Discus

[Fish_keeper203]

Hey guys, I've been keeping marine fish for a good 2 1/2 years and I want to go back to freshwater. I have sold my fish with the tank and all equipment to my LFS. So now I have got a new 55G tank. I have set it up and it is ready to go. I want to put Discus fish in I'm just a little skittish due to the price tag. If one of those dies on me I don't think I would buy anymore. I'm just wondering would it need the same amount of up keep as a marine tank if so I think I could handle it easy. It's not so much the fish it self as the jump back to freshwater, it seemed so novice until I looked at the requirement for discus, I like a challenge. Any ideas should I get discus or go back to basics?

 

[micko]

I'm no expert but the tank footprint has a large part to play in this I believe. I haven't a clue about the salty side, nor maintainence but some will give you conflicting info regarding water changes. Some will say 2 a week or more and some will say 1 water change a week. As with anything, your water hardness and ph will determin if you have to alter you water.
Have a look at devoted to discus' journals.

 

[Fish_keeper203]

I've set it up custom to what discus, like I've aske the store what they keep theirs in and it's set I'm just not sure if I should make such a big step when going back to freshwater.

 

[pkppv]

Go for it! The hobby is more fun with some adventure and challenge!

 

[Fish_keeper203]

Glad to know some aquarists are in my side hahaha . I have saved a cobalt blue discus, I only want to buy one at first

 

[micko]

Its really suggested to keep them in no less than 6. Unless you have a breeding pair then they will be quite skittish. As I said, I'm no expert. I'm no sure if your tank would be ok for a decent number as they grow large.

 

[Fish_keeper203]

Yeah, I don't want to add to many to begin with I want to start with one and if I can keep that one alive then a few more wouldn't hurt.

 

[micko]

One won't be happy and IMO its cruel. Get six. How much are you paying for them?

 

[Gilli]

They are not really fish for the inexperienced as they need top quality water conditions and as has already been pointed out need to be kept in groups in a large tank. Its a very expensive fish to be experimenting on keeping, so if you are going ahead then good luck!

 

[Fish_keeper203]

I'm paying $65 each, I don't think it is cruel infact it is responsible if I go out and buy 6, and the water isn't just right I've killed six fish instead of 1 I don't won't to kill any but the latter option seems better, it won't be for long as I will give it tank mates shortly after. Plus all this bull crap about special perfect water is wrong most Aquariams use one big filters for all their tanks, there won't be specialist water at my LFS. Also I want a community tank, you can all say no but I have read up and pretty much know what to do. I was just seeing if any of you knew if it would be similar to keeping marine.

 

[three-fingers]

Hi there .

Unfortunately, your aquarium is too small for discus. As they are very large (potentially dinner-plate sized) shoaling fish, micko is correct to say you would need a large number of them i.e. 6+. Keeping one on it's own will work for a while, and you will probably notice improvement in condition and growth compared to the LFS as it doesn't have competition from other fish and your water may be better quality. However, long term the fish will never be able to exhibit it's natural social behaviours, and discus can be very skittish and bully each other or even other fish when kept singly or in too small numbers.

To start keeping discus I would be looking at something more like 75-100g.

The only exception would be a breeding pair, but then you would have fry to deal with!

Discus are simple to keep if you have the right conditions, if you look at what they have in nature and try to stay close to that you cant go wrong really.

So that just means clean (no ammonia, nitrite and low nitrates), soft and acidic water at higher temperatures than most other tropical fish .

There are loads of other beautiful fish with similar water requirements to discus available for your tank too, like German blue rams, Apistogramma spp., Betta spp. and loads more. I would recommend returning the discus to the LFS, as you would never get the best out of discus in your tank and are more likely to run into problems .

 

[micko]

I'm paying $65 each, I don't think it is cruel infact it is responsible if I go out and buy 6, and the water isn't just right I've killed six fish instead of 1 I don't won't to kill any but the latter option seems better, it won't be for long as I will give it tank mates shortly after. Plus all this bull crap about special perfect water is wrong most Aquariams use one big filters for all their tanks, there won't be specialist water at my LFS. Also I want a community tank, you can all say no but I have read up and pretty much know what to do. I was just seeing if any of you knew if it would be similar to keeping marine.

Fish_keeper203, I think you may have picked me up wrong. I wasn't telling you "crap" about water. Your water does need to be the suggested ph and hardness. It is cruel to keep a shoaling fish alone, whether its for a week or a month.
How long do you plan on keeping it alone?
I would strongly suggest doing it right, adding the correct amount of fish and then you'll see whether you can keep the fish. What if the fish becomes so stressed by being alone and dies?
People on here are not here to have a go at you and have you pockets and fish best intrests at heart, not to have a go at you.
If you come on asking advice and suggestions you cannot really have a go at people for giving you the correct advice.

 

[Steve H.]

I'm paying $65 each, I don't think it is cruel infact it is responsible if I go out and buy 6, and the water isn't just right I've killed six fish instead of 1 I don't won't to kill any but the latter option seems better, it won't be for long as I will give it tank mates shortly after. Plus all this bull crap about special perfect water is wrong most Aquariams use one big filters for all their tanks, there won't be specialist water at my LFS. Also I want a community tank, you can all say no but I have read up and pretty much know what to do. I was just seeing if any of you knew if it would be similar to keeping marine.

I have no practical expertise with marine or Discus, but from what I read I would guess they would be similar. Both require constant attention and are fragile environments. I read that with Discus you need 50% wc's weekly with a couple of 10-15% throughout the week.
I also read that 6 is the optimal number for Discus, but you should always start them in pairs...so a least 2 and build up to 6. So that the fish won't stress because they are a social fish and need a buddy.
I've been reading a lot about both because I would like to eventually have a marine or Discus tank someday, but my fish keeping skill is not there yet.

Whatever you decide Good Luck.

 

[Noahs ark6]

I belive Marine tanks require quite alot of upkeep? I would say Discuss would be marginally easier but as other members have pointed out, are difficult fish to keep healthy especially for a beginner

 

[Fish_keeper203]

I've got a breeding pair and they show no signs of any stress, I asked my LFS if I could return them if I thought it would be in their best interest and they gladly agreed, they will be fine and I will do everything possible to keep them alive