Discus fish are one of the most beautiful freshwater fish in the hobby, known for their spectacular colors and large, circular shape. However, they’re notorious for being extremely difficult to keep , with Internet forums often recommending strict practices like 100% water changes every day.
What size tank do you need for discus?
Discus grow to be quite large and require an aquarium of 75 gallons or larger when full grown.
tall aquariums
are best to accommodate their body shape.
Can discus live in freshwater?
FAMILY: The Symphysodon, colloquially known as discus, is from the cichlid family, native to the Amazon River basin in South America. Due to their distinctive shape, bright colors and interactive behaviour, discus make a popular freshwater aquarium fish.
Do discus really need
daily water changes
?
Although all
tropical fish aquariums
require regular water changes, discus aquariums in specific need frequent water changes For this reason, you should change your discus’
aquarium water
at least once a week. Some people change 20 to 25% of their aquarium’s water two to three times a week.
Can you keep discus in tap water?
The fish are bred in soft-water, but raised in German tap water and have been so since 1966. You can of course if you live in a soft water area or want to use RO water also keep them in soft water. Stendker Discus will acclimatise to any ph between 5 and 8, 7 to 7. 5 is perfect.
Do discus fish need a heater?
Since discus are tropical fish, they need a heater to keep their tank’s water in the correct temperature range The heater ensures that your tank’s water will remain at a constant temperature throughout the day, regardless of whether your room cools down or heats up.
Can I have 1 discus?
Discus cichlids don’t like to be alone, but each fish needs at least ten gallons of water to survive; therefore, a pair of adult discus fish need, at minimum, a 20-gallon tank A pair of young discus fish can thrive in a 15-gallon tank, but they will outgrow it as they mature.
How many discus should I keep together?
3-5 discus should be doable in a 55gal aquarium as long as water changes are kept up with. A general rule you can follow is one discus per 10 gallons Since these fish are tall, do not keep them in shallow tanks.
Can I put discus with Tetras?
Tetras are an excellent and popular choice to pair with discus The benefit of these fish is their passive schooling behavior. These “dither fish” bring a sense of calm to a tank simply by swimming in the open water.
Is discus fish aggressive?
Sick discus fish never display aggression A healthy fish may intimidate a sick fish, but two sick fish will not chase, nip and threaten one another with body slapping.
How long does it take for discus to reach full size?
The
growth rate
from 2 ½ inch to 4 inch keeping the fish in a small aquarium will only take four more months. If I were to raise the same fish in 100 gallon tanks there growth rate would be cut in half, and it would take eight months to a year to get up to the same 4 inch size.
How often should I feed my discus fish?
The question we are asked most often is, “What do you feed your discus, and how often do you feed them.” Discus enjoy a varied diet consisting of high-quality nutrients, but they also like their goodies. Adult discus are fed twice daily, and younger fish are fed three times a day or more.
Do discus produce lots of waste?
There is a lot of sludge and organic waste in a discus tank , thanks to the increased feeding.
Is discus hard track?
Mastering the discus throw is a difficult task, even for very experienced track and field athletes Learning to throw in a stationary motion can be a good stepping stone to greatness, and implementing effective training drills can increase comfort with all the motions involved in throwing.
Which fish can stay with discus?
- 3.1 Corydoras Sterbai.
- 3.2 Marbled Hatchetfish (Carnegiella strigata)
- 3.3 Rummynose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus)
- 3.4 Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
- 3.5 Pleco (small L-numbers)
- 3.6 Assassin Snail (Clea helena)
Can I have 2 discus?
Unlike the tetras it is a good move to add at least six discus at the same time The reason as already stated is the problems with discus in small numbers; also if you add them at the same time they can sort out a pecking order and settle down.
How big does a discus fish get?
Discus typically reach up to 12.3–15.2 cm (4.8–6.0 in) in length, but captives have been claimed to reach 23 cm (9 in) Adults generally weigh 150–250 g (5.3–8.8 oz). No clear sexual dimorphism is seen for this fish, but males may reach a larger size than females.
How many discus Can I put in a 100 gallon tank?
If one cleans their tank and gravel once every 5 to 7 days on a regular basis, completes a 25% water change, and does not overfeed, you can stock a 100-gallon tank with 35 to 40 adult Discus fish. This stock level will result in your Discus fish growing evenly.
Can angelfish live with discus?
You can put a discus fish in with an angelfish but use caution Quarantine any new fish before adding it to an established aquarium in case of illness, and if possible, add the most passive fish to the aquarium first.
Can you keep discus in a community tank?
Although they are community fish and safe with small fish, in a community tank, keeping Discus only works if the conditions the Discus need are met first and foremost.
How many eggs do discus lay?
In a pinch, discus fish have also been known to lay their eggs directly on the vertical glass wall of the tank. Until the eggs are laid, the pair will intently clean the surface that they selected as the substrate. The females will position their breeding tube against the surface and lay up to 400 tiny eggs.
What is stunted discus?
Cause of Stunted Growth The quickest reason to point out is the feeding program of the fish. Feeding these tropical water beauties haphazardly, whether lacking or plentiful in quantity and size may lead to stunted discus. Furthermore, giving them the wrong kind of food may contribute to the problem as well.
What should I feed my discus?
Some of the best sources of vitamins for discus fish are crustaceans, vegetables, and algae Bloodworms, which are actually the larval stage of the mosquito are a very popular food type for discus fish. Bloodworms are rich in protein and can be administered live, frozen, and/or freeze-dried.
How many discus Can I put in a 60 gallon tank?
What is this? Therefore, if we are talking about a 60-gallon tank, you can only fit 1 royal red discus fish into it. These guys require the water to be between 79 and 86 degrees, with a pH level between 6.1 and 7.5.
How many discus Can I put in a 65 gallon tank?
Members. 55 long bare bottom would work fine with about 5 discus. 65 tall the one you have may be fine too, but after a point when they cross 5″ you may feel the need to upgrade.
What algae eaters can live with discus?
One fish you can use safely with discus and also eats algae is the otocinclus catfish It not only eats the algae, but it will not be aggressive towards them either.
Can you keep Gouramis with discus?
These peaceful fish do well with discus. Though all types of gouramis are said to be compatible with discus, it is advisable to go for dwarf gouramis and pearl gouramis Make sure that the tank is densely-planted, if you plan to get gouramis as tank mates for discus.
Can guppies live with discus?
Yes, the guppies should be quite compatible with the discus – i’ve done it myself – no problems. However, yes, the temp is generally too high for them & it will shorten their life span. It’s that’s a combination of fish that suits you, go for it !.
References
https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/discus-care-guide