Twenty Stendker Leopard Fry Grow Out

[CraigJ]

Here is my first foray into forum writing.

Over the past two years, I’ve done a few small grow outs with limited success, mainly issues with smaller than expected sized adults and learning “I knew I should have quarantined them longer… “. It wasn’t until I heard Dick Au’s speech at 2016 NADA about “Growing Trophy Discus” that I got excited about another attempt at growing fry into large adults.

First step, how does a hobbyist find quality local fry for a large grow out? I got super lucky and want to thank Ardan for allowing me to adopt some of his beautiful fry. He has taken excellent care of them and has set me off on a great path with healthy fry and a seeded filter. I hope that I don’t let him down. I also wish to thank Discus Hans, as he provided the Stendker Leopard proven pair that Ardan won in a NADA raffle.

Here is a short video of the parents that you may have already viewed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnWjUB-XkrQ

Here are some pictures of my 20 fry from the Stendker Leopard the morning after I received them. Sixteen were born on 8-9-16 and four were born on 8-28-16 (small fry really don’t like being photographed?)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5674/30477956320_dbf5c8c3eb_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Nreuzw)

Applying Al’s Discus 101, I’m running a 55 g bare bottom tank with sponge filter. I am currently feeding them 5 times a day, mainly with John’s recipe for beef heart mix (spinach, not peas), occasional Cobalt flakes, and FDBW. The beef heart mix is currently being cut into bite sizes with a new single edged razor blade.

https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5803/30478309020_28328bd388_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Nrgiqy)

The tank is vacuumed 20-30 minutes after each feeding. Temperature of tank is 84 degrees and the filtered tap water is aged for 24 hours with water changes around 80% nightly. The tank's back is a fiberglass drop ceiling panel complements of Rick and the bottom of the tank is painted white. All equipment used with this tank is kept separated from my other tanks.

I hope to improve my discus keeping and sharpen my photo skills. Any positive corrections along the way will be appreciated. I hope you enjoy my journey with my 20 new fry.

Again, thank you Ardan.

CraigJ

[Phillydubs]

Very Cool! Keep taking pics and adding here! Will be fun to watch this~!

[John_Nicholson]

Looking great.

-john

[CraigJ]

Thanks John and Phil,

Any idea on how to allow the YouTube Video to show?

A quick follow up with a few pictures of week 2.

https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5656/30779775645_e98c8cd998_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NTUoWZ)

https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5641/30662964342_8658b20051_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NHzH21)

https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5830/30743261926_0f16a6de0d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NQFfG7)

Enjoy.

[Dhavalsp]

good luck craig...looks like a nice bunch!!

[CraigJ]

Thanks David,

1/2" per month sets the bar pretty hight.......I'll do my best.

Off to search Amazon for fish steroids :eek:

Craigj

[Ardan]

Craig,
They are looking great! Keep up the good work and keep posting. I look forward to seeing them grow up.
You are welcome:)

Ardan

[CraigJ]

Thanks Ardan,

Everything continues to go well and the fry are always hungry. Here are a few pictures from the beginning of week 3.

Sixteen of the 20 Discus are about three months old and measure approximately 6.4 cm.


https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5712/30791804461_379cfa4fd0_c.jpg

https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5779/30791806101_110df13288_c.jpg

https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5518/30791809931_8ac61ce408_c.jpg

https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5825/30791812621_d965d80dff_c.jpg

I do have one discus that has a deformed gill plate. As this fish's body grows, one gill plate does not appear to be growing, or at least as fast. Decisions, decisions, as this is a beautiful fish from the other side.

Craigj

[rickztahone]

Great looking group. A lot of potential in there.

Keep feeding good food and you will have an awesome group down the line. Don't forget to sell some along the way as they get larger.

As far as the short gill plate, you can either euthanize or give away to someone who wants to learn about discus but does not plan on breeding.

[CraigJ]

Great looking group. A lot of potential in there.

As far as the short gill plate, you can either euthanize or give away to someone who wants to learn about discus but does not plan on breeding.
I appreciate it Rick and giving it away is an excellent idea as it is nice looking so far (from it's left side ;)). My goal is to have a grow out as successful as yours. I 'm also trying very hard to apply what I learned in your photo seminar at the 2016 NADA show. Fry are fast and require a lot more light that I was expecting. Also, shooting with a tripod in a small area takes a ton of practice and patience.

Craigj

https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5700/30811422181_0a7427f8d9_c.jpg

[John_Nicholson]

Still looking great.

