DISCUS -How do I make 'em Happy?

[thecichlidaddict]

First, my biggest concern is the hight of the tank. I get the feeling that it is only 18" high, which is not a lot for Discus.

As far as water changes go, buy a python water changing hose, you won't regret it. This makes changing the water of large tanks completely effortless.

As far as test kits go, it really doesn't matter. They all do the job. I tend to go with liquid drop kits. Keep in mind that these are not marine fish, we don't need perfection, just an idea.

 

[Exiled]

Lithril -- maybe I am confused. I was under the impression that cycling meant getting the biological and chemical factors in the tank stable like getting all the bacteria and Nitrite/Nitrate life going.
If I'm mistaken, let me know. I'm here to learn.

Cichlidaddict -- It's a standard shaped tank--you may be right, I think it might be 18" in height (it seemed higher in the store though)
If it isn't right for Discus then, I will go with other cichlids. Truth be told, I don't know If I have enough experience for Discus at this point.
Python water changing hose? Like it's made for changing the water in a pythons cage?
I have a python. I never heard of this. I stick my hand right in--she doesnt care.

 

[Lithril]

Cycling is the building up of bacteria to convert Ammonia---> Nitrites--->Nitrates. But for the bacteria to multiply and colonise the tank you need to feed them a food source - Ammonia. In the fishless way this is either done by directly adding ammonia or a fishfood that will break down into ammonia. Have a look in the beginners section pinned at the top is an article called new tank syndrome and there are some links in there on Fishless Cycling. So you are right, but they won't all form on their own unless they have a food source.

:kira: The Python these ppl are on about is a gizmo that attaches to the water faucet that will use water flow to suck water out of the tank and also to pump it back into the tank again.

 

[Exiled]

Great help Lithril!
Thanks! I missed that pinned post. Glad I can do this fishless/or with hardy fishes. (although I don't want them to die )
The link on that post took the mystery out of the whole business.
I'll look into that python gizmo.
And do you know how to test rocks for their chemical compounds?
Thanks again!

 

[Lithril]

The main thing to look for with rock is carbonate that will adjust the water hardness, put a drop of acid on the rock like vinegar, if it fizzes, don't use it.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

put a drop of acid on the rock like vinegar, if it fizzes, don't use it.

Unless of course you decide to keep Africans, in which case those fizzy rocks are perfect.

 

[Exiled]

I put a drop of acid on a rock..... then I partook too. Whooaaoao... I can see my hand bones!

jus kidding. 8)

Tomorrow I'm going rock-hunting. Going to a hiking spot with a backpack and a bottle of Wishbone Creamy Italian. I'm gonna look really silly dripping vinegar on stones.
Fellow Hiker: "What are you doing, lady?"
Me: "They taste better this way"

Man, i just can't decide between American and African Cichlids. I see one species i really like, and I like what I'm reading about their behaviors--then I read about a whole separate type of cichlid I like...and then I realize that they have totally opposite needs....
sheesh.

What's better for a cichlid newbie? American or African?

 

[petshop johnny]

discus enjoy soft water wood helps.but one thing about discus is they are shy skiddish fish so don't put them somewhere people will constantly be passing by the tank.when you get them you will see why.they are prone to make dashes into the rocks,branches whatever when startled.they spook much like a horses so tank care is minimal.at least this is my exp. with them i worked at a petshop 5 years.ive heard others say breeding isnt difficult i don't know about that.they are for the advanced aquarist

 

[Exiled]

I think i'm nixxing the Discus idea. Guess I should start a new thread titled: "Help me make up my damn mind."

 

[petshop johnny]

rams and keyhole cichlids can be kept in a community tank and can be just as colorful and active as other cichlids

 

[thecichlidaddict]

What's better for a cichlid newbie? American or African?

Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this.

I truely enjoy Africans most. They have amazing color, they can be extremely hardy, and within them they have all sorts of colors, shapes, sizes, and behaviors.

Here is what you have to keep in mind, should you decide to keep them

-forget plants. If plants are an essential part of your aquarium forget Africans

-research. Compatiblity mistakes are the most common mistakes make with these fish

 

[Exiled]

I should probably start a new thread because I'm no longer considering Discus. I have already taken steps to make the tank an African Cichlid Aquarium.
My tank is now full of water, I have added coral to make the dGH and pH rise, I have gotten a used filter pad from a very healthy Malawi tank to introduce bacteria to the mix..... I havent yet added any ammonia --per the articles I have read on Fishless Cycling. I'm a little wary of putting bottled ammonia in the tank--no matter how minute the amount. Appearantly pure ammonia bought in a store is no different than the ammonia put out by excretion, but I'm still unsure of the validity of putting ammonia in the tank.
Has anyone had luck with this method as outlined in these articles on Fishless Cycling?
http/www.tomgriffin.com/aquamag/cycling.html
http/www.aaquaria.com/aquasource/cycle2.shtml

Since I am no longer working on making a Discus tank, I'm starting a new thread in the African Cichlids Forum, titled -- "Getting the tank right for African Cichlids"

Thanks.