stunted/runts or not?

[monching]

Hello guys,
Just need the help and the keen eye of the Gurus of the forum.

Day 1
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/th_20141206_155129_zps03a6rp0f.mp4 (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/20141206_155129_zps03a6rp0f.mp4)
Day 7
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/th_20141213_215635_zpsyv5agtrf.mp4 (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/20141213_215635_zpsyv5agtrf.mp4)

[nc0gnet0]

Look good to me

[monching]

Thanks Mud:)you just made my day.

[nc0gnet0]

Thanks Mud:)you just made my day.

Now ask me about their shape..........

[monching]

never mind about the shape for now:) specially the white one with a straight forehead. Remember these fishes are gift from my kids, they went on their way to make me happy and knows nothing about discus. They just want their Dad to be happy this Christmas and they sure did. Upgrades on stocks to follow as soon as i resurrect my 60 gal. tank from the dead.

[Second Hand Pat]

Hi Ramon,

Keep doing what you are doing with the feeding and daily WCs. Get them in a larger tank asap as this will help their growth. Best to read up on some of the stickys in the beginner section and nutrition section.

Pat

[monching]

Thanks Pat,
Much appreciated. I have a 30 gal. being cycled at the moment and will transfer them ASAP. Also in the process of bringing my 60 gal. tank back to life.

[Second Hand Pat]

You might consider moving them into the 30 now. The 10 is not cycled either right? and just do the larger WC with the 30. Honestly it is better for the fish and you would be taking advantage of whatever growth potential these fish may have.
Pat

[monching]

will do it tomorrow Pat. my day off:)

[OC Discus]

Not to hyjack the thread but Rick raised a question. What causes fish to grow high body egg shaped or taller than they are long? Is this a food or water quality issue or just genetics?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[John_Nicholson]

Multiple causes. There are some strains that are genetically inclined to (in my opinion) poor shape but you can also screw them up with poor care.

-john

[krislewis3]

For what it's worth, I have one that LOOKS tall, however, as it was pointed out to me, here on SD,it's an optical illusion, due to the vertical pattern on the fish! Kris

[monching]

Day 57
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/th_20150203_202031_zpsvpa7mfef.mp4 (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/20150203_202031_zpsvpa7mfef.mp4)

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/th_20150117_163214_zpsp70hluhy.mp4 (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/20150117_163214_zpsp70hluhy.mp4)

[jmf3460]

you have done an excellent job with these fish. they are looking really good.

[monching]

Thank you so much Jacklyn :) I'm very much satisfied with the result. I was able to double their size in under 2 months. Hopefully can maintain their health through adulthood. The first 2 pics (day 1 and 7) they were still in the 10 gal. tank. Day 57 already in my 30 gal. tank and will soon move them in my 60 gal.
Will post pics again after a month.
Food: AFDBW, Beefheart mix and tetra color bits.
WC : 80% daily straight tap via water changer
Feeding them almost every 2 hours when I'm off and 4 times/day when I'm working.

[ericNH]

Wow, excellent grow-out! Well done so far. It looks to me like you're already getting right. I look forward to future pics of their development! :thumbsup:

[monching]

Thanks Eric �� much appreciated. Will sure post their development on a monthly basis from here on in.

[Reesj]

Hi Ramon. What do you use to get the food to glue to the tank man ? was hoping to get some chicken heart recipe going. would be great if can stick it in to the glass than going to my sandy substrate.

[monching]

Reesj,
Out of the 3 types of food that I feed them (Beef heart mix, tetra bits and Australian FD black worm)
it's only the black worms that I can make to stick in the glass maybe because it comes in cubes and dry so sticking it by just pressing it
against the glass.
Ramon

[Reesj]

o.O ok man thanks. Hopefully I will have to find a way to feed my discus. My aggressive duo in there won't let any other discus come near food that is in the substrate! Only stuff they eat in peace is the dried blood worm that floats around!

