Fedex, it may be cheaper but there is nothing like being able to get a call from Kenny to tell me that the discus is on it's way with an airbill number. I go to the airport 30 minutes after the flight arrives and get my discus.

[stephcps]

Having done juvies...I would get the largest I could afford.
6 would be better, but 5 is OK.
I love Kenny's Altum Flora.

I've only ever rec'd fish Fedex overnight.

[Bree7]

The ones you bought from Kenny were shipped fedex overnight? Relatively how much was shipping? And did they arrive in good condition?

The Altum Flora and the Albino Pearl Diamonds are my favorite.

[stephcps]

I have not bought any fish from Kenny...yet! I have my eye on a few, but lack the funds. Saving up. But, he is highly regarded on Simply as is Hans. I don't think you could go wrong with either. I really would recommend getting the biggest fish you can afford. Even if it is a 3 inch versus a 2 inch. It is tempting to buy the smaller...they are cheaper...sometimes a lot cheaper! But, they are also harder to care for and easier to fall sick if stressed.
So, that would be my biggest suggestion.

[stephcps]

Hey...where are you located?

[Bree7]

Oregon, why?

[Bree7]

Oregon, why?

[Bree7]

hmm... not sure why that posted twice. :huh:

[Bree7]

I have not bought any fish from Kenny...yet! I have my eye on a few, but lack the funds. Saving up. But, he is highly regarded on Simply as is Hans. I don't think you could go wrong with either. I really would recommend getting the biggest fish you can afford. Even if it is a 3 inch versus a 2 inch. It is tempting to buy the smaller...they are cheaper...sometimes a lot cheaper! But, they are also harder to care for and easier to fall sick if stressed.
So, that would be my biggest suggestion.

I guess in this case it's smaller and (1) more, or bigger and (1) less.

[stephcps]

Just wondering...I know there are some hobbyist breeders down South that sometimes have some really nice fish...but doesn't help you as they don't ship. Oh well....

I really would go 1 less if it gives you bigger fish.

[Bree7]

Thanks for all the help, Steph (and everyone else!) you've really been helpful. :rolleyes:

I'll go with Kenny's discus if his shipping prices are manageable. Still haven't heard back from him, we'll see... I'll start a full tank thread when I get it started!

[stephcps]

Your Welcome!! Good Luck!!