Planted tanks and discuss go together like peanut butter and jelly. There's almost no more colorful, majestic freshwater fish than the discus, and seeing a school of them swim through some of Takashi Amano's aquascapes is breathtaking. I've even considered keeping some...that was until I saw the rigorous water changing schedule required to keep them healthy. My plants (and algae) keep me busy enough. A fussy $50+ fish that requires a daily water change? Maybe when I'm retired.
If you have the time and dedication to care for these gorgeous fish and live near the Dallas area, you may be interested in the 2010 North American Discus Association (NADA) Show that will be held on June 10-13 of this year. For $45, you get a discus show, an auction, and a slew of speakers discussing everything from Discus 101 to Diseases and Sickness. Heck, for $45, forgo the hundreds you'd spend on the fish and live vicariously though others for a few days!
I've long admired the Amano discus tank you have pictured in this post. However, I have been unable to find any information on it, like when it was displayed, what it's title is or any other details. Would you happen to know anything about this aquascape?
ReplyDeleteI agree that is an amazing aquarium display. Does anyone know what species the carpet of plants is?
ReplyDeleteDicus are not quite as fussy as you just pictured, i own wild discus and all that they require is once a week water change. If you own a 75 gallon tank and take out 50 gallons of water in a change that is enough for a whole week. All in all even wild discus will thrive in water that is changed once a week and 70% of the water is removed.
ReplyDeleteThat is correct. They are not nearly that hard to care for. I do a 10-20% water change once a week on my discus tank and they are fine.
ReplyDeleteMine are tank raised in local water, so no special treatment required.
First: I'd like to say that this is quite a good blog (or w/e it would be called)- you got a lotta helpful hints and etc. not at all ment to be demeaning - just to muhc to put.
ReplyDelete2nd: That picture of the discus tank really is amazing, they make 2 species of plant and driftwood look - well awesome - simply put, definitely beats out the tank I'm setting up.
Finally: I'm setting up a 50gal tank for some discus - and some other fish (2 filters, live plants - about 5-6 species haha, overboard-, and working on getting a UV sterilizer and CO2 system set up)
I've done asome .. ok .. A BUNCH of research on discus, and as long as they water perameters are in check for them, then they really are worth it ... water changes about once a week sounds pretty good to -
P.S. sorry 'bout the long comment - don't really like leaving a novel to read. Wish me luck on this new tank setup - kinda nervous 'bout how it all fairs.
wow... cool!
ReplyDeleteDiscus are extremely simple to care for. If the planted environment is thriving, then a discus community will thrive also. Many people have a misconception of this fish due to the "old school" discus that most literature is written about. The key to keeping a good discus is having good genetics. Water changes are important and will help to make your discus grow faster, but there are many people who have discus tanks that have been thriving for years and these individuals are "lucky" if they do a water change once a month! If your tank is set up properly, then it does not require as much work.
ReplyDeleteHere are a couple suggestions from Discus Daves:
1) Find a trusted source for quality discus
2) Keep your tank warm
3) No matter what, be consistent! This is the key, the pH is not that important, as long as your within reason (6.5-7.5) keep it there, if you are over 7 buffers are not essential, and you will have better luck if you simply leave the pH as it is out of the tap rather than chemically altering it which can lead to inconsistencies and stressors.
4) Live plants help to balance the tank and will neutralize a portion of the waist, plants are a great filter!
5) Biological filtration, have lots of space and surface areas for your nitrifying bacteria to build and stabilize the tank, naturally. The use of chemicals or carbons should rarely be used.
6) Enjoy! Discus are the most rewarding fish one can ever own!
For more helpful hints and tips please join our discus community at facebook, just send a friend request to Discus Daves, and feel free to ask any questions about this glorious species of fish!