First Discus Tank

[DiscusKeeper403]

I hate to break it to you but those Discus look extremely skinny Maybe it's just the pictures... How often do you feed them? I suggest 3 times a day minimum but ideally small Discus should be fed around 6 times a day.

 

[rdp50734]

They are fed 4 times a day, they don't look skinny in the tank! It probably is just the pictures I'm not the best with photos! Its a basic point and click it was just a quick pick for the op.

 

[JA5ON]

i all ways think mine look skinny but there r dropin eggs so i think they most be getin plenty of food i feed 3 times aday

 

[markandhisfish]

I have now been looking at a 36" x 24" x 24" 340 lires/75UK gallon. I think this would be more suitable to 8 discus and a larger shoal of cardinals.

What is the problem with using RO water in a discus tank?

josh

reverse osmosis removes minerals and trace elements from the water which then need to be put back for use in a freshwater aquarium

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

Could I use RO water for an occasional water change, say once or twice a month to try keep my nitrates down, but otherwise do the rest with tap water?

josh

 

[markandhisfish]

just regular water changes with dechlorinated tap water will keep nitrates down by itself .plenty of plants will help also as they will use nitrates as nutrients .

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Could I use RO water for an occasional water change, say once or twice a month to try keep my nitrates down, but otherwise do the rest with tap water?

josh

It would fluctuate the pH and hardness so it wouldn't be a good idea. As the above said, regular water changes.

 

[discus_lover]

yes,i do 10% water change daily for balancing ph,ammonia,nitrite level...

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

Ok thanks guys.
After having fishless cycled my tank, would it be a good idea to buy all my discus at once? What is a good size for first fish?

josh

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Ok thanks guys.
After having fishless cycled my tank, would it be a good idea to buy all my discus at once? What is a good size for first fish?

josh

Make sure the tank is cycled and yes, buy them all at once. Are you willing to be doing big water changes at the start? Might have to with the mini cycle. I would recommend adults (5"+) they are more forgiving and require much less work (less feedings, less w/c.)

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

Yes, as I said before, im looking for a new challenge so im up to ths job. How many water changes we looking at in the beginning? 3-4 30% changes a week? After how long could I reduce to a couple a week?

josh

 

[roadmaster]

Yes, as I said before, im looking for a new challenge so im up to ths job. How many water changes we looking at in the beginning? 3-4 30% changes a week? After how long could I reduce to a couple a week?

josh

Until discus are eight months to a year old, I would change water three to four times a week. Would try and change water after fish have fed and foraged. 30 percent would be fine in my view.
This is what I did when I cared for them. I got them about three inches, and if I had to do it over again,, I would have bought adult fish.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Well you are going to have to measure the stats very closely, and for juvys I recommend 100% w/c every day (especially if the tank is mini cycling.)

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

Im going to go with adult fish and keep a very close eye on stats for the first month or so, while doing 2 30% water changes a week, then after the month maybe take it down to one 40% a week.

Thanks for all the help guys

josh

 

[1234-fishy-freind]

Just one more thing, with regard to discus size. You say I should get adult discus. What size classes as adult. 4"? 5"? The reason I ask is with regard to cost, the larger fish cost much more, as im sure you know.
If I were to do 2 water changes a week, both around 30%, whats the smallest fish youd reccommend for that maintainence?

josh