Pat's Wild Cuipeua Collection

[Second Hand Pat]

I have had these fish almost a week. I got them from Mark (Discus Origins) latest shipment from WBSabby. There are seven Cuipeua and two Tefe. The Cuipeua have turned very red since I bought them home. Way redder then I expected. The fish are redder to the eye then I can capture with the camera.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/16293277957_725e8525d1_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qPMiTt)DSC_7338 (https://flic.kr/p/qPMiTt) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/16477436431_f168f402f2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r74aMz)DSC_7335 (https://flic.kr/p/r74aMz) by Pat Husband (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/15859073273_bf1187d9b7_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qapTXP)DSC_7328 (https://flic.kr/p/qapTXP) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

[Second Hand Pat]

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8616/16291479068_dcc36f55f2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qPC699)DSC_7327 (https://flic.kr/p/qPC699) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/16496635742_3de88af0c2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r8Kz5b)DSC_7391 (https://flic.kr/p/r8Kz5b) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

[Second Hand Pat]

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/16311708247_44864a34a6_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qRpLz6)DSC_7398 (https://flic.kr/p/qRpLz6) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

I started to play with f-stop and speed light to try to capture the red.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/16471648916_56fdd91fc6_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r6xvmQ)DSC_7388 (https://flic.kr/p/r6xvmQ) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8644/16497651575_8b9f57cbb1_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r8QM3x)DSC_7387 (https://flic.kr/p/r8QM3x) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

[Second Hand Pat]

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8574/16495916131_06220504e1_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r8FTa6)DSC_7381 (https://flic.kr/p/r8FTa6) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7417/16311731197_efde65cb7a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qRpToM)DSC_7379 (https://flic.kr/p/qRpToM) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

[Second Hand Pat]

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/15875104434_f9af69ceac_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qbQ4t9)DSC_7366 (https://flic.kr/p/qbQ4t9) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7360/16310232580_3a0844081a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qRhcUy)DSC_7342 (https://flic.kr/p/qRhcUy) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

[Chicago Discus]

Dam girl those are stunning :).........Josie

[Second Hand Pat]

Dam girl those are stunning :).........Josie

Oh man Josie, you should see them in person.

[nikond70s]

im more of a shape guy then color. but you got both shape and nice colors for wilds. very jealous.

[Altum Nut]

Stunning is to say the least.
Difficult to pick a favorite and only after one week...the potential is endless at this point.

...Ralph

[Trac]

Pat, those Wild Cuipeua are absolutely stunning all around.

Ben

[Second Hand Pat]

im more of a shape guy then color. but you got both shape and nice colors for wilds. very jealous.

Thanks nikond70s, got a homerun in both :D


Stunning is to say the least.
Difficult to pick a favorite and only after one week...the potential is endless at this point.

...Ralph

I can't pick a favorite yet either Ralph :)


Pat, those Wild Cuipeua are absolutely stunning all around.

Ben

Thanks Ben

[Second Hand Pat]

I uploaded this video last night and tried to save it with a music clip several times but YouTube kept returning an error. So please enjoy the bubble music :p. As you can see they get rather feisty at feeding time.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRGMlP3diCY

[jmf3460]

Pat, these fish are beautiful. I do not know what it is about the cuipeua but I think they remind me a little of a pigeon blood. do these not sho bar? I see they have a slight halo but not as dark as a tefe. yours look very happy. this tank doesn't seem to have the dark tannins like your altum tank??

[DiscusLoverJeff]

Very nice looking group Pat. How is the breeding going with them?

[Second Hand Pat]

Pat, these fish are beautiful. I do not know what it is about the cuipeua but I think they remind me a little of a pigeon blood. do these not sho bar? I see they have a slight halo but not as dark as a tefe. yours look very happy. this tank doesn't seem to have the dark tannins like your altum tank??

Thanks Jacklyn, yes, these guys will totally show bars and the halo can get as dark as the Tefes. I need to replenish the tea.

http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad95/Second_Hand_Pat/Trombeta%20x%20Cuipeua/DSC_4261_zpsbbef7572.jpg (http://s925.photobucket.com/user/Second_Hand_Pat/media/Trombeta%20x%20Cuipeua/DSC_4261_zpsbbef7572.jpg.html)

[Second Hand Pat]

Very nice looking group Pat. How is the breeding going with them?

