Discus questions

[enchanted]

Well, first I am considering some discus in a few months and just starting research. What prompted this? I was at an LFS and I saw a discus that the colors just blew me away. It was a base bright yellow and had red and blues through out the body. The LFS only has one employee (the owner) and he swears it isn't painted. I would like to find out which ones they are..... I'm hoping to go over tomorrow with my digital and try and get a good picture, if I have time after looking at tanks.

Well, my questions are this. What are good tank mates for discuss? As I'm going to setup a completely seperate heavily planted tank for them what plants are good (the reason for a few months...)

Also, what kind of requirements for care?

Thanks,
Larry

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Large, broad-leafed plants, i.e. amazon swords.

They need acidic water, so you need to see what other compatible fish are best kept in acidic water.

Are you planning on breeding these guys? If so, you'll need a big breeding tank or to remove other fish because these fish are protective of fry and the fry consume fluids that the parents excrete from their skin.

 

[enchanted]

The breeding thing has me thinking, but not doing yet....

My LFS asked the "exact same" question today. So, I asked why. Comment, we could use some good local venders.

But, I'm not ready for that yet. I'm looking at a 55G with 2 to 3 discuss to begin with after the tank is fully up, planted, cycled, and everything comes up perfect.....

From what I have found so far, I think I will probably want to start with juvenilles....

Thanks for the advice so far.

 

[Tempestuousfury]

"The Neon Blue Discus requires an advanced level of care due to its feeding habits and water filtration requirements. Territorial during spawning, this otherwise peaceful fish is among the schooling group, forming a well-defined nuclear family."

"Becoming slightly territorial when breeding, it is best to breed an established pair, or maintain a group of young Discus and allow them to pair themselves. Warm, soft, slightly acidic water is required for spawning. The pair will clean a flat surface (usually a broad leaf or the side of the aquarium) prior to spawning. The parents must not be removed from the fry; the fry feed on their parents' mucus."

Doesn't say how to sex, so methinks you should get 6 juveniles and let them pair off. With 6, you have over 95% chance of having at least one pair. Try working out a deal with your dealer to see if you can return those fish that don't pair off.

http/www.liveaquaria.com

They have different types of discus, so check to see if they have the one you're looking for.

 

[enchanted]

I have been there and about ten discuss farms looking for this one Discuss.....

I want to know which breed they are...

http/www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Di...48&TopCatId=834

That is the closest I have seen, but this one has blues and reds through out the body in a patteren so to speak.

As for 6, I wasn't quite sure of that. I've heard discuss are hard to take care of, and although I plan to run a photo journal log here, and get advice the whole way of the tank, I'm just worried about losing 6 fish because I messed up.

Then again, it could come out perfect, but there is no guarantee to this.

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Of those six you keep one or two pairs. The rest are returned. That way your guys breed. I'd actually suggest only keeping one pair. it'll be hard enough for you as it is.

 

[enchanted]

I understand what you mean now, and it seems like a good idea.

Just have to make sure my LFS would go for that, but at $35-40 a fish I think they would if I were to take store credit instead of cash.

Now, just figuring out tank mats, decorations (i.e. rock types, etc..) and all that.

 

[Tempestuousfury]

They're "made" for lots of tall plants. I'd suggest broad leaf plants like swords in the back and some grass-like plants dispersed throughout.

They might also breed on rocks and the like, so a few granite slabs or the like as well.

Good luck.

 

[enchanted]

Granite slabs... hmmmm I wonder if my stepbrother can get me some of those (he does concrete and works with a variety of rock types, yes, I know "no limestone" )

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Just make sure it's inert. "no limestone". Scratch and vinegar.

 

[parker313]

Tank mates - tetras work well, like neons or rummynose. They have to be able to withstand the high temps the discus need. Sterbai corydoras catfish also can handle the high temps.

Check out SimplyDiscus - it's a special discus site with a ton of info and message boards all about discus

 

[enchanted]

Thanks for the site. It is now bookmarked.

The LFS says that discuss is a Pigeon Blood, but I haven't found a single picture that looks like that fish.

Either it isn't a pigeon blood, is a cross breed, or the pictures flat don't do the fish justice.

 

[canarsie11]

Can a discus tank be set up in a 37 gallon set up.

 

[David]

Thanks for the site. It is now bookmarked.

The LFS says that discuss is a Pigeon Blood, but I haven't found a single picture that looks like that fish.

Either it isn't a pigeon blood, is a cross breed, or the pictures flat don't do the fish justice.

EDIT: Ignore this

 

[David]

It may have been a pigeon blood by your description. Did it look anything like this?

Pigeon Blood