[DISCUS STU]

Not to hyjack the thread but Rick raised a question. What causes fish to grow high body egg shaped or taller than they are long? Is this a food or water quality issue or just genetics?

BIG Difference in the overall health from day one to day seven. Good TLC! Many of the Asian breeders have worked to develop higher body types. Most of the commercially available Discus are from Asia. That could have something to do with it. It's not to my taste.

[monching]

Stu,
I ask my LFS where his discus came from and was told from Malaysia so it's Asian, I just don't know if these juvies that I bought from him were bred here in Toronto as it is to small to survive the trip if it's an import. Mind enlighten me on this. Have you checked my "DAY 57"? Want to get your feedback on it.

[DISCUS STU]

Stu,
I ask my LFS where his discus came from and was told from Malaysia so it's Asian, I just don't know if these juvies that I bought from him were bred here in Toronto as it is to small to survive the trip if it's an import. Mind enlighten me on this. Have you checked my "DAY 57"? Want to get your feedback on it.

First re day 57. Great job! Nice healthy fish eating vigorously. I really like Snakeskins. BB is the way to go.

As far as I know, with a few exceptions, almost ALL commercially available Discus stock in North America come from Asia and have for decades. Thailand used to be and may still also be a big exporter. This goes for the juveniles as well as large fish but definitely seems to be the rule for juveniles which make up the bulk of the fish I see available at LFS's.

Asia has natural economic advantages for tropical commercial fish export for hobbyists for almost all types of fish. They are; warm climate (no heaters or heating necessary), cheap labor, and plentiful supplies of fresh water as well as economies that are export oriented. And many of the current strains were developed there. These include Blue Diamonds, Pigeon Bloods, probably Snakeskins, Altums Floras, et al.

Your's don't look particularly "high bodied" to me. The link below illustrates this type of deliberate breeding for high bodies in the Bulldog Blue Diamond Strain. I had two of these once but only bought them because the regular Blue Diamonds from my local importer weren't available. I should have waited and been more patient. Again not to my taste. Here's also one of mine from that purchase.

http://photobucket.com/images/bulldog%20blue%20diamond%20discus?page=184681

[monching]

Thanks Stu�� much appreciated. Nice to know I'm doing the right thing.
Been learning a lot from you guys.

[monching]

Day 82
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/th_20150301_194758_zpssl7vtyjf.mp4 (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/20150301_194758_zpssl7vtyjf.mp4)

[kira ken]

They look great, move them to a bigger tank already :P

good job

[monching]

They look great, move them to a bigger tank already :P

good job
Thanks Kira Ken :)
Still having a little problem setting up my 60 gal. tank, space, space, space, maybe will give them another month on the 30 Gal. while thinking on where to put my 60 gal.

[emu1sive]

I got my first discus around when you posted the second video (so mine are 1 mo younger). Just wanted to let you know that it is really awesome to see how someone else's discus are progressing and their growth rate vs mine and what I can expect/hope for moving forward!

[monching]

I got my first discus around when you posted the second video (so mine are 1 mo younger). Just wanted to let you know that it is really awesome to see how someone else's discus are progressing and their growth rate vs mine and what I can expect/hope for moving forward!

I love to see them grow:) the sole reason why I bought them young. Hope to raise them all to adulthood.

[Reesj]

Man they they look great congrats!

[WildJon]

I love to see them grow:) the sole reason why I bought them young. Hope to raise them all to adulthood.

I must say they looked like footballs with big bug eyes but you turned that around. Excellent job for what you are working with.
I thought you said they were a gift ? :P either way , keep up the good work.

Where in Toronto did you purchase them ?

[monching]

I must say they looked like footballs with big bug eyes but you turned that around. Excellent job for what you are working with.
I thought you said they were a gift ? :P either way , keep up the good work.

Where in Toronto did you purchase them ?

