Where Should I Get My Discus From?

[Rorie]

I am really thinking about Discus now! Just getting everything right in my head before i make the step, obviously!

But, everything i read goes on about making sure i buy good ones for a start etc etc. and how LFS tend to have rubbish stock. So, where should i buy them from?

I also read that i should have a minimum of six, and should add them all at the same time. Surly this shocks the system for a developed tank?

I have a 360L tank with 50 Cardinals and 4 Bolivian rams and then a set of bottom feeders. Is there enough room for 6 Discus?

 

[hillmar77]

I am really thinking about Discus now! Just getting everything right in my head before i make the step, obviously!

But, everything i read goes on about making sure i buy good ones for a start etc etc. and how LFS tend to have rubbish stock. So, where should i buy them from?

I also read that i should have a minimum of six, and should add them all at the same time. Surly this shocks the system for a developed tank?

I have a 360L tank with 50 Cardinals and 4 Bolivian rams and then a set of bottom feeders. Is there enough room for 6 Discus?

You should be okay on adding 6 discus to your cardinal tank. As for shocking your system, you should be okay since good bacteria can double in one day. So as long as you keep checking your water stats for the first few days, and doing water changes if you read any ammonia or nitrite. As for where to pick up quality Discus, the best way on getting them would be from a reputable breeder that send via overnight air. Just make sure they are very reputable and have a DOA(dead on arrival) guarantee.
I know Chens Discus looks like a pretty good breeder in the UK.

 

[Squidward]

There are numerous good suppliers. I wouldn't get them from a lfs, but rather a specialist breeder.

The 2 options that come to mind depending on your water conditions are:

If you intend using your tap water, then I would go for German bred Discus from Mark Evanden/Deveotedly Discus.
These will be a bit hardier than Asian bred fish. And will be more used to harder/higher ph tap water.

If you are using RO water, and you would prefer Asian fish, then Southampton Discus have a good reputation.

I have heard some "interesting" things about Chens Discus and would be a bit wary of his fish. Most people love his fish, but I have also heard a few horror stories.

6 Discus in your tank should be ok. If not more.
Remember that with Discus, they are the "main event" and everything should be geared towards them. The dither fish are just a sideline.

 

[Rorie]

Thanks for that.

Well my PH in my tank is 6.4 steady. But my worry is RE water changes.... when it comes to a water change using tap water, it wont be 6.4, and therefore there could be a jump in PH until it settles again. I asked about this in a nother thread....but i am still not sure what is best for me to do

 

[Rorie]

You say i should build my tank around the discus....anything in particular they like in the way of layout? I hear hiding places, but they must need some size of hiding place haha!

I am away to change the layout of my tank which should create more swimming area, but less hiding places. Currently there is a big bit of hollowed out bogwood, but its causing me a few issues. I am away to change it for a branchy bit of wood which will be covered in moss. That way the cardinals can still hide....but the Discus wont be able to

 

[Squidward]

Thanks for that.

Well my PH in my tank is 6.4 steady. But my worry is RE water changes.... when it comes to a water change using tap water, it wont be 6.4, and therefore there could be a jump in PH until it settles again. I asked about this in a nother thread....but i am still not sure what is best for me to do

Most Discus keepers "age" the water in a plastic container first.
After 24 hours of being in the container with an airstone and heater, it should be stable enough to be put in the Discus tank.

You say i should build my tank around the discus....anything in particular they like in the way of layout? I hear hiding places, but they must need some size of hiding place haha!

I am away to change the layout of my tank which should create more swimming area, but less hiding places. Currently there is a big bit of hollowed out bogwood, but its causing me a few issues. I am away to change it for a branchy bit of wood which will be covered in moss. That way the cardinals can still hide....but the Discus wont be able to

Well it depends on what you want to achieve.
It sounds like you want a nice show tank.

So you could have bits of bogwood. Branchy bits look nice, I have that sort of look with my Angels.

With this sort of set up, it's better to start with adult/sub adult fish. You won't have to feed so often, and won't struggle to maintain the water conditions.
Smaller Discus are better in a bare bottom tank.

Also, when I said "build your tank around the Discus", I meant that the Discus' needs (feeding temps etv) come first.