New Discus

[Nashoda]

Hey everyone,

Finally purchased my first 2 discus yesterday for my 70 gallon tank(Plan on putting 6 discus). They came from Singapore 5 days ago and are adults. They ate last night bloodworms and again the this morning, and ive kept lights off as they appear fairly nervous. Anyway, I noticed that one of fins has a tear in it and he only uses it sometimes, otherwise its stuck to his side. The other guy (or girl)has a tear in the tail fin. Both tear areas are white. I have a feeling that they were handled poorly. I am hoping with proper nutrition and water quality that it will repair? Anyone know?
Appreciate any help as these are my first discus.

Nash

 

[DevotedToDiscus]

Hey everyone,

Finally purchased my first 2 discus yesterday for my 70 gallon tank(Plan on putting 6 discus). They came from Singapore 5 days ago and are adults. They ate last night bloodworms and again the this morning, and ive kept lights off as they appear fairly nervous. Anyway, I noticed that one of fins has a tear in it and he only uses it sometimes, otherwise its stuck to his side. The other guy (or girl)has a tear in the tail fin. Both tear areas are white. I have a feeling that they were handled poorly. I am hoping with proper nutrition and water quality that it will repair? Anyone know?
Appreciate any help as these are my first discus.

Nash

Hi Nash,

This is quite common given the distance these guys have just traveled. The fins will heal in a few weeks, however I would recommend using API Stress Coat(if your LFS has it) as it will help speed up the fin repair and help prevent any potential infection in their cuts.

Good luck.

Phil

 

[kevinjames]

This is very common with the transportation of discus. Their fins are very sensitive to ammonia and it has a burn like effect on them. With fresh water this will repair full in time. 2 is an awkward number to have unless they are a pair I would recommend upping the numbers. Which strains are they? Photos?

 

[Nashoda]

I am planning on getting 2 more this weekend and then another 2 the week after. Was afraid of putting so many all at once for nitrite spikes? I'll post photos later today. They are red turquoise. I was planning on 25 percent water changes every 3 days, is that enough?
Has anyone ordered discus from rocky mountain hatchery?

 

[DevotedToDiscus]

I am planning on getting 2 more this weekend and then another 2 the week after. Was afraid of putting so many all at once for nitrite spikes? I'll post photos later today. They are red turquoise. I was planning on 25 percent water changes every 3 days, is that enough?
Has anyone ordered discus from rocky mountain hatchery?

The frequency and volume of your water changes has more to do with how balanced the tank water is. 25% every 3 days is fine, as long as you have enough filtration going on. The real key to happy discus is water stability, so whatever frequency and volumes you go with, try to stick with it. They will soon let you know if they are unhappy by their mood and colour. Unhappy Discus will try to hide and turn very dark.
You are quite right not to introduce them all at once

 

[Nashoda]

Well, i am using the biowheel marineland magnum 350 and keep temperature at 81 degrees. Hope that is good. I read that some people use 2 filters. Is that necessary? I want the discus happy, that is number one.

 

[DevotedToDiscus]

Well, i am using the biowheel marineland magnum 350 and keep temperature at 81 degrees. Hope that is good. I read that some people use 2 filters. Is that necessary? I want the discus happy, that is number one.

Nash, That sounds absolutely fine, and no, there is no need to run dual filters. Good luck

 

[Nashoda]

Amazing Thanks for your help!