Discus Agression Problem

[rabbut]

Please offer me some advise,

I have just bought a new pair of discus to add to my existing trio. The existing fish have turned very nasty, chasing and generaly giving hastle to the newcommers. I don't think its the usual hirachial agro here, being agressive constantly non-stop. Even the runt is having a serious go at them.

I have tryed to pull the agressive fish, to move them into a different tank for a week before re-introducing them, but my parents are screaming at me for messing them about, reconing that I just need to leave them alone.

I want to know what you would do here. Would you leave them be and let them sort it out, or kill the incomers depemding on whether or not they get tired of it and fight back, or do I send the existing fish to the "cooler"?

Thanks all in advance
Rabbut

 

[kribensis12]

I'd take all the fish out and put them in a bucket. Then completely re-arrange the tank and then put them all back in at once. If that dosent work, take the newer 2 back to the lfs.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

I think it should be okay, maybe you could get a video posted? Because the old Discus rule the tank, the introduction of new fish has just set them off, and yes, hierarchy is probably being enforced at this time if you ask me...

If the Discus look to be in terrible shape (torn fins, missing scales) or look really lethargic, then take the old guys out and let these guys get a little more used to the tank...

 

[rabbut]

OK, thanks so far that is reasuring discuslova and if that fails then your plan, kribensis12, would be an option. I think it isn't too serious now, as they are getting along fine now until food is put in. The new fish still have their colours and aren't looking too stressed. They are still comming out to try for food even though they are promptly sent back to cover.

I'll keep an eye on it over the next few days, see how things go. Hopefuly there will be no casualties

All the best
Rabbut