Jonathan,
It was a gift alright from my kids, they bought it in Mississauga Aquarium along Dundas St. They have beautiful selections there. My mistake in saying I bought them, what I mean to say is that I was already planning to buy some young and my kids just beat me to it when they saw me browsing on the net on where to buy some.

[monching]

Day 100
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/1426299418832_zpscgf3d5od.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1426299418832_zpscgf3d5od.jpg.html)

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/1426299374421_zpsiykbmyxy.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1426299374421_zpsiykbmyxy.jpg.html)

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/1426299255841_zpsv1iets52.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1426299255841_zpsv1iets52.jpg.html)

[monching]

Day 120 ( 4 months)
This will be their last pictures for now. Next time will be a year or more of age.I stick a quarter in the tank for size comparison.http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/20150411_210512_zpsaifgiqxv.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150411_210512_zpsaifgiqxv.jpg.html)

[Reesj]

Amazing job man growing out those fish. congratz.

[monching]

Amazing job man growing out those fish. congratz.
Thanks Reesj�� so satisfied them not beeing stunted or runts. Not bad for a guy who doesn't have a water tester and know nothing about ammonia, PH, KH, nitrate, nitrite etc.etc.etc....
Just lots of TLC��

[jmf3460]

Ramon, you have done excellent work here. You have a real touch for Discus. I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more of you here on this forum now that you have got the discus addiction disease. Fast forward 5 years and you will be at NADA entering prize winning fish.

[Second Hand Pat]

Ramon, nice job with these guys. Growing them out proper is so rewarding. :)
Pat

[monching]

Ramon, nice job with these guys. Growing them out proper is so rewarding. :)
Pat
So true Pat...so true��

[monching]

Ramon, you have done excellent work here. You have a real touch for Discus. I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more of you here on this forum now that you have got the discus addiction disease. Fast forward 5 years and you will be at NADA entering prize winning fish.
one of my childhood dream in terms of fish keeping is to own these magnificent creatures and to have them spawn. Back then without the benefits of informations like this forum provides, owning ang caring for them is a monumental task. My success is due to all of the hours reading all those brain food that you guys posted. My hat's off to all of you.��

[monching]

Now ask me about their shape..........
Now I want to ask you about their shape, Good enough?

[nc0gnet0]

Now I want to ask you about their shape, Good enough?


Most have rounded out nicely. It was a little hard to tell from the first video, as most were moving and had clamped fins. You have done a nice job, you should be proud.

[monching]

Most have rounded out nicely. It was a little hard to tell from the first video, as most were moving and had clamped fins. You have done a nice job, you should be proud.
I am Mud and thanks to all of you for all your unselfish efforts to help people like me to be successful in keeping these magnificent creatures. Thanks for all the advice and information on how to do it right.

[nc0gnet0]

I am Mud and thanks to all of you for all your unselfish efforts to help people like me to be successful in keeping these magnificent creatures. Thanks for all the advice and information on how to do it right.

What a breath of fresh air to see some one actually follow the advice and not try to re-invent the wheel!!

The powers that be (nudge nudge Al) need to make this thread a sticky so all new comers and first timers can see how discus growth SHOULD progress, when raised correctly.

Keep up the good work and keep up with the water changes, I know many will tell you that you can start to ease up a bit at this stage, but if you continue, that is the secret to LARGE discus.

-Rick

[brewmaster15]

What a breath of fresh air to see some one actually follow the advice and not try to re-invent the wheel!!

The powers that be (nudge nudge Al) need to make this thread a sticky so all new comers and first timers can see how discus growth SHOULD progress, when raised correctly.

Keep up the good work and keep up with the water changes, I know many will tell you that you can start to ease up a bit at this stage, but if you continue, that is the secret to LARGE discus.

-Rick

Lol

[brewmaster15]

As nudged..i mean requested...stickied.

[monching]

What a breath of fresh air to see some one actually follow the advice and not try to re-invent the wheel!!

