Discus Care? Need help.

[Dow]

New to the hobby! I need a tank and all but I really need to know more of what it takes to care for these beautiful fish. Any help?

[newb]

religious water changes. like at least 2x 50% per week.

[Darbex]

I would say WC depends on how big the tank is, how many discus you get, and whether its adults or juvies. Have you ever kept fish at all?

[Dow]

I've kept multiple fish for years but it's always been in smaller tanks with "trash fish". Small things that you buy when you're trying to stabalize your tank before moving to the more expencive ones. I've kept maintanence for my little brother's 30gallon tank and my 2 ten gallons and my little sister's 10 gallon. I just want to move up a level or two away from beginner fish. I don't have a tank yet, but I'm buying a 44 gallon pentagon set up and I want to raise them from juvies.

[Darbex]

Well read on the internet as much as you can. But I will say that 44 gallons is to small when they get bigger. Discus will grow to 8" if care for properly. Also note that keeping juvies requires near constant feedings to grow them right this causes the water to become polluted quickly with that issue in hand you will need to do daily WC

[Dow]

Huh.. Thank you! I've read tons already but I'm still going at it. I'm going to start out with some smaller cichlids at first and get that going, then save up and see what I can do.

[jeebus]

Discus are VERY messy. I'm not sure why and I'm not sure how. Unlike Tropheus I NEVER see them pooping but the tank is filled with it. I wonder if they are just shy and go at night...

[myjohnson]

religious water changes. like at least 2x 50% per week.

F that!

You want to do it right.....automatic water change man.

[wesleydnunder]

Keep 'em warm, keep 'em fed, keep 'em clean.

That was the advice from the breeder I bought my first discus from in 1989. It has never failed me.

Like Brian said, WC depends on the situation. If you grow out juvies, I'd suggest bare bottom with few decorations or frills for your first time. Keep the temp in the mid 80s. Feed as many times a day as you can...small amouts as discus are grazers and wait for the food to fall, then peck it off the bottom.

The minimum tank size for 4 or 5 discus to start would be a 55, IMO.

Mark

[newb]

My first Discus setup was a 42gallon hexagon and Dan(old school genious with these fish) suggested that I get 5 and could keep them in there for good. I think you tank will be fine, just remember that the smaller amount of water you have...the smaller room for error you have as well. good filtration and lots of feedings are really good for these fish. just dont get lazy on the water change is the only thing.

[szidlon]

Ditto on what wesleydunder said, but I would add to make sure you purchase your discus from a reputable store. Houston Aquarium Warehouse is an excellent source for discus and help getting started with them. I will say that I don't agree with putting discus in a hex tank, but that's just my own personal taste. Do some research on what to look for with discus, such as a nice rounded shape, ovals are not good, etc. If you can afford to buy larger ones to start with, it may make the road a little easier for you. I don't try to discourage new fishkeepers from trying discus, but I think they should know what they're getting into. It can be very discourging to start with a somewhat challenging species and fail, not to mention the potential financial loss. Educate yourself on what to look for as far as the first signs of illness with them and react quickly.

[jeebus]

I agree. We jumped into Tropheus way too soon and had a hard first year with them. I think by the time we got to Discus we had gained enough experience to know how to handle them.