No breeding yet Jeff. I have had them less then a week :)

[khooyang]

You have so much collections of wild. How many tank you have actually? Envying...... :)

[Second Hand Pat]

You have so much collections of wild. How many tank you have actually? Envying...... :)

Mainly just two ATM and a few odds and ends. I currently have seven tanks and will be adding a 180 shortly giving me two large tanks. I also have a 240.

[winn0923]

digging the royals :) i got a nhamunda red from wsabby that was sold as a semi royal, and it turned out to be a full royal after a few months in the tank :)

[YSS]

Pat,

Are you planning on treating the new fish? I remember when you first started with wilds, you treated them as a precautionary measure.

Love your fish! Good luck with them!

[Second Hand Pat]

digging the royals :) i got a nhamunda red from wsabby that was sold as a semi royal, and it turned out to be a full royal after a few months in the tank :)

I love that when it happens Winn. Has happened twice for me some far.
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Pat,

Are you planning on treating the new fish? I remember when you first started with wilds, you treated them as a precautionary measure.

Love your fish! Good luck with them!

Thanks Yun, Mark treated them as his place so just clean water for these guys. :D
Pat

[jawfish]

Very nice group of Cuipeua you got there Pat. I like the bubble music ;)but it could be I was just looking at the fish :p

You're not helping my urge to go wild :o

Cheers Fred

[Second Hand Pat]

Or a bit of both Fred....go wild Fred, it good for the soul :o
Pat

[Kingdom Come Discus]

The video shows the red well. Very nice fish for sure Pat.

[Second Hand Pat]

The video shows the red well. Very nice fish for sure Pat.

Thanks Kraig, I am pretty excited about this group and I bet the red will be crazy later.

[pcsb23]

No breeding yet Jeff. I have had them less then a week :)What sort of feeble excuse is that? Get on with it! :evilgrin:

Lovely looking fish there Pat.

[Second Hand Pat]

What sort of feeble excuse is that? Get on with it! :evilgrin:

Lovely looking fish there Pat.

Thanks Paul and yes sir :D:D

Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/16343755857_145356cdcb_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qUf2d6)DSC_7457 (https://flic.kr/p/qUf2d6) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/16343397849_2a69c39be3_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qUdbMx)DSC_7446 (https://flic.kr/p/qUdbMx) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/16343761287_59603ce471_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qUf3PH)DSC_7439 (https://flic.kr/p/qUf3PH) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/16341977848_bf2b425394_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qU5UEL)DSC_7461 (https://flic.kr/p/qU5UEL) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7333/16342203240_73613c4438_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qU74EQ)DSC_7462 (https://flic.kr/p/qU74EQ) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

[Kirbs]

You have a very nice collection going there Pat! It's pretty awesome that you got to visit Mark and pick them yourself!

[rickztahone]

Your shots only get better and better. Although I will say this, with beautiful discus like that, it is difficult to take bad looking shots of them.

[Second Hand Pat]

Your shots only get better and better. Although I will say this, with beautiful discus like that, it is difficult to take bad looking shots of them.

:)


https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8583/16378287628_6337b79023_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qXi1is)DSC_7576 (https://flic.kr/p/qXi1is) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

[marinum]

bowing to this wonderful beauty,
thank you

[majapaja]

Wow, very nice photos and Discus Pat!

[Second Hand Pat]

I couldn't resist the eyes in these pics

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8589/16608019915_51df138894_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/riArGX)DSC_7602 (https://flic.kr/p/riArGX) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8669/16400732287_2d0b18e55f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qZh3jk)DSC_7600 (https://flic.kr/p/qZh3jk) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

[Second Hand Pat]

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8622/16582054526_2bb7751507_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rgin6Q)DSC_7596 (https://flic.kr/p/rgin6Q) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8569/16607406672_90124968cd_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rixipN)DSC_7593 (https://flic.kr/p/rixipN) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

[Second Hand Pat]

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8641/16422209569_c4132429cd_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r2b7Li)DSC_7590 (https://flic.kr/p/r2b7Li) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8640/16422213069_cb48de0bb2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r2b8ND)DSC_7581 (https://flic.kr/p/r2b8ND) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

[Second Hand Pat]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU4Dfs-BxDc&index=1&list=UUaeXQ_wwjMmbU52-KYBqNJg

[jawfish]

What no bubbly music ? ;)
Thanks for the vid, I really like those Cuipeua. Great pics,

Fred

[Kingdom Come Discus]

Great video Pat. Those guys are thriving.

