Discus

[totalbolshevik]

I would like to start keeping Discus. My pH is usually about 6.4, and I have read that they prefer a pH of 6.0. Is the pH in my tank too high?

 

[silver]

Hi there

Ahhhhh...Discus, what beautiful fish!!!

I must warn you...they are a single species fish. That means that they are healthiest and happiest with only their kind and some bottom feeders like Corys. They do NOT fight for their food AT all and are a wee bit inferior to other fish, even ones you'd think are peaceful like Gouramis for instance. They often die due to water specs. It is VERY important with the Discus to keep their PH just right so I would strive a little harder to get that PH down to where they like it. I've heard that a really easy tip on keeping Discus is to get this certain kind of wood and put in there. You can buy it at LFS so I would check into it. I'm sorry I can't remember the name of the wood, but for some reason it makes the water do "magical" things when it comes to Discus!!!

Hope this helps and good luck. I LOVE DISCUS!!!

Silver

 

[DizzyDezzy]

from what I've heard they do best in tanks with bottom feeders and small tetras (neons or cardinals), as they feel more secure with the tetras around (small fish around = no predators). Also, I've heard they are pretty picky eaters, too...

 

[mrV]

I'm sorry I can't remember the name of the wood, but for some reason it makes the water do "magical" things when it comes to Discus!!!

Wood??? Probably it will be tannic acid which dissolves from wood like mangrove. Same thing is to use turf-filtration (always have to use turf without any fertilizers, only natural turf).

You should check your tap-water values first, discus need real soft water. If you have hard water, maybe the best way is not to buy discus or you have use different equipments to change water from hard to soft - it's not cheap at all.

Your pH is fine for discus but what about GH/KH/NO3-? Discus doesn't tolerate high nitrate level either.

Because discus aren't the cheapest fish, it would be good to buy UV-C sterilizer and extra filter too.

DD:

small tetras (neons

I wont put neons in the same tank with angels/discus, because they probably keep party and neons are invited too, but for main food on supper.

 

[totalbolshevik]

I'm sorry I can't remember the name of the wood, but for some reason it makes the water do "magical" things when it comes to Discus!!!

bogwood?

 

[dolphin]

Hi Totalbolshevik

A pH of 6.4 is just about the lowest limit for keeping tank breed discus. If any thing a pH of closer to 7 would be better. If you intend to try and breed discus, then a pH of 6.4 will be fine.

I try to keep my pH between 6 and 6.4 for my breeding pairs. I Aim for a pH of 6.4 but it constantly drops due to low/no buffering.

If you want to keep wild discus, (not tank breed wild discus). Then you have to match the ph to there natural conditions, (along with the GH, KH and conductivity (generally measured in micro seimens, µs)). The natural conditions vary, depending on the type of discus. These can range from a pH of 4.0 to 6.8.


Dolphin