Discus

[halfbloodprincess]

How hard is it to keep discus? I have been thinking about getting some but I am not use if I should or not. What are all the things that they need? Oh and where can you buy them?

 

[Fadi]

depending on where you live, and the water quality, you may need a RO(reverse osmosis) unit. You need to do weekly water changes at the mimium, but other than that, keeping discus is not too dificult. You just need to give them a little bit of attention each day.

Where do you plan on getting them, and where are you from?

Here in Michigan we have very good water quality so a RO unit is not needed for me.

 

[halfbloodprincess]

I'm in Maine and I'm not quite sure about my water quality but I think it's fine. I have been thinking about getting the discus online if I cant find them at any lfs. I definatly could do the weekly water changes.

 

[tetraman]

I have the same thoughts, except I live in Massachusetts. Where do you live in Maine?

 

[halfbloodprincess]

I live in bucksport. The towns water is out of silver lake.

 

[tetraman]

That wouldn't be near York, would it? That's where my cousin lives.

 

[halfbloodprincess]

It's like a couple hours away.

 

[tetraman]

That's far.

 

[Griz]

How hard is it to keep discus?

Compared to most fish, they are considered "difficult".


I have been thinking about getting some but I am not (sure) if I should or not. What are all the things that they need?

Here's a good place to start: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=42070


Oh and where can you buy them? smile.

My advice is to look around. A lot. Buying discus is not something you rush into. Look around for a local breeders and talk to LFSs around you. It depends a lot on how far you want to travel to get them. I wouldn't buy discus without seeing them (shipping) unless you are absolutely sure about the supplier.

 

[tetraman]

If you buy an issue of Tropical Fish Hobbiest, there will be adds for about 15 online stores that ship discus, including the biggest name in discus, Jack Watley.

 

[Ter]

what are your water readings?
PH should be very low .. in the 6.4 6.8 area
and very soft.. RO is probably best.. but check ur readings...
peat can help 2 lower KH then use some PH down 2 lower the PH...
but... dont bottom out and have ur PH crash
how many gallons is ur tank?

 

[kev_kb]

Please do not use pH lowernig chemicals with Discus. It can be very difficult to maintain a steady pH using this method and this will cause problems. The use of RO water is the best and most consistant method.

 

[tetraman]

About how much would one of those cost in USD?

 

[Griz]

http/search.ebay.ca/reverse-osmosis_W0QQ...QfnuZ1QQsascsZ0

edit: Oops, thats Canadian prices, but you get the idea.

 

[tetraman]

A bit expensive for a unemployed 12 year old. Maybe for Chistmas.