[Second Hand Pat]

What no bubbly music ? ;)
Thanks for the vid, I really like those Cuipeua. Great pics,

Fred

Thanks Fred, I did also and like to switch up the sound track a bit :D
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Great video Pat. Those guys are thriving.

Thanks Kraig, I have not had fish acclimate so quickly. :)
Pat

[DiscusBR]

What a gorgeous group, Pat! It seems you got one royal, right? I look forward watching their development. We can exchange notes later :)

[Second Hand Pat]

What a gorgeous group, Pat! It seems you got one royal, right? I look forward watching their development. We can exchange notes later :)

Hi Mauro, there are actually two. The larger really red one is a royal. Mauro, you are in for a treat with your group. These guys are so red. I am very excited for you. :D
Pat

[Pardal]

Beautiful Fish!!! , Pat
I can't wait to see how they will get , with your care.


Julian.

[Disgirl]

Pat, I have never had a wild discus, but looking at these makes me want a big tank of them someday. Beautiful and healthy!
Barb

[Second Hand Pat]

Beautiful Fish!!! , Pat
I can't wait to see how they will get , with your care.

Julian.

They are just getting better and better Julian. I can not believe how red they are being and I have not feed any red enhancers.
Pat


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAZJj1QSwZQ


Pat, I have never had a wild discus, but looking at these makes me want a big tank of them someday. Beautiful and healthy!
Barb

Thanks Barb, if you do go wild you may not look back :D
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Worked with the speed light tonight and trying for better composition. Results are sort of a mixed bag. I will be happy when these guys are in a biotope tank vs a QT.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8598/16699499612_3aef87739b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rrFir7)DSC_7750 (https://flic.kr/p/rrFir7) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8636/16080601023_996a3be80e.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/quZhrM)DSC_7730 (https://flic.kr/p/quZhrM) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8615/16699509862_93b78d195c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rrFmtQ)DSC_7714 (https://flic.kr/p/rrFmtQ) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8682/16513162210_9a950494d1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/radgPh)DSC_7699 (https://flic.kr/p/radgPh) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8681/16512978888_d54323741e.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rackjy)DSC_7695 (https://flic.kr/p/rackjy) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

[DiscusBR]

B e a u t i f u l ! You have a very nice group, Pat.

[Second Hand Pat]

B e a u t i f u l ! You have a very nice group, Pat.

Thanks Mauro, I am really happy with them :D
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Seeing some promising signs tonight...

[rickztahone]

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8681/16512978888_d54323741e.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rackjy)DSC_7695 (https://flic.kr/p/rackjy) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr


My favorite shot of yours so far! Way to go. I can edit that up for you and that would make a heck of an avatar!

[Second Hand Pat]

Do your magic Ricardo :)

[rickztahone]

Do your magic Ricardo :)

your quick on the keyboard Pat! I didn't think you'd still be awake. Will leave work in 10 minutes and I can't wait to work on that beauty. Would you prefer a black or white background? Or, a different color, your choice ;)

[DiscusBR]

Seeing some promising signs tonight...

:bounce:

Any details?

[Second Hand Pat]

Let's try black and see how that works. I actually do not mind the background color in the photo.

[Second Hand Pat]

:bounce:

Any details?

One female with dark halo and tail, darker red then the others and seemed to be looking but not territoral at this point.

[Kirbs]

They just keep getting better and better! Just BEAUTIFUL!

[rickztahone]

Your choice Pat:

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8612/16091894423_175ea610c0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qvZazz)Pat Edit (https://flic.kr/p/qvZazz) by SimplyDiscusPhoto (https://www.flickr.com/people/130869527@N06/), on Flickr
Original background

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8670/16504553247_e6f07de040_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/r9s9ET)Pat Edit Black (https://flic.kr/p/r9s9ET) by SimplyDiscusPhoto (https://www.flickr.com/people/130869527@N06/), on Flickr
Black

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8682/16089517824_3794cbd4c0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qvLZ6J)Pat Edit White (https://flic.kr/p/qvLZ6J) by SimplyDiscusPhoto (https://www.flickr.com/people/130869527@N06/), on Flickr
I don't like the white as much because of the tail fin color

I did all of them as 1 to 1 crops but can change that if you'd like. BTW, thanks for having all of those tiny tiny bubbles all over, lol. I hope you like it. I'm off to bed :)

[Second Hand Pat]

They just keep getting better and better! Just BEAUTIFUL!

Thanks Kribs, these guys have settled very well.