-john

[rickztahone]

I appreciate it Rick and giving it away is an excellent idea as it is nice looking so far (from it's left side ;)). My goal is to have a grow out as successful as yours. I 'm also trying very hard to apply what I learned in your photo seminar at the 2016 NADA show. Fry are fast and require a lot more light that I was expecting. Also, shooting with a tripod in a small area takes a ton of practice and patience.

Craigj

https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5700/30811422181_0a7427f8d9_c.jpg

I am glad you are putting those skills to the test. I'll be honest, when I first opened the thread, I actually saw the pics and was like "wow, these are nice pics". It isn't every day you get to see very depicting pictures of discus, so any time that i do see some, I admire :).

Let me know if you have any photo related questions, or grow out related questions.

Although having done a presentation was a great platform at NADA, everyone should keep in mind that I'm always willing to help out beginners to pros in photography. I like teaching people how to photograph, and a large majority of time, I do it free of charge :). Unless it is a food subject, then all bets are off ;)

[Phillydubs]

I love that golden sheen to them... does that stay as they mature?

[CraigJ]

Let me know if you have any photo related questions, or grow out related questions.


Well,

I'm using a Canon 60D with 50 mm 1:1.8 II and trying to shoot at 45 degrees to subject using a tripod. Would you suggest auto or manual focus? When using auto focus, too many of my pictures come out making me wonder what the heck the camera was focusing on. I realize part of that is lighting and speed, but......makes me think about dusting off my trusty Canon FTb and shooting with slides. :eek:

Craigj

[CraigJ]

Beginning of week 4, so time for another Wednesday update,

Fortunately, everything continues to go along fairly smoothly. I did add an additional new sponge filter and am chopping the beef heart mix a tad bigger to discourage any clouding of the water. Although I have been removing visible uneaten food 30 minutes after feeding, about dinner time the water wouldn't be as crystal clear as it was in the morning, so hopefully, the added filter will help. I'm currently not using Seachem Safe, as I age my water, but just picked up some just in case of extreme tap water conditions. Also, my discus are like my kids in that spinach is not their favorite food. ; > ) Gotta work on that.....FDBW w/spinach and a Black Friday Special?

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5507/30727277040_442793c1ff_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NPgjWC)


https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5817/31029251565_ca0190e5fa_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PgX2rX)


https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5500/30727281810_ba1f1aea4b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NPgmmS)

Finally, I have a couple fry that are not growing nearly as fast as the others. I know this is normal, but is there a way to improve their growth?

Craigj

[Dhavalsp]

nice job! they look great. I am not completely sure about not using seachem safe, but since you have had no problem, I think you are fine...Chorine would show immediate and distinct damage if it was present in your water.

regarding uneven growth, most of them catch up...try adding food at both ends of the tank, so that the submissive ones will get some more opportunity to eat.

[rickztahone]

Well,

I'm using a Canon 60D with 50 mm 1:1.8 II and trying to shoot at 45 degrees to subject using a tripod. Would you suggest auto or manual focus? When using auto focus, too many of my pictures come out making me wonder what the heck the camera was focusing on. I realize part of that is lighting and speed, but......makes me think about dusting off my trusty Canon FTb and shooting with slides. :eek:

Craigj

Sorry Craig, I missed this question. I'm subscribing to not miss any more posts :).

Definitely manual focus. It is better to have your camera/lens pre-focused on a certain area and have the fish swim through that area. Lighting plays a huge role as far as how much it allows you to increase the depth of field, and where it allows you to dial in your shutter speed. If you remember from the presentation, I said you want to be roughly at 1/40-1/60 of a second at least. This helps freeze the discus if light allows.

[CraigJ]

Sorry Craig, I missed this question.
Definitely manual focus. It is better to have your camera/lens pre-focused on a certain area and have the fish swim through that area. Lighting plays a huge role as far as how much it allows you to increase the depth of field, and where it allows you to dial in your shutter speed. If you remember from the presentation, I said you want to be roughly at 1/40-1/60 of a second at least. This helps freeze the discus if light allows.
Yes, I remember the timing comment and I also hold my breath while using a tripod. :) Thanks for the tip on using manual focus and I'm sure that will assist in the depth of field tremendously.

Bigger fish sure are easier to photograph, at least in my opinion.

[rickztahone]

Yes, I remember the timing comment and I also hold my breath while using a tripod. :) Thanks for the tip on using manual focus and I'm sure that will assist in the depth of field tremendously.

Bigger fish sure are easier to photograph, at least in my opinion.

Absolutely. You've seen nothing until you've tried to photograph small tetras!

