Disc61
so we have been talking on another thread about massive water changes and its benefits to Discus.
first to answer the question, NO. I say that knowing that I myself do massive water changes on a daily basis in any grow out tank I may have in operation.
can we get away without them? yes, many people do and have success (to a point). afterall, we do have lifes outside of our hobby. Don't we??? my wife would tell you no. hahaha. and because of this we need to balance things. the key ingredient to all this is prestine water conditions. this can still be achieved with less water changes. you can get your Discus strickly on a flake or pellet diet. there are many flakes and pellets made by top breeders out there now that have the balance that Discus need. what does flakes have to do with it? less messy so it doesn't dirty up the water column near as much as some of the other foods we may feed. like Beefheart mixes and blackworms, etc. the key is to start them early on flakes as later in their adult lives it is tougher to get them switched. ( not impossible)
So yes, I do think we can keep this beautiful freshwater fish without a daily schedule attached to them. I would recommend at least 2-3 times a week for Discus from 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches. at this point they become sub adults and require less to thrive.
With that said, I do feel that massive water changes are a key ingredient to growing Discus out to their full potential. a bigger ingredient is a wide variety of foods, and because of that we need to keep things cleaned up to maintain that prestine condition we are thriving for. So if you are looking for those dinner plate size Discus ( yes, they do get that big) it is important to keep in mind 3 key ingredients.
1. always start off with Quality fish from a reputable breeder or importer. your local fish store may not carry these.
ask questions about them, look at their shapes and if at all possible do they know the breeder or importers name.
2. feed a variety of foods, from flakes and pellets, to Beefheart and seafood mixes to Freezedried foods such as blackworms.
3. provide a prestine environment for them.
first to answer the question, NO. I say that knowing that I myself do massive water changes on a daily basis in any grow out tank I may have in operation.
can we get away without them? yes, many people do and have success (to a point). afterall, we do have lifes outside of our hobby. Don't we??? my wife would tell you no. hahaha. and because of this we need to balance things. the key ingredient to all this is prestine water conditions. this can still be achieved with less water changes. you can get your Discus strickly on a flake or pellet diet. there are many flakes and pellets made by top breeders out there now that have the balance that Discus need. what does flakes have to do with it? less messy so it doesn't dirty up the water column near as much as some of the other foods we may feed. like Beefheart mixes and blackworms, etc. the key is to start them early on flakes as later in their adult lives it is tougher to get them switched. ( not impossible)
So yes, I do think we can keep this beautiful freshwater fish without a daily schedule attached to them. I would recommend at least 2-3 times a week for Discus from 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches. at this point they become sub adults and require less to thrive.
With that said, I do feel that massive water changes are a key ingredient to growing Discus out to their full potential. a bigger ingredient is a wide variety of foods, and because of that we need to keep things cleaned up to maintain that prestine condition we are thriving for. So if you are looking for those dinner plate size Discus ( yes, they do get that big) it is important to keep in mind 3 key ingredients.
1. always start off with Quality fish from a reputable breeder or importer. your local fish store may not carry these.
ask questions about them, look at their shapes and if at all possible do they know the breeder or importers name.
2. feed a variety of foods, from flakes and pellets, to Beefheart and seafood mixes to Freezedried foods such as blackworms.
3. provide a prestine environment for them.