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks so much Ricardo. Sorry about the bubbles. I will turn off the AC next photo opt. The black looks the best I think and like you, I do not care for the white. I will try it on for an avatar later today.

Can you explain a 1 to 1 crop?
Pat

[Len]

Nice looking group. That last photo is great.

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Len, Ricardo and Matt are helping me in the photo department and the pictures are improving :D
Pat

[ericNH]

Your diiscus and your photos just blow my mind.

[Chicago Discus]

You guys didn't get to see them up close an personal :p they are amazing wilds and really inspires me to work with them more. P.S. Pat doesn't know it yet but she is sending me the big guy with the most red LOLOLOLOLOL........Josie

[rickztahone]

Thanks so much Ricardo. Sorry about the bubbles. I will turn off the AC next photo opt. The black looks the best I think and like you, I do not care for the white. I will try it on for an avatar later today.

Can you explain a 1 to 1 crop?
Pat

1 to 1 crop simply means a perfect square crop. 1"x1" or 6"x6" and so on.

[Second Hand Pat]

Your diiscus and your photos just blow my mind.

Thanks Eric, appreciate it. Ricardo, Matt, Paul and Al have been a big help in the photo taking part. I will never use auto again as I think I can do better :p

[Second Hand Pat]

You guys didn't get to see them up close an personal :p they are amazing wilds and really inspires me to work with them more. P.S. Pat doesn't know it yet but she is sending me the big guy with the most red LOLOLOLOLOL........Josie

Sounds like I better keep the doors locked :D:D

We can talk F1s Josie if I get lucky :D:D

[Second Hand Pat]

1 to 1 crop simply means a perfect square crop. 1"x1" or 6"x6" and so on.

Thanks Ricardo, I can do that :D

[rickztahone]

Thanks Eric, appreciate it. Ricardo, Matt, Paul and Al have been a big help in the photo taking part. I will never use auto again as I think I can do better :p

That was my goal all along :)

I made the pic a 1:1 crop just in case you wanted to use it as an avatar.

[Second Hand Pat]

That was my goal all along :)

I made the pic a 1:1 crop just in case you wanted to use it as an avatar.

You were very successful :o

I just downloaded the 150x150 pixel version as my new avatar. Like it?

[rickztahone]

You were very successful :o

I just downloaded the 150x150 pixel version as my new avatar. Like it?

Just commented on another thread, that thing POPS! Love the way it looks as an avatar. :D

[Second Hand Pat]

Just commented on another thread, that thing POPS! Love the way it looks as an avatar. :D

You do good work :)

[rickztahone]

You do good work :)

I can do the most awesome work in the world, but if the original file is not good, then I am up the creek without a paddle. This is because the photo was so GOOD. Like I said, hands down my favorite pic so far. Great job Pat.

[Second Hand Pat]

I can do the most awesome work in the world, but if the original file is not good, then I am up the creek without a paddle. This is because the photo was so GOOD. Like I said, hands down my favorite pic so far. Great job Pat.

Ok, we do good work :D:D

[Discus-n00b]

I was just looking for a place to chime in on the new avatar Pat. EXCELLENT. It really popped to me today looking at the forum.

[Second Hand Pat]

I was just looking for a place to chime in on the new avatar Pat. EXCELLENT. It really popped to me today looking at the forum.

Thanks Matt, you get part of the credit you know :)
Pat

[Larry Grenier]

All I can say is
F
A
B
U
L
O
U
S
!

My Son's name is Pat for Patrick. Glad I didn't call you a dude :-)

[Second Hand Pat]

All I can say is
F
A
B
U
L
O
U
S
!

My Son's name is Pat for Patrick. Glad I didn't call you a dude :-)

Thank Larry, I have been called sir before...but not in person thanks goodness.
Pat

[Loosir]

Pat I love the avatar! kind of inspires me to finally get one

[Second Hand Pat]

Pat I love the avatar! kind of inspires me to finally get one

Cool, I saw your avatar poll thread. :)
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Some of you may have noted my post in Jacklyn's Tefe thread about two of my Cuipeua darting. My first thought when I saw this was oh no, a return to the **** in 2011. Tried the no light, lite feeding approach with no changes in the fish. The darting become more frequent and soon two fish were affected. I was doing daily water changes but that did not help.

