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Second Hand Pat
04-30-2013, 11:31 PM
Our May 2013 spotlight member is John Nicholson...

Thank you so much for your participation John!

Q - Please tell us all a little about yourself, what makes You tick? Single, married, attached? What do you do for a living? Other hobbies? Any significant non-discus achievements you want to brag about?

A – Married for more than ½ my life. ( 26 years ). I have a degree from Texas A&M University in Agricultural Economics, but somehow I ended up as a programmer. I have worked for the same computer company for over 20 years. We provide Unix ( old servers ) and Linux business systems for farm implement dealerships primarily. We have over 500 programs and millions of lines of code. I routinely work on programs that have C code, HTML, java script , and json all together. I have more hobbies than I can list. Some of the biggest are riding horses, deer hunting, and the UFC ( huge fan ).

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/DiscusJohn/2012-11-04101558.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DiscusJohn/media/2012-11-04101558.jpg.html)

Q - How did you get into discus? Where was the first discus you saw? How long had you been into fish first?

A – I got my first fish 40 years ago at age 7. Not sure when I saw or got my first discus, but it has been a while. Even at a young age I seemed to have the knack of getting fish to breed. I made a lot of money in high school breeding and selling fish.


Q - What strains are you the most happy with? Which do you think need some work? Are you working on anything new and exciting now? What strain/s do you like best, personally?

A – Interesting question. My favorite strain is the red turquoise. A nice one is hard to beat. Trouble is most big breeders have moved on to the latest and greatest faze and so the quality of RT’s has really fallen off. There are several that need work, but my biggest complaint with most is the lack of a good red eye. I see so many really nice spotted fish with a ugly yellow/amber eye. Nothing had me excited at the moment but a true yellow with a red eye would do it.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/DiscusJohn/assorted1.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DiscusJohn/media/assorted1.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/DiscusJohn/RTpairsm.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DiscusJohn/media/RTpairsm.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/DiscusJohn/fish10b.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DiscusJohn/media/fish10b.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/DiscusJohn/MRfry.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DiscusJohn/media/MRfry.jpg.html)


Q - What do you feed your discus?

A - Mainly my own beef heart mix. It varies but roughly goes as follows:


10 pounds of trimmed BH.
4 pounds of shrimp
4 pounds of ground venison that is browned and fat drained.
2 bananas
2 packs of frozen spinach
10 multi vitamins
Enough flake to help bind it together.


Q - What is your most exhilarating moment with discus?

A – Really? First spawn of course. I guess I will never get tired of watching them spawn and raise fry, but once I get a pair going well I normally get tired of that pair. I will often keep some of their fry and send the pair down the road.


Q What is your most frustrating moment with discus?

A – Ok, hang on a moment while I clear off my soapbox…..

Ok ready to go. The way that people on the forum now days feel entitled to have their questions answered without any research or thought. In the old days we would be faced with a problem we would think about it, try some stuff, and then post about it on the forum. We often had great discussions because people came to the party with a clue....ok off the soap box..

On discus not really a lot of frustrations really. The first 6 fish I got all lived, all grew out well, formed 2 pairs that both started raising fry at between 9 and 12 months. I guess the thing that is the most irritating is if I manage to get some sort of illness in the fish. The last time that happened to me I still had a fish room in the house....so maybe 8 to 10 years ago? It is frustrating because I know how to prevent it. When an issue happens I also now how to fix it. If it is major ship a few fish to the U. of F. and wait for the results.


Q - Do you have any future discus plans that you would like to share with us?

A - Nothing to out there. I have 10 of the PB offspring from Chad’s PB “ring leopard” male. They are roughly 14 months old and looking great. I will probably kick around with them for a few generations to see if I can reproduce the male. At some point I need to obtain some nice RT’s from a couple of different sources and start trying to recreate the fish that I had 10+ years ago.


Q - How do those in your life feel about discus?

A – I have been married for 26 years. I have always taken everything to extremes so my wife is use to it. Apparently she loves me because she still puts up with me. If you want to meet her to give her your condolences she will be at NADA 2014.

Q - Do you have any funny, amusing or interesting discus stories to share with us?

A – Do I have any stories….LOL. We don’t have that much time. I suggest everyone catches me at NADA and we will do this thing live.

Q - Do you have any thanks or credit to give for your success with discus? Any mentors or colleagues who you think deserve some applause?


A - I have a lot of old timers that I need to thank but I will just mention one here. Jim Quarles. You would have needed to know the man to truly understand why. On a different note I will always owe April a debt of gratitude for helping me out with a sort of discus issue many, many years ago.

Me and Jim Quarles
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/DiscusJohn/P6020004bb.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DiscusJohn/media/P6020004bb.jpg.html)


Q - What do you see as the future of discus keeping? More/less people? Any cool ideas for strains?

A – The future is probably bleak. To many kids play games these days instead of raising fish. We need to get people interested when they are young.


