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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.
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 7.0 (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 40 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.
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