So I consulted Al and he suspected an external source and suggested a four hour PP treatment at 2ppm which I did Wednesday. All the darting quit an hour after the PP treatment was terminated and no darting yesterday. Al suggested doing a repeat of the PP treatment today which I will do. One thing I failed to mention to Al was several of the fish were flashing prior to the darting so a clear sign of an external source. Fortunately the fish are still in a QT (for six weeks now) and will remain in the QT for now.

I guess I am posting this to show two things; first is the important of QT of six weeks or longer. Second is to not assume a issue you had in the past has the same source problem. It is so easy to fall into an established mindset :(.
Pat

[jmf3460]

Good point Pat. A point I would like to make regarding whirling also is that what I thought to be the all terrible all killing "whirling disease" turned out to be nothing more than one of my fish being overly sensitive to the sediment (TDS) that was increasing as a result of the heavy snows I had in my area this winter. I have since lowered my TDS (I suppose, am still waiting on a TDS meter) by using a pre-aging barrel sediment filter that screws right onto my faucet as the water goes into my aging barrel. I have not had any darting now in a whole week. I also stopped changing so much water.

All in all, im not too sure I even believe in the "whirling disease" as a real thing. I have seen the youtube videos, and in those videos there is definitely something wrong with the fish. But with mine, I think it was more a result of the higher TDS in my well water and not an actual disease. I will say that I am now much more informed and understanding of the views, debates and documented cases of this questionable disease.

If it weren't for Pat and some other helpful people on this forum to point me towards my TDS being off, I would have culled this perfectly healthy, perfectly beautiful fish.

[DiscusBR]

Hi Pat,

I am very sorry to hear that your beautiful Cuipeua have been darting. It is amazing how often this problem seems to affect wilds. Just recently in this forum, we have the following members experiencing the same issue: you, myself, Jacklyn and Winn (winn0923). I am not sure, Jacklyn, the cause can be TDS, since mine have always been in soft water. In the thread about Winn's problems, Kraig (Kingdom Come Discus) had this to say:

"I believe one of the causes of whirling disease is Cryptobia. Cryptobia has a intracellular phase, which may affect the brain. Just a hunch. The last I checked there was no cure, however some have had success treating with dimetridazole. Cryptobia was found in 98% of 60 chiclids tested at the Shedd aquarium.You can read about here. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vm077, which is one of my sources for what I have shared here."

Whatever the cause, I agree that PP has the potential to lead to good results. I have to get a hospital tank and start treating mine.

[winn0923]

The funny thing is, in my case it is almost the most dominant fish that start whirling. I don't know what caused it but as off right now increase temp, light salt, and no food with no light have been my standard precautionary treatment unless the symptoms progress since really, we don't know what cause it. I think as long as the fish is willing to come out and search for food it is still fairly healthy. I just have 1 that start darting a few weeks ago but it seem like he is fine now. Still showing dark barring but at least no more crazy bout. In pat case I think PP is a good choice due to the flashing

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Mauro, one thing I was trying to point out here is there are multiple causes for darting, whirling etc. Without sending a live fish off to a lab we will never know the true cause for a particular case. Are you still having issues with your fish?
Pat

[jmf3460]

Just recently in this forum, we have the following members experiencing the same issue: you, myself, Jacklyn and Winn (winn0923). I am not sure, Jacklyn, the cause can be TDS, since mine have always been in soft water.

Im still not sure either Mauro. Lowering the TDS has helped, but it may just be helping with the symptoms and not the cause but it seems to have worked. I am not a big medicator. I have tons of unopened medicines around my fish tanks I keep them as back ups if tons of water changes don't work but normally the water changes show good signs and I talk myself out of using the medicines. One time when I was young, I over dosed the ""ph down" drops (I was like 13 so don't judge, I know that stuff is useless now) and lost all my "precious" black skirt tetras (again I was 13 so I was going on allowance and these ones were the long finned ones and were at that time like 4 years old so I was attached.) Ever since then I have been really apprehensive to dump medications or other types of chemicals into my tanks.

Isnt it weird that this all has started happening to all of us around the same time of year with fish from different origins. Wonder if it has something to do with climate/seasonal something or something. I don't even know the right words to use. One good thing that came from mine is that I now know about TDS, when to watch out for it getting high and what to do if I do have heavy rains/snows. I also learned a ton about whirling disease, water changes with wilds, cryptobia, and the on going debate of whether whirling disease is a real thing or not. I take it as a win win, my fish is doing better and I am less ignorant. :)

[Ardan]

Wow Pat! Some real beauties. I thought I had looked at this thread, but then I saw your new avatar and had to look at the thread. Glad I looked! Great avatar too:)
Glad the PP worked.