The powers that be (nudge nudge Al) need to make this thread a sticky so all new comers and first timers can see how discus growth SHOULD progress, when raised correctly.

Keep up the good work and keep up with the water changes, I know many will tell you that you can start to ease up a bit at this stage, but if you continue, that is the secret to LARGE discus.

-Rick

Been doing 80% WC daily missing twice in 4 month period just because I'm too sick both of the times. Feeding them as much as they want to eat 4-5 times daily hence big WC is a must. In the absence of a water tester... 2 golden rule I adhere the most are clean water and temperature. It's paying off as you all can see in the pictures. These I found out in this forum and will be very much grateful to all those who in one way or the other posted relevant information on how to raise and care for our beloved fish. This also reminded me of my very first discus back home(2005-2006) they will always turn black and swim wild every WC and I am always at lost on why they act that way, got my answers here obviously. Still a sound common sense is a must to assure success. By the time my discus reach adulthood I will be more than ready (knowledge wise) for the next pace which is spawning/breeding this magnificent fish.

Again my utmost gratitude to the forum, moderators and members.

[monching]

DAY 150 ( 5 months)
In their new home a 75 gal.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/20150509_132721_zps3iuhbywm.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150509_132721_zps3iuhbywm.jpg.html)

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/20150509_132734_zpsolpd4pei.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150509_132734_zpsolpd4pei.jpg.html)

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/20150509_132740_zpsakdvlv1d.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150509_132740_zpsakdvlv1d.jpg.html)

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/20150509_132802_zpsib1nhlxo.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150509_132802_zpsib1nhlxo.jpg.html)

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/Mobile%20Uploads/20150509_132809_zpsaktreijo.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150509_132809_zpsaktreijo.jpg.html)

Eating and swimming habit change dramatically, they are now so graceful and eat with finesse not like when they are younger.

I know I said the next pictures will be after a year already but I just want to show them in their new home.

[sytfu]

they look great! what color is that background?

[monching]

they look great! what color is that background?
Ocean blue��

[FMA4ME]

Muy bonitoto!! :D

[monching]

Ramon, you have done excellent work here. You have a real touch for Discus. I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more of you here on this forum now that you have got the discus addiction disease. Fast forward 5 years and you will be at NADA entering prize winning fish.

Have them spawn first Jacklyn, this is my ultimate goal. I still remember my childhood day( 8-9 years old ) when I first laid my eyes on these magnificent fish and was told by the owner that these fish feed their young with milk secretion from their skin, I was totally fascinated an I told my self that one day I will own and spawn them and experience first hand the beauty of nature. Then next will be NADA. :bandana:

[Eddie]

These fish turned out very nice. Great work growing them out.

Eddie

[monching]

These fish turned out very nice. Great work growing them out.

Eddie

Thanks for the compliment Eddie :) much appreciated.
Here they are about a month ago together with my 2nd batch of grow outs ( I was told they are rafflesia a PB strain) and 2 marlboro reds that I bought
3 months or so ago.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/IMGP9805_zpsn8leeoqi.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/IMGP9805_zpsn8leeoqi.jpg.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/IMGP9882_zpsm6vwy9sb.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/IMGP9882_zpsm6vwy9sb.jpg.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/IMGP9881_zpsqvyyddpw.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/IMGP9881_zpsqvyyddpw.jpg.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/IMGP9865_zpsp7wiieav.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/IMGP9865_zpsp7wiieav.jpg.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/IMGP9858_zps0260cuey.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/IMGP9858_zps0260cuey.jpg.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/IMGP9811_zpsjup9mir2.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/IMGP9811_zpsjup9mir2.jpg.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/IMGP9810_zpsbosbtowo.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/IMGP9810_zpsbosbtowo.jpg.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/IMGP9809_zpss959zqnv.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/IMGP9809_zpss959zqnv.jpg.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/IMGP9807_zpsualxuxoe.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/IMGP9807_zpsualxuxoe.jpg.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/IMGP9804_zpszmxffope.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/IMGP9804_zpszmxffope.jpg.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/IMGP9802_zpsc3mjoul9.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/IMGP9802_zpsc3mjoul9.jpg.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/IMGP9801_zpsuxk3uooa.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/IMGP9801_zpsuxk3uooa.jpg.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/IMGP9774_zpsygehidod.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/IMGP9774_zpsygehidod.jpg.html)