[CraigJ]

The grow out continues to go along fairly well. I did hear that there were some issues with the parents and siblings of my fry, so I finished my first round of Levamisole and am on my last day of Metro, yeah! I've never used Levamisole before, but two of my fry that had not eaten in 10 days started eating 24 hours after medication. Score one for a medication that worked and only time will tell if the two smaller fry catch up to the others. A big thanks to Rick (nc0gnet0) for correcting the dosage that came with the package as it would have been very easy to overdose the young fish.

Hopefully, USPS will bring the much needed replenishment today of Al's FDBW, not that they are tired of the beef heart mix. I've never seen fish with bottomless stomachs before these fry.

Finally, here are some pictures of their growth this time using a tank light plus a slight flash. I am finding it very interesting to see the colors develop as they grow. I don't know what I'll eventually end up with color wise, but this journey certainly has been fun. Thanks again Ardan.

https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5801/30550232293_2de86999ca_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NxBVGZ)

https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5718/30988790780_6ee5d1c5b4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PdnDSd)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5826/30988788240_3ef0664968_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PdnD7q)

[two utes]

Your group is looking fantastic, and your photography is very good as well. Keep up the great job that you're doing, and please continue with updates.

[William Palumbo]

Great looking fry! Great job...Bill

[CraigJ]

Thanks Joe and William and I'm trying hard not to mess it up too much.

Thanks for fixing my title typo.

Craigj

[Dhavalsp]

They look really pretty ! Great job!

[Willie]

Craig;

These are great. One of the secrets to great spawns is that there's very little size separation, which is what I see in these pictures. When the males outgrow females at an early age, it's often because growing conditions are sub-optimal.

I had a partner in the old days who used to grow out my spawns. He was permanently disabled and home bound as a result. I would bring over spawns from him to raise. He would change ~50% of the water after breakfast, another ~50% after lunch, and another ~50% after dinner. He lived in an apartment complex so hot water was essentially free. I would also bring over frozen beefheart, but he also fed flakes and different types of sprinkles. The result of this treatment was that the spawns were uniform. It was hard to pick out males from females until they got to 3" in size. When local aquarists wanted discus, I just sent them his way. What started up as a casual friendship turned into a highly profitable enterprise! Unfortunately, he passed away from his disability.

You started with great genetics, you pumped them with high protein food and you're keeping up with water changes. You should consider adding a few more sponge filters. I used double stacked Hydro V's and I keep 2 X 2 in my 75's.

Keep up with the pictures! Willie

[CraigJ]

Hi Willie,

I appreciate the advice and the new filters arrived on Sunday. I also sterilized a 90 g tank and am currently letting the water heat up to the mid 80s. The fry have outgrown their tank and can utilize more space, especially the increased water volume.

I made some new beef heart mix using John's recipe, and should have about six months of food for them. I'm still amazed and impressed by their appetites (and poops).

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/45/30682192384_b0d79d37f0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NKhfQY)

https://c8.staticflickr.com/1/657/30723245303_3e6cea52da_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NNUErV)

[BJK]

Fish look great! Love the pics, how old are they now??

[CraigJ]

Fish look great! Love the pics, how old are they now??
Fifteen of the fry turned 20 weeks old today, so happy birthday!

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5572/31734973656_b685059149_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qmj33d)

https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/618/31734974956_4ee081e90e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Qmj3qC)

https://c8.staticflickr.com/1/778/31772038095_4e0af97da2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QpA11g)

https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/630/31399812570_9c90fde0a6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PQGfjN)

[Keith024]

Beautiful!

[Quintin]

Lovely discus. Great job u doing with them

[CraigJ]

Hello,

Everyone was successfully transplanted into a 90 gallon tank and everyone appears happy. Going from a 55 gallon to a 90 gallon tank changes the perspective on fish size, but with 4-5 daily feedings and daily water changes, I trust the fish are growing accordingly. I'm still not quite sure what some of these young fish will look like as adults, any ideas?

Willie's advice on double stacked filters has really helped in keeping the water consistently more clear throughout the day. I'm still running the original filter until the new ones are fully seeded.

The current 90 gallon tank is pretty scratched up, I'll do my best, but I don't think pictures will be as clean and clear as they were with the 55 gallon tank.

Enjoy and thanks for the suggestions.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/365/32415842461_0290ff49d6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RotEBx)


https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/642/32415783221_ee34cc145d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Rotn1a)


https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/257/32538618295_3f7446dff9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RzjVAg)


https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/661/32386185502_974b8a3213_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RkRECE)

[Phillydubs]

That golden glow gets me every time! Lovely

[Dhavalsp]

nice! if you count the vertical striations (stress bars)...I think the ones with more lines will be your leopard and other will be more like scribbled/turq...

