New Discus Set Up

[TamsynH]

Hi everyone!

I'm new to this community, but not too new to fishkeeping. However, it's been a while since I had my last tank - my little boy kept banging on the side of the glass which the fish didn't like too much! My previous tank was an 8ft x 2ft x 2ft monster which sadly cracked in a house move. I was fortunate enough to have that tank set up for me though as a present and so whilst I am relatively clued up with regards to diseases, water changes, etc, I am not too good with setups.

Now that my children are older I have decided to treat myself to a whole new setup and was really hoping you could help. I've always hankered after a discus tank and really think this will be the way to go, but having never kept discus before I am a little bit nervous and from past experience I have learnt that nothing can replace proper planning beforehand!

1. What size tank do you recommend for discus? I would like the tank to be in my lounge and we don't have quite as much room as we did before (previously open plan lounge/diner) so whilst I don't want to scrimp, space is at a premium.
2. How many do you feel is a good number to keep together as I've read they need to shoal.
3. Do they have a preference with regards to substrate or planting as I'm very keen on black sand and lots of plants.

Thanks so much for your help in advance, the vibe on this forum is really fantastic and positive and from what I've read you are all very kind to newbies like myself who ask stupid questions!

Happy fishkeeping,

Tammy

 

[DevotedToDiscus]

Hi Tammy, and welcome.

Oh, so many possibilities

First step I can suggest is test your tap water. If you are going to have a decent sized tank, then it is going to serve you well if you can use the water straight from the tap. Important areas are pH 5.5 - 7.5 and gH 3-8. Chlorine, etc. can be neutralized pretty easily, but to adjust the hardness or pH is going to be more of a chore.

OK, tank size depends on space and what you want to spend. At a minimum I would say 200 liters, but if you can then go for 300+.

Numbers of fish....no less than 6. I have 18 in my main tank. If you don't have enough they will have tendency to fight. You need to think about space and water quality. I am not going to tell you about rules of liters of water per fish, as it has a lot more to do with water quality IMO.

They will require 20-30 minutes of your time per day on tank maintenance. You can miss a the odd day or few here or there, but you will need to make up for it after.

Substrate, plants, etc. are more important to your eye than the fish. They need good clean water.

I have a couple of threads on here about my fish/tanks, which might/might not be of interest or use. I think you can find them if you click my profile and then my content.

Shoot me any questions you have.

Always happy to help.

Phil

 

[TamsynH]

Hi Phil,

Wow, I just don't know what to say !! I've looked at your pictures and I have to say I have never seen a more beautiful set up, I actually have butterflies! Your pictures have definitely proven that my only choice are discus, and thanks so much for your advice - it's obvious you're getting it right.

Take care
Tammy

 

[DevotedToDiscus]

Hi Phil,

Wow, I just don't know what to say !! I've looked at your pictures and I have to say I have never seen a more beautiful set up, I actually have butterflies! Your pictures have definitely proven that my only choice are discus, and thanks so much for your advice - it's obvious you're getting it right.

Take care
Tammy

Thank you for the sweet words

. I have fairly good knowledge of some general fish related stuff, but have really tried to learn as much as I can about Discus over the last few years. Obviously we are all blessed with the internet these days, and can find information to the finest degree on just about anything, but nothing beats good old honest experiences. Back in the day these were a bit of a Holy Grail of fish, but nowadays, what with modern filtration and new breeds they have become much easier to keep.

I love to chat about them, so will be more than happy to answer any question you might have.

Cheers, Phil