|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For Discus fish, there are 2 consideration in tanks - tank depth and volume. Because of their size and swimming habits, a minimum of 18" is needed for tank depth, the deeper the better. Regarding volume, a good rule of thumb is that each adult discus will need 10 gallons of water. Larger tanks will also give more stable water conditions, and taking into account other considerations the minimum size for a discus show tank should be no less than 55 gallons. It is also advisable to use a rectangular tank. Not only are they cheaper, but are more efficient, because they maximize surface area. Surface area is the most important factor in buying a tank. Why? Because it is only at the surface of the tank that gas exchange occurs. (Oxygen in, Carbon dioxide out.) Assuming you have a seventy five gallon show tank, and it's biological filter is working as required, up to twenty young fish 3 inches in size, or 6 or 8 fully adult discus can comfortably inhabit the tank. An outside filter may be added to large tanks to increase basic aeration and biological filtration needs.
Keep in mind that when young discus fish are small,they grow fast and become quite large in a short period of time if fed well and water quality is maintained. If your tank is too small they will not be happy and it will quickly stunt their growth. Juvenile discus should not be kept in overly large tanks. Being a social fish, Discus tend to become very skittish in large tanks. In our hatchery, we place 6 Discus up to 1.5" in a 29-gallon tank. They will be moved tp larger tanks when they get to 2.5", and show possible signs of "pairing off". Always try to buy the largest tank you can afford for discus fish.
If breeding Discus is a consideration later on, tanks can be down sized to twenty gallons per pair. At our hatchery, 29 gallon rectangular glass tanks are utilized for every breeding pair. A bare bottomed tank with at 2 ˝ gallons of water per inch of fish, a couple of sponge filters and a canister filter with activated carbon in it is used to begin the process. This is maintained at 6.6 - 6.8 PH, and the temperature is set at 82 to 84 degrees F. We make 50% water changes weekly, and some breeders will go as high as 95%. Optimal results would be achieved with a 15% water change daily. Because Discus produce slime on their body, and it is shed regularly,it coats the inner surface of the tank and promotes bacterial growth. A safe bet is to wipe down every discus tank every week. There are commercial sponges and brushes available to do this chore.
Because Discus are large fish, they require clean water and proper filtration. The tank must be "cycled" and tested for nitrates/nitrites before placement of Discus in the tank. Our policy is to use fish such as some of the more common cichlids to "cycle" the tank. A good rule of thumb here is to wait at least 4 weeks before attempting to place Discus with the "cycling" fish. If you are active in the aquarist community, a friend might possibly loan you some "cycling fish" to begin your project, and the "cyclers" can be returned to their owner upon completion of the cycle.
Discus prefer soft water, due to the constant rainfall and run-off in their natural habitat. We are more concerned, however, with cleanliness. It is much better to have a high quality of hygiene in the tank than it is having optimal water conditions, though we strive for both. Discus will adapt to most conditions, including PH up to 7.8 and 350-ppm microsiemens of hardness, but cannot survive in constantly changing water conditions or dirty water.
Alden Smith is a published author, and has been marketing on the internet for 7 years. His website, King Discus, is an active gathering place for discus breeders and lovers of discus fish. His wife Betsy is the administrator of All The Best Recipes a site rich in online recipes and cookbooks.
Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More
Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More
Chocolate. Who can resist it?Your dogs health depends on it!... Read More
Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More
Five years ago this August a funny little puppy came... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More
Dog Shock CollarsDog shock collars are a touchy subject among... Read More
You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it... Read More
Shy dogs are more common than most people think, but... Read More
It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More
Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More
Tips to getting the right GoldfishGoldfish are a temperate breed... Read More
Westie Grooming ? When your west highland white terrier becomes... Read More
'I named all kittens, although they were all stillborn.' 'My... Read More
Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled... Read More
Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More
Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh... Read More
If you are thinking of adding a feline to your... Read More
Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More
A dog that is feeling pain can often be highly... Read More
Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn cichlids is a hybrid cichlid that was... Read More
Every day, people by the millions pour food from a... Read More
The aim of a Westie rescue centre such as the... Read More
In compiling some information on achieving a proper fit to... Read More
Some sources seem to indicate that living with a serval... Read More
The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More
Our pets depend on us for their every need, including... Read More
Losing a family pet can be a traumatic experience, especially... Read More
Just because we moved out to the country a couple... Read More
The large animal organizations and the public money.It is said... Read More
Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
Having a dog is a little like having a baby.... Read More
IntroductionA long time ago, before evolution turned the primate into... Read More
Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More
For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More
Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several... Read More
The information in this article is based on the successful... Read More
Imagine that you are scolding your cat for scratching at... Read More
Got a mischevious mutt on your hands? Then you may... Read More
Shock CollarsAre you at a loss as to whether or... Read More
Thanks to Disney's Motion Picture 'Finding Nemo,' almost everybody is... Read More
Brings live to your community tanksMany freshwater fish-keepers have a... Read More
"Hamsters?!" I hear you say. "Who cares about some fury... Read More
One of the best parts of the day for any... Read More
Cats are known for their curious and adventurous nature. Curiosity... Read More
Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More
Many cat owners believe that their good little kitty would... Read More
Pet |