Ardan

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Ardan, these are some pretty sweet fish and I am super relieved the PP worked also. Ricardo helped with the avatar so owe him on that one. :)
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

I completed the second PP treatment yesterday and mostly the fish have returned to normal. The one large red one which was one of the darting ones is still not quite normal but it is eating. The other darting fish is totally normal. I currently uploading a video for you guys to see. Note the dark halos and the one fish tending the cone and pushing some of the other fish away.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Am4OW_cFwc

[DiscusBR]

They look great, Pat. Those dark halos are beautiful. And nice to see someone guarding the cone :) Good luck with them.

No more darting with mine, but I am posting more questions in my thread in the emergency room section. They are flicking against wood, rocks...

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Mauro, mine were doing that prior to the onset of the darting. Also Al suggested I followup with several treatments with either paraguard or formalin.

[DiscusBR]

Thanks Mauro, mine were doing that prior to the onset of the darting. Also Al suggested I followup with several treatments with either paraguard or formalin.

Thank you, Pat. Sorry to kidnap your thread, but if you can please go to my thread in the Emergency Room to provide recommendations:

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?118695-New-Cuipeua-darting-%28

I have Quick Cure, which has formalin as ingredient, but i am not sure if is a good treatment.

[rickztahone]

How are they doing today Pat?

[Second Hand Pat]

They are doing great Ricardo. All are eating and out and about. I do however have some formalin coming from Pet Solutions. It will be here Tuesday. The fish should tell me if they need further treatment and I have the treatment protocol from Al.

[rickztahone]

I know it has been said a lot in the past few weeks, but THIS is exactly why we advocate QT so much. This contains anything that may have potentially spread to a fish room.

Good luck Pat and I hope you do not need further medicating.

[Second Hand Pat]

You got it Ricardo and I will add that this did not show up until the fourth week of QT. There are nothing Mark could have done as he did not have the fish long enough. So this is also the second time proper QT has been a life saver this year.
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Well, spoke to soon. One fish started darting last night so PP treatment today. Massive water change to prep the water for formalin treatment starting tomorrow. :(

[DiscusBR]

Well, spoke to soon. One fish started darting last night so PP treatment today. Massive water change to prep the water for formalin treatment starting tomorrow. :(

Fingers crossed, Pat. Good luck with this fabulous group.

[rickztahone]

Well, spoke to soon. One fish started darting last night so PP treatment today. Massive water change to prep the water for formalin treatment starting tomorrow. :(

I feel bad for saying that WC's were in your future when you said you'd have some time for yourself :(

[Second Hand Pat]

I feel bad for saying that WC's were in your future when you said you'd have some time for yourself :(

No worries Ricardo, the WCs do not change whether Tom is here or not. :D:D
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Just completing a WC on these guys. Added some IALs this afternoon and dropped the TDS down to 38. The level of aggression went thru the roof and most are sporting a black tail. They look fantastic.
Pat

[rickztahone]

Just completing a WC on these guys. Added some IALs this afternoon and dropped the TDS down to 38. The level of aggression went thru the roof and most are sporting a black tail. They look fantastic.
Pat

never thought aggression would be such a good sign! Hopefully everything is on the up and up.

[jmf3460]

Pat how's the darting? See any last night/this morning?

[Second Hand Pat]

Pat how's the darting? See any last night/this morning?

Jacklyn, there has been no darting the last two days. :D
Pat

[jmf3460]

Jacklyn, there has been no darting the last two days. :D
Pat

phew, that's good news Pat, hopefully it will stick. are you thinking that dropping the TDS did the trick, because that's what im thinking did it for mine??

[Second Hand Pat]

I still think I need to run them thru a couple of treatments of Formalin Jacklyn to ensure the issue is resolved.
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Started the formalin tonight. 1 mL per 10 gallons so the first treatment of three with daily WCs and redose every third day. The fish look fantastic tonight.
Pat

[rickztahone]

Glad to hear it Pat!

[DiscusBR]

Started the formalin tonight. 1 mL per 10 gallons so the first treatment of three with daily WCs and redose every third day. The fish look fantastic tonight.
Pat

Great news, Pat. Good luck with the treatment.

[Second Hand Pat]

Glad to hear it Pat!


Great news, Pat. Good luck with the treatment.

Thanks guys :D

[Second Hand Pat]

Here's a quick little video from last night.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5cEz-Ap3AA

[jmf3460]

fingers crossed Pat. They do look good in this video.

