Discus

[stu1978]

Hi new to this. Just swapped from a small 54 l tank to 200l tank its a community tank lots of different makes my waters fine fish doing fine. At the weekend I bought 3 discus they are stunning read lots and lots about and the problems I'm not understanding is feeding lots say they need to be fed 2 times a day sometimes more but surly this will fowel my water and over feed my other fish advice welcome please.

 

[attibones]

You shouldn't have discus in this tank size. It is best to return them.

 

[stu1978]

Thanks for posting back read up a lot and minimum size is 200 l and the shop I got them from is in the top ten in country and they said this was fine. Just need advise on feeding

 

[scottish_ash]

i feed my discus twice a day they get fed in the morning then again at night, you should only be putting enough in that they eat in about 2 mins. what else do you have in the tank? 

 

[stu1978]

Thanks I've got sale fin Molly's marble Molly's cherry barbs platy guippie tetras and whiptail catfish. My only problem is over feeding the others but under feeding the discus how do I do this please?

 

[kevinjames]

Which shop sold u these? I'm interested in why they would. First thing they need is security in numbers and 3 is too little. Also why would feeding twice a day foul your water? When I kept discus they got between 3 and 6 feeds a day.

 

[stu1978]

Who are you the fish police what you going to do go round and smack them on the wrist
3 is a start number for me planning on more but mot everybody as endless cash as these fish are very expense. When people post on here it for advice and what you have gave me is nothing.

 

[Munroco]

I feed my fish 4-5 times daily. As long as your fish are eating what you feed them and food isn't getting left uneaten then you shouldn't be fouling your water.
 
Most of the fish you have like harder water, maybe even with some salt added. This won't suit discus.
 
You should listen to advice, the people on here are only trying to help.
 
Cheers
Neil

 

[sawickib]

Im sorry you feel that way, even if you dont ask for help in certain areas we may still give advice in those areas anyway for the fish.
 
In regards to feeding, if the portions are small then you can feed multiple times a day, its also good, esp. with discus to do frequent and large water changes.
 
Whats your pH and hardness?
 
How many of each of the other fish do you have, that would be some helpful info
 
I would recommend getting 2 or more discus for a proper social group. 
 
Id also like to add although its a suitable size tank, i would say discus are much happier in a 75 gallon+ size tank.

 

[Malex530]

Please keep in mind the 10 gallons per discus and 20 per wild discus. Do not use this as your primary stocking guide but more as a general rule. 
Discus need to be in social groups of at least 5.
 
I normally feed my fish in small amounts throughout the day. Once in the morning, after school at about 3, at 5 and at 9. 
 
I hope I did not sound too rude but i agree with all the others, best to upgrade or re home. 

 

[kevinjames]

Who are you the fish police what you going to do go round and smack them on the wrist
3 is a start number for me planning on more but mot everybody as endless cash as these fish are very expense. When people post on here it for advice and what you have gave me is nothing.

I gave you nothing? I told you that they prefer larger numbers as I'm sure with just 3 they will be skittish and hide. I also told you that feeding multiple times a day is required for these fish. As for being the fish police, well maybe I'm just an experienced fishkeeper who does research before I buy fish. Who is frustrated at people not doing research before buying and even more frustrated at shops putting their potential profits before the welfare of their stock. As for discus being expensive, I can't argue with that but with a little looking about you can find discus specialists who don't carry over inflated prices that shops do. So which top 10 retailer sold you thesefish then and for what ridiculous prices?

 

[elmo666]

I've read over this thread, and I'll try to be objective. The only way to have success when keeping discus is to set up a tank specifically designed to meet there needs. Some background, preferably good planted area to encourage them to move about with confidence at first, and clear swimming space towards the front to aid with viewing them. Twice a day is a minimum to feed these fish, and if they're under 2" four times a day, in small enough quantities for them to clear quickly as good water quality, even more so stability, is very important. They are tougher than many believe, but will only thrive with a high,quality, varied diet, and a good consistent water quality. I would say a minimum temperature of 82 degrees with very good filtration. Two 25% water changes per week are also need. The main stumbling,block is that if diet or water quality, tank set up or positioning are not to their liking, they become stressed and then become susceptible to a whole host of illnesses.
The fish you have in your tank simply aren't compatible with discus, you have to decide what you really want to keep. Any aquatic shop with basic knowledge would not advise that discus and your other fish will do well in the same tank if their needs are to be met. Please go one way or the other. Soft water, acid loving species, or hard water. You'll have a better experience and less problems along the way