Discus are not delicate, but they do have some “ideal” existence parameters..
As Discus become relatively larger (some over 8 in. Diameter.) they require some space and care should be given to consider tank size/space.. Discus are darters and as such should have several feet of dashing room, they also enjoy water 2-3ft deep where they can feel secure.. Adults should have a tank about min. dims. Of 48Lx18Hx12D a better choice would be 48Lx24Hx16D but they can be housed in smaller tanks, behavior is much superior in the larger tank and over all results of success and condition and well being of specimens is easily recognized. Young Discus can do fine in lesser space but should be accommodated as they grow.
Water parameters are important, clean water is a must, Water changes of at least 20-25% should be made at least weekly for optimum quality. But we suggest at least 50%water changes once a week.
Temperature should be kept warm 84 to 88 dF minor fluctuations during water changes will not harm the fish (+/- 4-6 dF) and will actually benefit immune system.
Ph is a consideration also, although Discus can adapt to a fair range of tolerance here best results are had at Ph ranges below/around 7.2 (neutral) [I recommend below 6.5 (6.0-6.5) for best health results, breeding requires even more care with Ph if eggs are to be viable and fertilize correctly, also has an effect on development of hatched fry and ability of parents to produce food in slime coat which babies feed off of for first 10 days to 2 weeks. This is a crucial developmental stage for Discus as they will derive the required immune system based on their contact with and feeding from their parents… failure to acquire it at this stage can be deadly or set development back several weeks if not months.. If immune system is not acquired it will have to be developed and this requires extrapolated time and excellent conditions with proper fluctuations and exposures to bacteria and environmental fluxes, not a task for the novice.
Please be aware there are many opinions about some of the things being discussed here, information I offer is based on my over 45 years of experience with Discus and these are the things that I have noted and that work for me.
Feeding and diet are a crucial part of your overall success with your Discus, likely you will have to find the program that best fits your needs.. Variety and quality are the success keys with feeding your Discus.
Discus are grazers (eat constantly) and as such
will benefit from MANY small feedings a day, sometimes this is not
practical and therefore the quality of the foods becomes very important.
Live (clean) foods are always best, providing the highest levels of
proteins and nourishments, be sure they are well cleaned… Examples of
live foods : Earthworms (small or chopped), mosquito larva, Chironomus
larva (blood worms), Daphnia, flies and fly larva (maggots),
Brineshrimp, and so on. Next in line are the Frozen (fresh) entities as
listed above.. Freeze Dried version of these are now available as well
and easily stored and fed. Foods HIGH in proteins and vitamins are very
important, clean foods and removal of uneaten foods is also crucial to
your overall success.
