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 tropical fish can go with discus?
- German Ram (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) .
- Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii) .
- Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus) .
- Sterbai Cory (Corydoras Sterbai) .
- Tetras (Characidae) .
- Apistogramma (genus) .
- Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus oblongus) .
- Malaysian Trumpet Snail / MTS (Melanoides tuberculata)
What is the
minimum tank size
for discus fish?
Most discus in the common aquarium max out at 4.5-6 inches. Based on this size range, the minimum tank size would be a 55 gallon tank , but the bigger the better for these guys. 3-5 discus should be doable in a
55gal aquarium
as long as water changes are kept up with.
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.
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.
Do discus eat tetras?
Considering adding Neon Tetras to your Discus aquarium? You might want to switch that to Cardinal Tetras instead. They are similar in color but slightly larger, which means less risk of “mysterious disappearances”. After all, adult Discus definitely won’t pass up a tasty Tetra if they manage to catch it.
Can I keep discus with guppies?
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 !.
Are discus OK in a
community tank
?
Though most members of the cichlid family have aggressive tendencies, discus fish are generally peaceful in the home aquarium In fact, discus fish tend to prefer being kept in groups with several of their own species and they have been known to get along with a variety of other fish.
What do discus fish like in their tank?
Discus prefer warm, soft, acidic water pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0, with hardness between 1° and 4° dKH (18 to 70 ppm). Temperature should be kept between 82° and 86° F, although wild Heckel discus prefer water near 90° F. Use an Aqueon Aquarium Heater to maintain proper water temperature.
Can discus live in tap water?
Are you sitting comfortably because this may shock you, Stendker Discus are raised in and live in. Tap Water To keep Stendker Discus most of us in the UK will have the water we need straight out the tap, no need to soften it, no need to adjust the pH, just clean it up and use it.
Can I keep a single 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.
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.
Can you keep discus with angelfish?
If you have a freshwater angelfish, you can put the discus fish in with the angelfish Discus fish are most comfortable in soft water (0 dH to 3 dH) at a temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit to 84 degrees Fahrenheit and pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
Do discus produce lots of waste?
There is a lot of sludge and organic waste in a discus tank , thanks to the increased feeding.
How many discus should you have?
Discus should be kept together, and those of different varieties will also school together meaning you can have great color variations. A minimum of 5 is recommended , but more will look better and create a sturdier group.
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.
Do discus fish like to hide?
Discus are shy and become easily agitated. They prefer to have little intrusion in their tank. Although the discus like plenty of plants to hide in , they should be plants that require little upkeep so that you will not need to disrupt them frequently. They also do not like bright lights or noise.
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.
What are the rules of discus?
Discus throwers are not allowed to touch the top of rim of the throwing circle, but can touch the inside edges of it The athletes are also prohibited to touch the ground beyond the circle. And if the athlete crosses the circle before the disc lands on the ground then it is considered a foul throw.
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 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.
Will discus eat plants?
No, Discus do not eat live plants From the experience of many fish keepers, Discus never even nibble on the plants. Instead, they love protein rich food like bloodworms, beefhart, white worms or brine shrimp. Luckily for you, this means you don’t have to worry your Discus fish will eat your live plants.
What temperature do discus fish need?
Temperature ~84°F The optimum aquarium temperature for Discus is around 82°F – 88°F (28°C-31°C) Note that higher temperatures such as these lower dissolved oxygen and limit the number of fish housed in the aquarium.
Can discus and parrot fish live together?
Blood parrot fish need a different temperature range from Discus fish. It is also likely that the parrot fish will bully the discus fish, which would stress them extensively possibly even causing their eventual death.
How do I know if my discus is happy?
A healthy Discus should always be lively, should have their fins open, and curious about what’s going on inside the tank and… outside. It’s attention towards the exterior is a good sign. Of course, we’re talking about a “shy” fish so its curiosity will not ever be comparable with that of a carp, as an example.
Sources
https://ustropicalfish.com/
https://fishtankadvisor.com/discus-tank-mates/
https://azgardens.com/product-category/freshwater-aquarium/freshwater-tropical-fish/discus/
https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/discus-care-guide