Discus Need Help

[Better is Betta]

Hi everyone.....I wonder if someone can help me with my new fish. I just bought 2 adolescent discus fish yesterday and am a bit worried if they might up and die on me. I have placed them in a 120 litre tank, introduced them gradually as what is recommended to all new fish. The ph is 6.2 and the temperature set on 28 degree Celsius. The water is well aged and they have 2 bronze catfish as mates. Is it normal for them not to eat for the first day or so? They were extremely stressed when I put them in but I blame the rough handling they got from the aquarium store. They seem to have settled a bit but they still have stress patterns on them and have darkened in colour. I tried tempting them with an array of food but they just ignore it. I have also read they need their water changed daily while still growing but Im scared to do that while they are stressed. Any helpful ideas as to what I should do will be deeply appreciated

 

[Vin Swords]

first... relax.. leave the fish alone for 2 or 3 days... new fish normally dont eat ..

50% water change ones a week is more then enough.

 

[Athena]

Hiya - could I just ask what you mean by "the water is well aged"? Is this a newly set up tank or an already established tank that has had fish in it for some time? Just trying to get an idea as to whether your filter is properly cycled or not.

If not (i.e. if it's a new filter) then you'll be doing a fish-in cycle so more regular water changes will be needed until your filter bacteria colony is fully established.

Also, when introducing new fish (and trying to minimalise stress) it's always a good idea to leave the tank lights off for a day or so until they are a bit more settled. Make sure they have plenty of hidey places, too. Oh and try not to spook them too often by suddenly approaching the tank and making lots of movement nearby.

Regards, Athena

 

[amy1994]

I have just had this problem
I have 2 new discus 1 ate just the other day, but it has still been almost 2weeks. I think that my other is just still to nervous.
What sort of water do you keep them in, HMA, RO or just reconditioned tap water? and what sort of water did they come from?

 

[Better is Betta]

first... relax.. leave the fish alone for 2 or 3 days... new fish normally dont eat ..

50% water change ones a week is more then enough.

Phew! thanks for that answer. You read so many different things on how it should be done I'm indecisive as to what is the correct procedure. They do seem a little more settled but still not eating although they look interested in eating but haven't done so as yet.

 

[Better is Betta]

Hiya - could I just ask what you mean by "the water is well aged"? Is this a newly set up tank or an already established tank that has had fish in it for some time? Just trying to get an idea as to whether your filter is properly cycled or not.

If not (i.e. if it's a new filter) then you'll be doing a fish-in cycle so more regular water changes will be needed until your filter bacteria colony is fully established.

Also, when introducing new fish (and trying to minimalise stress) it's always a good idea to leave the tank lights off for a day or so until they are a bit more settled. Make sure they have plenty of hidey places, too. Oh and try not to spook them too often by suddenly approaching the tank and making lots of movement nearby.

Regards, Athena

Hi to you and thanks for your reply.....The tank has had other fish in it. I removed them all bar 2 catties. I gave the tank a 70% water change and clean. I also cleaned the filter in the old tank water to maintain the bacteria. I buried peat moss in a stocking under the substrate and added a log. After a week I checked the ph 6.2 then I introduced the new discus. You were right I should have asked the guy at the shop what was the ph in his tank. I guess that was a big mistake on my behalf. I'm going to check for ammonia today to see if the water has spiked but I didn't think I needed to at first because the catties seemed very happy and were laying eggs all over the place. Oh and the temp is 28c is that warm enough for them or should it be higher? I'd appreciate some more helpful advice
and feel free to tell me if I'm doing it all wrong.

 

[Better is Betta]

I have just had this problem
I have 2 new discus 1 ate just the other day, but it has still been almost 2weeks. I think that my other is just still to nervous.
What sort of water do you keep them in, HMA, RO or just reconditioned tap water? and what sort of water did they come from?

Hi to you too and thanks for your input I really hope your fish start eating, 2 weeks without food! I'd be having a nervous breakdown. I always use treated tap water for my fish although I am concerned now because we have fluoride in it. As I was saying to Athena I should have asked the guy (roughneck) at the store what his water was or got him to test it for me while I watched. He was very rough when transferring them to the bags. I said to him "won't that stress them out?" So half my problem lies with their treatment I guess. What do you think I should do? I really appreciate everyones advice you are all great

 

[seizethecupcake]

Poor things I hate that they were treated so roughly when being bagged for transport. I really hope they settle in nicely for you.

 

[Athena]

Ok, that's good to hear that it's an established tank with matured filter media already...yes, I would do the same and check your water stats for any signs of a spike, it's possible for this to happen (e.g. if you have been trying to feed them and they are not eating it, the uneaten food in the tank could also be pushing up your stats).

Other than that, all I can think is that they are just suffering the stress of the rough handling/transportation/new tank environment etc... can't be easy being a fish eh?

All you can do is try to ease their stress any way you can, which I think you are already doing.

Sometimes high stress levels can lead to bacterial disease issues, so watch for any signs of this and have some treatment meds to-hand if poss (e.g. Myxazin) so that you can dose promptly.

I hope things settle down soon!

Regards, Athena

 

[Better is Betta]

Thanks again for your comments. Athena you mentioned Myxazin is that available in Australia or does it come under any other name? I'm not sure if I can get that here. My medicine cupboard only consist of epsom salt, salt, and a multicure that combats bacterial and fungus infections.