DISCUS!!!

[onyx5445]

Okay so I just got my first discus and I am super excited- I have no pics yet but will have some up soon, the water has a pH of 7.3, no clue about gH yet... a penguin 480 filter, eco complete substrate, DIY co2, all kinds of plants, age sycamore in a root shape, a large mopani log, a ceramic pot, 2 bolivian rams, 1 marlboro red discus, 1 _____ discus, 3 hatchetfish, 6 beckfords pencilfish and T5 lighting.

Tell me any suggestions or ideas or areas where I need to change something, Thanks!!!!!

 

[golfproinlexky]

Congrats! I love discus and am somewhat new to them myself. I've had mine since March. Everyone on here will tell you that you need more than one or two discus....most people say at least 6 to keep them from picking on one another. I have two that seem to get along fine, but they definitely have a pecking order. All of your other parameters look good to me. Good luck!

 

[avionics30]

Get more discus! They do better with mates! What is your tank size? Try to stick ot the 6 to 10 gallons per fish and max your tank out. They are fantastic fish!

 

[The Zigman]

Yes, dicsus usually do better in groups of 5 or more...
What is your tank temperature?

 

[Star_Rider]

Discus in general will prefer the company of other Discus. figure roughly 10 gallons per fish so minimum tank size is a 55 with a 75 being more favorable.

you can do 5-6 in a 55 but may find that a bit cramped.

if the discus are young(juvies) you will need to feed 4+ X per day and you will need to remove uneaten food.. they forage so pick at food thru the day.
they prefer meaty diets .
as a result of the feeding schedule.. be prepared to change water several times per week with small daily changes preferred.

tank temp for young discus should be 84-88 f.

 

[onyx5445]

... I have been feeding them only frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp 1 time per day and they are doing fine, 1 have three and they are getting along famousely and 20 perecnt water changes twice per week is going great, for me, at least none of the normal advice realy applies and they are doing fine. I'll have pictures soon.

 

[pinkertd]

If they are not adult discus that you purchased and you continue to only feed once/day, you will stunt those fish, no doubt about it. You won't see it right away, but you'll see it eventually. 6-8 months from now you'll find they haven't really grown much. Sorry, but young, growing fish need more frequent feedings....that goes for all young fish, not just discus. It's just easier to see discus stunting as they get older.

 

[Star_Rider]

:iagree: I agree with Deb here.
if these are juvies.. you may not see the effects of feeding 1x daily until they show signs of stunting.

remember discus are foragers...adults will have large bodies and small digestive systems...and usually in warmer water than most tropicals. as a result they have higher metabolisms and search for food thru the day.

adults may get by with a single feeding(my adults get fed at least 2X daily)

 

[onyx5445]

k i'll try to feed more or get an automatic feeder.

 

[yourchoice]

How big are they?3 won`T work.Probably using each other for security right now.Are they eating flakes that you feed the others..Problems when they get bigger.