Q - Can you think of anything I left out you would like to bring up - either personally or discus related?

A - How about why do I stay in it? I mean I do love watching them raise their fry but I guess I stay now because of all of the great friends that I have in my life. I would start naming them all here but I am sure I would leave someone out and I would hate to hurt anyone's feelings.


Breeding

Q - How did you decide to take the plunge into breeding as a significant part of your fishkeeping?

A – I have bred fish since I was a small child. It is just what I do.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/DiscusJohn/Fish%202013/2012-12-26074448_zpscca25e63.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DiscusJohn/media/Fish%202013/2012-12-26074448_zpscca25e63.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/DiscusJohn/brillantfemale1.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DiscusJohn/media/brillantfemale1.jpg.html)


Q - What were the major obstacles involved in setting up as a breeder? Any advice for aspiring breeders?

A – You need way more tanks then you think you do. Also never deal in unhealthy fish, If they are sick, kill them and move on. You will be light years ahead in the long run. If you want to treat them send some to the University of Florida and have them properly diagnosed.


Q - How many pairs do you currently have producing? How many tanks?

A - Right now I only have 2 pairs producing regularly. I have one other proven pair that have been off cycle. I let them foster raise a month or so ago and they have now kicked back on. They have spawned twice but have not raised anything yet.


Q - Any tips on breeding or raising discus? Tricks or methods you use to encourage pairs to breed?

A – Really it is easy. The most natural thing for a healthy animal to do is to spawn. If yours are not spawning look at heath, water, and food. One of them is lacking. After that you can add peat to the water, big water change with cooler water, just siphon out the solid and refill tank for a few weeks and then hit with a big change,…there are lots of “tricks”….A search here on Simply will reveal most of the them.

Just so you will know me at the 2014 NADA show...
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/DiscusJohn/Mvc-005f.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/DiscusJohn/media/Mvc-005f.jpg.html)

ROOK45
05-01-2013, 12:23 AM
Great interview John


Jon

timmy82
05-01-2013, 12:30 AM
Well deserved John good interview always enjoy listening to your replies and straight forward answers.
Like the truth about the below respons :o
"The way that people on the forum now days feel entitled to have their questions answered without any research or thought. In the old days we would be faced with a problem we would think about it, try some stuff, and then post about it on the forum."

Chad Hughes
05-01-2013, 12:49 AM
Nice dress John. ;)

Thanks for your participation!

Discus Ranz
05-01-2013, 12:55 AM
Awesome interview. I remember John from when I was a member here back in the day. I love his knowledge and advice. I learned a lot from him whether he knows it or not. He's one of a very small handfull of people that I count on when I need serious input.
John? You're someone that, whether they like or don't like what you say.......... it automaticly demands respect!

Love ya John! Keep it up brother!

Ranz

Discus Ranz
05-01-2013, 12:56 AM
Ps. Blue ain't your color. I would have went with muave on the dress.

Ranz

Trier20
05-01-2013, 02:32 AM
Great interview! Appreciate you participating.

Sandy Clay
05-01-2013, 10:15 AM
Thanks for sharing!

fredyx
05-01-2013, 10:57 AM
Wow I've been around SD for a little while and I appreciate your wisdom John, thanks for sharing your ideas!!

Allwin
05-01-2013, 11:30 AM
Wonderful John, take me to deer hunting some where,some time some day :)

Discus Ranz
05-01-2013, 11:43 AM
I forgot to add. John? in reference to what you said,

"Ok ready to go. The way that people on the forum now days feel entitled to have their questions answered without any research or thought. In the old days we would be faced with a problem we would think about it, try some stuff, and then post about it on the forum. We often had great discussions because people came to the party with a clue....ok off the soap box.."

True. The other side of the Discus (or coin) though, you and a few others that "have" put in the years of hard work and research, have yourselves "become" a source for research. Much like back in the day, learning what could be learned from pioneers like Whattley, etc.....
Not saying that about everyone that inquires, but speaking from the point of view like myself. I've learned alot from trail & error, in some cases losing fish...... but what I dont have at my disposal for experimenting myself, I depend on great men like yourself thats "been there, done that".
I hope this comes accross as the compliment that I mean it to be. I do understand that there "are" people out there that should stick to gold fish & guppies. But for those of us that "do" appreciate the King of the aquarium, and what it takes to be successful at it.......... Thank you to guys like you John, that when we do need dyer information, you're there for us.