[Solid]

Beautiful fish!! The color on that red one is stunning!

[Second Hand Pat]

fingers crossed Pat. They do look good in this video.

Thanks Jacklyn, I think I am over the hump :D


Beautiful fish!! The color on that red one is stunning!

Thanks Matt, all the solid based Cuipeua can turn on that red which is five out of seven. :) One of the royals is also quite red based.

[Larry Grenier]

Looking good Pat! Are those almond or what kind of leaves?

[ayobreezie]

Your discus look awesome. I hope mine turn out like those. I love the coloration.

[Second Hand Pat]

Looking good Pat! Are those almond or what kind of leaves?

Thanks Larry, those are Indian Almond leaves.


Your discus look awesome. I hope mine turn out like those. I love the coloration.

Thanks, you will find your wild discus will just get better over time. Takes a full year to completely settle and they will look like totally different fish. It is a fun transition to observe.
Pat

[Solid]

Please DO NOT breed and sell these! I will be forced to drive up and spend my daughter's college fund. :D

[Second Hand Pat]

Please DO NOT breed and sell these! I will be forced to drive up and spend my daughter's college fund. :D

Hehe, should that happen there would be no need to crack open your daughters college fund. :D

[rickztahone]

oh man, wilds halo's just make me drool.

[Second Hand Pat]

oh man, wilds halo's just make me drool.

Me too Ricardo :D

[Second Hand Pat]

So the Cuipeua finished their third formalin treatment last night and they are doing very well and eating like crazy. Here's a vid of them digging Al's FDBWs. Music should catch up soon.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2773dNArufQ

[rickztahone]

They are just attacking that food!

[Second Hand Pat]

They are just attacking that food!

I know, I loving that :D:D

[Ardan]

They sure look good and active in the video. Glad the formalin is working!

Ardan

[Second Hand Pat]

They sure look good and active in the video. Glad the formalin is working!

Ardan

Me too Ardan but Al get all the credit :D
Pat

[jmf3460]

they look ready for the main tank Pat.

[Second Hand Pat]

they look ready for the main tank Pat.

Thanks Jacklyn, working on that as we speak :D
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Some pics from tonight.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7589/16989765236_b3e6d619a2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rTjZhQ)DSC_7930 (https://flic.kr/p/rTjZhQ) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7622/16808357007_f3c74d51bb_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rBidWK)DSC_7925 (https://flic.kr/p/rBidWK) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7649/16828234520_fd4e668363_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rD46Qu)DSC_7928 (https://flic.kr/p/rD46Qu) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7635/16829533159_6b6394fb0b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rDaKSP)DSC_7945 (https://flic.kr/p/rDaKSP) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8693/16808344577_23ac2f8351_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rBiafr)DSC_7955 (https://flic.kr/p/rBiafr) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7653/17014297312_9d966c66b0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rVuHPE)DSC_7962 (https://flic.kr/p/rVuHPE) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7584/17015731345_a46d8d3a88_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rVC57n)DSC_7966 (https://flic.kr/p/rVC57n) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8706/16829513439_ef09354be8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rDaE1P)DSC_7967 (https://flic.kr/p/rDaE1P) by plh (https://www.flickr.com/people/129594174@N08/), on Flickr

[Solid]

Wow beautiful pictures! What kind of lighting are you using?

[Second Hand Pat]

Wow beautiful pictures! What kind of lighting are you using?

Thanks Matt, using a speedlight which is being triggered remotely.

[Solid]

And then you turn off all the other lights? I'm going to have to get one and play around with it. The normal flash always make my tank pictures look wierd.

Really fantastic fish and photography. Thanks for sharing!

[Second Hand Pat]

And then you turn off all the other lights? I'm going to have to get one and play around with it. The normal flash always make my tank pictures look wierd.

Really fantastic fish and photography. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Matt, I leave the other lights on. You shoot at an angle to avoid reflections and bouncing the flash back into the lens.
Pat

[Solid]

Is it an acrylic tank?

[Second Hand Pat]

Is it an acrylic tank?

No, it is just an old beater 75 QT. These guys are going in a brand new 180 acrylic tank :)
Pat

[DiscusBR]

Beautiful fish and pictures, Pat. I love those royals. When are you planning to transfer them to the 180g?

[Second Hand Pat]

Beautiful fish and pictures, Pat. I love those royals. When are you planning to transfer them to the 180g?

