Discus.

[samthefishman]

how can i keep my nitrate down?

 

[FloridaFishGuy]

Was the tank cycled before you got the fish? Does the tank have a bare bottom or substrate? How many Discus and other fish do you currently have? What type of filtration? How often are you feeding? I have 22 Discus in one 55g tank and I feed 3-5 times a day and my nitrates are usually between 0-2 but thats because I have a barebottom and I do w/c's and clean the sponge filters often.

Blake

 

[samthefishman]

My tank was cycles b4 i got them, i have 2 discus 15 neon tetras 3 clown loaches and 2 longnose whiptal catfish. It has been set up for 1 week and yesterday i did a 20% water change. Should i do another 2day? and should i clean out the filters?

 

[FloridaFishGuy]

I would just do a w/c.

 

[samthefishman]

okay.
Thanks for your help.
It still bothers me t he fact they are constantly hiding!!! they never used to, i do know what has happend.

 

[plecoguy]

one week is not enough cycle time for all those fish...not at all. a full cycle takes 4 to 6 weeks...

 

[samthefishman]

.....ummm okay.

Never done it more then a week, and all my fish in 4 tanks are fine, its just this tank.

 

[FloridaFishGuy]

Well if you have substrate and all those fish with Discus it is probably stressing the Discus out big time. The nitrates are way to high and thats the main reason why there stressing and also it could be due to the other fish in the tank.

 

[samthefishman]

So then what do YOU suggest i do?
Discus are a good looking fish but cant have a good looking tank???

 

[plecoguy]

you can have a good looking tank with discus and other fish, but you need to take it slower. discus are not hardy fish, maybe your other fish handled the nitrite spikes fine, but discus dont, and if its not ammonia and nitrites, then maybe your nitrates, get your water tested.

 

[samthefishman]

huh???
i showed you my water parimeters.
why do i need to get it tested?

 

[Ben]

i never cycle any of my tanks and all my fish live so i dont think it could be the cycle bit

 

[maestro]

Although you may not like it the best bet with juvenile discus is this

Get rid of the substrate and have a bare bottom tank, do a water change every day, feed a few times a day and always vacuum up any unleft food or faeces.

Its worth testing the tap water for nitrates as there is no point in changing water if the nitrates in your tap are 50ppm like mine

Keep the tank spotlessly clean

How big is the tank? its best to have a schoal of atleast 6

What is the water temp? they like it warm

Discus like clean water or they dont do well, they are not that hard to keep but u just have to follow "the rules"

 

[samthefishman]

its my gf's tank... i aint making it look crap just to keep them.
I am prob just gonna get rid of them, they arnt worth it.
i have done everything i can do for them to be happy.

 

[jumpman]

I am prob just gonna get rid of them

probably the best idea.

Unless you are prepared to gear everything towards them then I would.....not having a go, but from what you have said it is clear you don't have/want the time to invest in them

cheers

jump