Ok........... off my soap box. LOL

~Ranz~

troysdiiscus
05-01-2013, 12:12 PM
++1 Well said..being new to the discus enviroment, I got into this hobby for the love of fish and the discus world took me to the next level. People like John inspires me and always have the thirst for knowledge, having someone there to help when help is needed is very important to up comers that have done research and now look for a direction and John has that knowledge and to share it is priceless.
Respect is 90% fear, I respect the hobby because I have the fear of failure to my fish and the hobby. I respect John for his accomplishments and I his honesty (because I have seen it written many times...lol) For the youngens that are growing up in an internet world, NEVER loose track of first hand knowledge and experience. John congrats, Iook forward to many more readings and sharing your knowledge of this hobby.
I forgot to add. John? in reference to what you said,

"Ok ready to go. The way that people on the forum now days feel entitled to have their questions answered without any research or thought. In the old days we would be faced with a problem we would think about it, try some stuff, and then post about it on the forum. We often had great discussions because people came to the party with a clue....ok off the soap box.."

True. The other side of the Discus (or coin) though, you and a few others that "have" put in the years of hard work and research, have yourselves "become" a source for research. Much like back in the day, learning what could be learned from pioneers like Whattley, etc.....
Not saying that about everyone that inquires, but speaking from the point of view like myself. I've learned alot from trail & error, in some cases losing fish...... but what I dont have at my disposal for experimenting myself, I depend on great men like yourself thats "been there, done that".
I hope this comes accross as the compliment that I mean it to be. I do understand that there "are" people out there that should stick to gold fish & guppies. But for those of us that "do" appreciate the King of the aquarium, and what it takes to be successful at it.......... Thank you to guys like you John, that when we do need dyer information, you're there for us.

Ok........... off my soap box. LOL

~Ranz~

Skip
05-01-2013, 12:36 PM
nice shoes

CarvinSigX
05-01-2013, 12:55 PM
One of the things I took from this post John, is your ability to persevere through what can be "the grind" of fish keeping. That kind of passion and dedication is inspiring.

Poco
05-01-2013, 01:58 PM
Really enjoyed the interview.

Thanks for sharing with all of us.

CrazyAngels
05-01-2013, 03:10 PM
Enjoyed the reading John, sure do appreciate your time and knowledge.

kaceyo
05-01-2013, 03:44 PM
Good interview John. Streightforward trueth. Works every time! Well...almost every time.

DiscusLoverJeff
05-01-2013, 03:55 PM
Good interview. Meeting Jim Quarles must of been a true "discus lover" experience. I have read his books and he is truly an experienced discus lover.

Your experience with him would make for a good read sometime. I am sure he had great stories and suggestions.

nwehrman
05-01-2013, 04:28 PM
Good interview John! Nice dress - I'm sure we can pick you out at NADA 2014 now!

Second Hand Pat
05-01-2013, 04:30 PM
I think a new dress with matching shoes and purse is a must for 2014 :D

John_Nicholson
05-01-2013, 07:21 PM
Thanks everyone and yes it has been a great trip. Hopefully it will not stop anytime soon.

-john

DLFL
05-01-2013, 08:19 PM
Just read the interview and enjoyed it immensely!

rdiscus
05-01-2013, 09:25 PM
Enjoy the reading ... Thanks John

Trevor W
05-01-2013, 11:28 PM
Yet again a great spotlight! Thank you for sharing with us John and thanks again to Pat and Chad for bringing us another great interview.

Second Hand Pat
05-01-2013, 11:30 PM
Chad and I are pleased to be able to do this and John made a pretty willing victim.

Chad Hughes
05-01-2013, 11:32 PM
It's actually been a lot of fun. :)

Second Hand Pat
05-01-2013, 11:37 PM
It has been Chad :D

Bill63SG
05-03-2013, 09:20 PM
Dont know how I missed this.Nice read John.And thanks for the help in the past.

Kal-El
05-03-2013, 11:24 PM
Great read... John is a very interesting man... one that has my respect...

yim11
05-03-2013, 11:31 PM
They really are nice shoes...

nc0gnet0
05-04-2013, 12:25 AM
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/DiscusJohn/Mvc-005f.jpg

Dam European women!

roclement
05-04-2013, 07:40 AM
That is not a woman....oh crap...John...we need to talk...

rodrigo

John_Nicholson
05-04-2013, 08:27 AM
Thanks guys....and Rod we can talk but like I told you in the past I won't date you.... I realize that I am a pretty man but I only wore the dress as a gag....LOL. You wll have to sweet talk Bob.....LOL.

-john

texasdiscusman
05-04-2013, 11:13 AM
John
I don't know how many times I have seen that picture.But it kills me very time(Haha) and actually probably causes nightmares to other people.LOL I'll bet Charlie never wore that dress again.Wonder what your girls teachers thought when they brought that picture to school for show and tell day.Never a boring minute when your around old man.
Randy

DerekFF
05-04-2013, 11:54 AM
Man I know I've been away from the forum a while but johns still kickin!!?? Holy smokes lol. Congrats John. You've done a lot for the hobby, especially here at SD


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Keith Perkins
05-04-2013, 02:37 PM
Another fun read, thanks John for sharing.

Second Hand Pat
05-31-2013, 11:00 PM
Bump for a good read...