discus & bottom reflection

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fishorama

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Jun 28, 2006
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SF Bay area, CA
I just got some 2" baby discus a couple days ago. They are in tank with a thin layer of sand that I'm slowly removing with water changes. So there are some bare glass areas that 1 juvie seems especially fascinated by but I've seen a couple others do it too. They go sideways looking at the "other fish", & sort of head shake-body teeter, not like flashing more of the "intimidation look".

So I'm wondering if I should put something on the underside? Not sure it will change the reflectiveness much. But there is a tank below theirs' & that would block any light. Any suggestions? Or will they get over it?
 
if you block it ., it may become more reflective
on the dark sides of my 29 I have an angel that looks at his reflection. I suspect he thinks it's another male.
 
So do you think bare is better? That's what the breeder had & I'm sure it'll be easier to clean & for the fish to find food.

I left the sand because their bioload was maybe a bit more than the seeded filter I used was used to. I was worried with all the meals I'd be feeding but so far so good, 0,0 & < 5 nitrates (new mom syndrome, always checking).

These were an anniversary gift for my husband, he thinks discus are "difficult" because we tried them >25 years ago when we were newbish.
 
for juvenile discus yes bare is better.
juvies need lots of feedings at least 4 with daily water changes ..with lots of food you will need to remove waste and un eaten food.

warm water for juvies 86-88 f

I would do daily small water changes to clean the bottom and 3 weekly water changes of 50% on top.
for adults you could go planted or light substrate and potted plantswhich will also work in a bare bottom.
 
I've heard of some breeders gluing a thin layer of sand on the bottom so they can get used to a more natural setting but at the same time making vacuuming as simple as a bare bottom.
 
Good ideas but I don't want to move them to try something until they're quite a bit more settled. I guess I'll keep removing the sand then if they seem obsessed about it. I can try taping paper or something underneath. Light colors are better for discus?

Thanks for the tips, Star_Rider. I have been doing daily WCs, ~20-30% but hadn't really thought of large ones yet, good idea.

I have been feeding 5 or 6 times a day, lots of variety. Some are better at trying new food right away than others. They're still adjusting, but I feel like it's going pretty well so far.
 
Hey congrats! It always seemed to me that the discus were weird when they had a clear bottom to the tank, so I used to cut cardboard to put under the tank. Spray painting the bottoms is good but has to be done beforehand. How many did you get?
 
Thanks, Debbi, cardboard is a good idea. I got 10 from a local guy. I thought 6 or 8 would be good but let my husband convince me we "needed" 10 :Angel:. No vacations for a while, I can't imagine leaving them with a sitter :eek3:
 
the general concensus is light colors are better.. some feel the dark colors will bring out the peppering in some of the light colored fish.
 
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