No clue how long ago that was, but a lot has changed in discus keeping. Like altum angels, what were once considered finiicky, hard to keep animals are now within reach because the vast majority of animals are being bred in captivity. This means a few things, like feeding, is less of an issue. The animals will take prepared foods. They are fine in a wider range of water chemistry. I'm in the PA/NJ area, and I know several people who keep them in planted tanks with minimal 'extra' care, and there are several hobbyist breeders in the various local clubs as well as importers bringing in fish from Germany and elsewhere.