sheamurai

Hi
I was the the LFS today and saw my first discus fish, the Turquoise. Beautiful.
Are they really that particular about temperature? The profile says 80, and I keep my tank at 78 - doesn't seem to be much difference - but then I'm not from the Amazon. Also, no mention made in the profile on whether or not they are happy alone or need to be paired or schools. I would have room for one or two but not three - and only if they could stand a cooler temperature...

btate617

No they really do need the high temps.
Also they need crystal clean water, I would suggest at least two 50%minimum water changes per week.
A very demanding fish, but worth it if you have the time for them.

Brian

sheamurai

and is just one ok in a tank?

harpua2002

Definitely not. Disappointing, isn't it? LOL.

If they are juveniles, they will need much more attention than twice weekly water changes to avoid stunting. If they are not juveniles, 1-2 50% water changes per week should be fine. And they do thrive in higher temps. 86 F is generally regarded as a good temp.

btate617

Also for the price and care needed they are really geared towards the experienced hobbiest, not saying you are not, I don't know you so....

Brian

aquarist48

Hello. I would like to add that if you're going to make the investment for Discus, I recommend giving them everything they require. Pristine water conditions are crucial!
Here is a link to one of our Discus keeper members named Slug. Truly amazing:
Discus Updates

this is WONDERFUL: Also by Slug
Discus Collection (56k Warning)

sheamurai

ok, thanks all

ifixoldhouses

I have 4 and thats not enough, they pick on each other, 6 is the ideal number.

fish_newbie

Discus is a schooling fish, being in a school of at least 5 is COMPULSORY for them. New discus, especially juvenile ones will becomes really shy and would starve themselves to death if not allowed to be in a school. They also tend to bully one another quite often and if you have less than 5, one or two of them will be really stressed out because of getting bullied. 5-8 seems to be the perfect number, the agression is evenly spread around. They sure are beautiful fish, you might pay a little more for them and spending quite a bit of your time on water changes but in the end, I know you would never regret it. Good luck

PS: They need to be in water that is 82-90F, with 82F being the lowest possible, I would try to place the water in around 86-90F as best. Water temperature being too low might lower their metabolism leading them not eating and swimming, hiding in a corner all day. I'm no expert, this is just the knowledge from my internet and books researches and from my own experience. I currently have 7 juvenile discus in a 70G tank with temp being 86F. Slug have a lot more discus than me a also a lot more experience, if you need any information ask him, he is willing to help. He helped me a lot with my discus.

Slug

I kept mine at 84-86, I'd recommend this temp. 80 seems a bit low. Discus usually do better in groups. I however would not recommend discus for your current setup. To much going on in that tank for discus, a lot of the fish will probably out compete the discus for food.

Thanks for the links to my threads. If anyone has any questions about Discus let me know, i'd love to help. I'm only a self proclaimed discus master, but still have a long way to go.