Discus advice please

D

david emmett

AC Members
Nov 21, 2005
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I'm setting up my 60g hex tank over at my brother in laws place but its going to be me who takes care of it so I'm looking for some advice. I've already cycled the tank and am now looking to put a pair of discus in it. I was looking at the golden discus to start with since this is my first tank with them, I found them at "that fish place .com" for $29.00 ea. plus shipping not sure if thats a good price or not also not sure if that the best place to order them from, any advice about where else might be a good place to order them from would be meet graditude or any other pointers would be helpful as well and as always thanx in advance,
Dave E
 
did you do a fishless cycle? fish cycle?
how did you cycle the tank?

is this a bare bottom tank?? planted??

I wonder because you say:"I'm setting up my 60g hex tank "

then go on to say"I've already cycled the tank "

with discus it is essential that the tank has completed the nitrogen cycle.

they are not tolerant of ammonia, nitrites and too mauch nitrates.


also discus do better in small groups not in pairs..atleast 4 but preferrably 5-6.
generally in a 60 you should have no problems but a hex tends to throw a wrench into the works as with all the corners you may have issues with room.

I'm not sure how much room is on a 60 hex ;)
but you may be fine.

as far as the price..it all depends on if you have any local breeders..and what threy have in the LFS..there is one close to me that has a decent price on their discus..$30 each these are 3-3.5" juveniles but a good healthy size.

if you get smaller discus be prepared to do lots of water changes and feedings.

you can also get plenty of info at simplydiscus.com
 
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I agree with the others who stated that a pair of discus isn't the best choice, you probably want to go with about a half dozen.

You need access to plenty of soft acidic water in the 84 - 86 F range. Very clean, plenty of water changes. I use bare bottom tanks for my discus and put plants in terra cotta pots. Many people are successful with various types of fish as tank mates with discus, I prefer a few cories and that is it. Discus thrive on the company, competition, and territoriality of other discus.

Personally, I don't think a hex tank is the best choice for discus because you maintain higher water temperatures. Oxygen levels in a deeper hex tank will be more of a concern than with a conventional tank (less surface area). This is a problem with any type of fish in a hex tank setup. This being said, I'm sure there are many people who happily keep discus in hex tanks.
 
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