Soon Mauro, need to bring the tank inside and do the underneath plumbing, then leak test, then operational :)
Pat

[Larry Grenier]

Great Pics, great fish, great Pat :-)

[Second Hand Pat]

Great Larry, "tanks" :D

[jawfish]

Wow Pat Love the video and Pictures... Yup I'm expanding my fish room for wilds for next season, no thank to you ;)... At least I have some time to get things properly organise... I may have to pick your brain latter on, hope you dont mind :o

Cheers,

Fred

[Second Hand Pat]

Fred, I will accept responsibility for that :D and please feel free to pick anytime.
Pat

[gimaal]

Pat, when you use PP on your fish, do you treat in the same QT they are normally in (with the sponge filters) or do you move them to another tank just for the PP treatment? I ask because I've heard/read conflicting info about the effect PP has on biological filtration, ranging from no effect to great effect. I've always erred on the side of caution and moved the fish to another tank with just aeration. But if you find there's no ill effect on effectiveness of those sponge filters, I'd spare the fish the move.

[Second Hand Pat]

Hi gimaal, I left the sponge filters and the AC110 running during the PP (Potassium permanganate (just to be clear)) treatment. Whatever was ailing the fish (seemed to be external) would be in the filters too so I treat the fish, tank and filters. Does the PP kills the BB in the filter? I'm not sure but the fish carried on as normal. Now mind you I was doing large daily WCs.

I would spare the fish the move and remember. If you have something externally affecting the fish, move them to another tank for treatment and move them back to the original tank. Whatever is in the water is still there and will affect the fish in time. Seems to me that sort of voids the PP treatment.

Pat

[gimaal]

Thanks, Pat. And yes, I would have assumed the same about how moving them would void the PP treatment once returned to the original QT, but for whatever reason once treated it never returned. And it's been years. I guess I got lucky. Anyway, I'll change my protocol in the future. Thanks again.

[rickztahone]

Great Larry, "tanks" :D

:)

It just doesn't get old for me.

[Second Hand Pat]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdDw8u1TaXk

[DiscusBR]

Fantastic! They look healthy and beautiful, Pat.

As far as inducing pairing in this group, I was thinking that driftwood might help. I guess you will have some in their new home, right?

Please keep pics and videos coming :)

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Mauro, yes, their new tank will have a ton of wood http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?116916-Pat-s-180-Build, post 6. Currently working on the underneath plumping and waiting on some parts to arrive. :D
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Last video of these guys in the QT. In the next video they should be in their new tank.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7GOEqLgm54

[jmf3460]

Cant wait to see them in their new tank!

[DiscusBR]

Cant wait to see them in their new tank!

Me too!

[rickztahone]

Love this video, but can't till the next one :)

[Second Hand Pat]

Cant wait to see them in their new tank!


Me too!

Thanks Jacklyn and Mauro...me too.


Love this video, but can't till the next one :)

Me too Ricardo :D:D:D

[Second Hand Pat]

Some pictures from tonight

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/512/18753996080_866d91e4a6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/uze8E1)DSC_9730_01 (https://flic.kr/p/uze8E1) [/url]
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/353/18755470099_e2c26c7e87_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/)DSC_9725 (https://flic.kr/p/uzmFQ8)
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/443/18319097544_3652554560_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/)DSC_9710 (https://flic.kr/p/tUNato)
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/331/18755398619_538de9c232_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/)DSC_9690 (https://flic.kr/p/uzmjzH) [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/129594174@N08/]

[DiscusBR]

Beatiful fish and pictures, Pat. Did you transfer them to the 180g? If so, any panoramic pictures of the tank? Any spawning signs?

[Second Hand Pat]

Beatiful fish and pictures, Pat. Did you transfer them to the 180g? If so, any panoramic pictures of the tank? Any spawning signs?

Not yet Mauro. I have a trip in a couple weeks and they will be moved then. I couldn't risk a mini-cycle while away. One of the females (suspected) is showing the lovely two bars (first picture) they show when they are thinking about it. :D
Pat

[Quintin]

Lovely discus pat.great work as always

[jmf3460]

gah hurry up and put them in the main tank and give us a FTS. The suspense is killing me here. Beautiful pictures by the way.

[Second Hand Pat]

Lovely discus pat.great work as always

Thanks Quintin :)


gah hurry up and put them in the main tank and give us a FTS. The suspense is killing me here. Beautiful pictures by the way.

Yes ma'am lol :D