New Discus

[Michael Roth]

Ok, new to discus, did the appropriate reading, took the appropriate steps.
When they were in the store they were much, well, browner.

tank is at 80 degrees, 45 US gallon, 2 ehiem 250s, one magnum 200 for filtration, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia all at nil.

They are very social and all they want to do is eat.

Am I overly worried about a colour change?

comparison

 

[Abernathy]

Unlike when I had mbuna cichlids, which turn lighter when stressed, my discus turn dark when they are stressed. Lighter, I believe, generally means happier.

 

[Cian McLiam]

Firstly, I think 80 is far too cold for them, a minimum of 84 is better for them to feel comfortable. I cant really see the fish very clearly in your first pic, but it looks like it may have bacterial problems. The second thingis that fish this young need the company of a small shoal to feel secure, at least 6 at this size. I'm sure your fish will do ok and will settle down, brighter colours are generally a good sign, but you can raise your chances of success significantly if you raise the temperature, give them company and check for bacterial problems.

Ken

 

[Mesome]

Have you checked your ph?

 

[Michael Roth]

6.0