[neontetra777]

Thank you so much Jacklyn :) I'm very much satisfied with the result. I was able to double their size in under 2 months. Hopefully can maintain their health through adulthood. The first 2 pics (day 1 and 7) they were still in the 10 gal. tank. Day 57 already in my 30 gal. tank and will soon move them in my 60 gal.
Will post pics again after a month.
Food: AFDBW, Beefheart mix and tetra color bits.
WC : 80% daily straight tap via water changer
Feeding them almost every 2 hours when I'm off and 4 times/day when I'm working.

What is this magical water changer you are referring to herein? Is it an automatic thingy?

[monching]

What is this magical water changer you are referring to herein? Is it an automatic thingy?
Yes Frankie it's an aqueon water changer with 50' hose. Just attached it in your tap. Setting both for drain and fill. Bought it for $50 save me all the hassle of using pail and avoiding back pain.

[monching]

Hello Guys,
It's been exactly a year today since my journey in discus keeping and as you all know thru this thread. I also said that I will convert my BB tank into a show one after a year and as promised here it is now. Worked on it for 2 days (friday and Saturday).
Feedbacks, comments (pros and cons) will be highly appreciated.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/20151204_212327_zpszrfhcfpx.jpg (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/20151204_212327_zpszrfhcfpx.jpg.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/2015-12-05%2018.07.38_zpsl4drqlmx.png (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/2015-12-05%2018.07.38_zpsl4drqlmx.png.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/2015-12-05%2018.09.20_zpstuz9ncmu.png (http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/2015-12-05%2018.09.20_zpstuz9ncmu.png.html)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/th_20151205_191544_zpskww7u5di.mp4 (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/20151205_191544_zpskww7u5di.mp4)

Water is still a little bit cloudy when I took the pics and video but it's crystal clear now.

[fishguy456]

First of all, the discus look great, crazy to see what they started as and what they grew into! Great job and kudos to you! Also, those angels are gorgeous!

[rickztahone]

Excellent job. The discus are so large that they actually look overcrowded. You may have mentioned it, but what size tank is this again?

[ericNH]

Beautiful. I aspire to one day do as well as you have done, monching.

[nc0gnet0]

How long have the Discus been with their "tank mates" and where they introduced properly?

[seankelly]

Now that's is a great gift from your kids,they must love you lots!You are a lucky man

[fishguy456]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k233/monching44/IMGP9809_zpss959zqnv.jpg[/URL]
[URL=http://s89.photobucket.com/user/monching44/media/IMGP9807_zpsualxuxoe.jpg.html]

What strain is this??

[fishguy456]

Excellent job. The discus are so large that they actually look overcrowded. You may have mentioned it, but what size tank is this again?

75g

[monching]

First of all, the discus look great, crazy to see what they started as and what they grew into! Great job and kudos to you! Also, those angels are gorgeous!

Thank you fishguy😊 much appreciated.

[monching]

How long have the Discus been with their "tank mates" and where they introduced properly?

I have their tank mates for about 4 months or so in my 30 gallon where I also have the big driftwood I got in humber river near my place. Did the proper quarantine including deworming all of them. They were introduced together right after the conversion of the tank so they're together for 12 days now. One thing I've noticed is two pairs paired up after 5 days and now guarding their respective territory. Both started cleaning a spot and been seeing this tube like thingy protruding from thair bellies. .

[monching]

Snakeskin I was told.