[am3ience]

Hi guys,

I have a 55 gallon tank that's been up and running for almost two years now, kinda want to sell all the livestock and start over, was thinking of doing a Discus tank. I heard they're pretty hard to keep and require constant water changes, and i'm fine with that since I got a python and water changes are pretty quick. My only concern is water chemistry. I know we have it easy here in the Lower Mainland, I have never had to use de-chlorinaters for my freshwater or my saltwater tanks, but will Discus caring be different? Any experienced local discus keepers have any tips to keep water quality up? Can i just do water changes like i do them now, straight in from the tap?

Thanks for any replies

 

[DunderBear]

Dechlorinators not needed? I recommended using it to be safe otherwise one time there goes all your fish.

 

[am3ience]

Dechlorinators not needed? I recommended using it to be safe otherwise one time there goes all your fish.

I've not used a decholorinator in a couple years now and haven't lost a fish due to that. But if Discus need it i'm willing to use it.

 

[DunderBear]

They are the same as other fish and whatever works for you, I just thought I'd warn you as if somehow chlorine gets into your tank when you don't use dechlorinator there goes your discus stock of like 300$+

 

[kim86]

You can do direct to the tank from tap, but add dechlorinator to the tank first. Prime works best IMO. I've been doing this for my discus and other fish. Chlorine and chloramines are no bueno!

 

[April]

Also with discus you may want to do bigger wcs. 50 percent or more daily or every second day for food growth and shape.
The main thing with discus is even ph. And regular wcs keeps ph from sliding . I buffer with equilibrium to add minerals for stable water and better growth.
Discus can lose growth time very fast if stressed. They aren't hard if you start with good healthy stock , and get a group of 6 or more all the same size and from the same supplier at the same time.
Check with Canadian aqua farm for healthy discus.
Always check the eye size to body . Big eye and you can only fit three eye heights from top to bottom they are already stunted. I'll try find a pic


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[am3ience]

I can't add Discus gradually to the tank? Do they have to be all added at once?

 

[April]

Yes for good results and no risk of major disease. They will harass each other till the lower one won't eat , they are cichlids. They need 6 . Two doesn't work and would be scared, three they will pummel one till it dies, 4 isn't good either . 5 possibly.
Also different farms and suppliers have different immunities or have been exposed to different virus or bacterial skin infections and you could end up with the innocent ones getting sick.
Go here ... And read beginner section
.if you want to do it stsrt right for a good experience and trying to save a bit of money you end up with unhealthy, poorly started discus or someone else's problems they want to dump.
Http://forum.simplydiscus.com
It's worth reading to be informed . Beginner section.

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[tony1928]

I can't add Discus gradually to the tank? Do they have to be all added at once?

Discus always do best in a group. Avoid adding one at a time. Experience has shown it just doesn't work. They will stress and likely live a shorter life.

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[am3ience]

oh alright, any good places to get discus as a group like that locally?

 

[April]

Yes Canadian aqua farm. He's a sponsor on here. He has very healthy well cared for quality discus . He will
Also guide you with basics for success. He's a great dedicated breeder and importer .


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[greatdanes]

Charles from canadian aquatics http://http://www.canadianaquatics.com has some nice ones in. Just saw them yesterday.