[Dis82]

Great work. Fish have come a long way in your hands. Hard work is paying off. Nice

[CraigJ]

Hi,

Time for a little update. I've continued feeding them 4-5 times per day, with nightly water changes. I wondering if I should remove some of the larger fish and put them in their own tank, any thoughts? I've got about 4-6 fry that are 4.5"-5", followed by a middle group, then about 3-4 smaller fish. They are all still eating tremendously and going through a current growth spurt. Knock on wood, but all are still alive.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/570/32662095473_28e6b9b79c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RLeM48)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3802/33476238465_c1204f7d9e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/T1btpg)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3904/33320328762_0a4e990ae9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SLpoSW)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2833/33092889760_788aa1dd9e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SqiHbQ)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2916/33435251566_c46f84dcd8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SWypqA)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3895/33435248936_6820eceeb6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SWyoDf)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2879/32633022344_1e90618ff1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RHELCh)

If you view the pictures directly on Flickr, I'll apologize in advance for the wrong date as I'm trying out a new camera and I must have messed up the date.

[Ryan925]

Hi,

Time for a little update. I've continued feeding them 4-5 times per day, with nightly water changes. I wondering if I should remove some of the larger fish and put them in their own tank, any thoughts? I've got about 4-6 fry that are 4.5"-5", followed by a middle group, then about 3-4 smaller fish. They are all still eating tremendously and going through a current growth spurt. Knock on wood, but all are still alive.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/570/32662095473_28e6b9b79c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RLeM48)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3802/33476238465_c1204f7d9e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/T1btpg)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3904/33320328762_0a4e990ae9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SLpoSW)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2833/33092889760_788aa1dd9e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SqiHbQ)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2916/33435251566_c46f84dcd8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SWypqA)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3895/33435248936_6820eceeb6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SWyoDf)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2879/32633022344_1e90618ff1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RHELCh)

If you view the pictures directly on Flickr, I'll apologize in advance for the wrong date as I'm trying out a new camera and I must have messed up the date.

Nice looking fish

[CraigJ]

Nice looking fish
Thanks Ryan, and good luck with your grow out.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2879/33498784965_be38739944_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/T3b2G2)

[CliffsDiscus]

Looking good, maybe some turquoise, leopards and
some fine line snakeskins.

Cliff

[Keith Perkins]

Looking good Craig, well done. No great opinion on pulling out the larger ones, but I've certainly heard of some folks doing that.

[CraigJ]

Thanks for the identification of the fry Cliff. I knew that I would get a mix of fry, yet I'm surprised that some of the same 14 bar fish have a yellow/golden base, and some have a grayish tone.

Keith, I'm trying to put into practice what you've taught me. Later in the week I will put a half dozen of the larger discus into a 55 gallon tank. Your BDs are still growing and coming along nicely.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3823/33489505896_e3d281715b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/T2mtm5)

[Willie]

Woh! Nice tall bodied discus!

Willie

[Jenene]

What a beautiful job growing those out. I love how there are so many variations in the patterns and they are coloring up so nicely. When I see a group I always try to pick a favorite but I love them all!

That must be a lot of work but so rewarding.

[CraigJ]

Jenene and Willie,

I appreciate the complements and so far, it is very rewarding. Things sure are smoother when you have healthy fish, knock on wooden tank.

Last night I picked 9 of the biggest and put them in a 55 gallon tank. I noticed that most of the larger discus are 14 bar, if that means anything. I did measure a few and I have two at 5" and the rest are around 4-4.5 inches. I hope that is good growth. I will up the amount of water changed daily.

In a month or so, I will put them back into the larger 90 gallon aquarium and the plan is to get a 75 gallon for the remainder when Petco has their $1 gallon sale. Hopefully, all will go well in spite of having one small fish not eating well. To cull, or not to cull.....

Hope you enjoy,

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2899/32795268463_8445eec136_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RY1jKa)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2901/33225990920_3da013fbdb_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SC4Twq)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/648/32766386174_bb077e5225_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RVsi3E)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2917/32795397553_c0e9450fff_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RY1Z7R)

[Jenene]

They just look amazing...I can't speak for the rate of growth since I have never raised fry before but they look great to me.

Just wondering what you plans are for them? Did I see in an earlier post you thought of keeping a few and selling the rest?

Would you do it again? Did you learn anything new?

This was a really interesting thread and I am really curious about your thoughts on the experience.

Thank you for sharing the journey with us!:)

[CraigJ]

Hi Jenene,

I've never really had a successful large grow out before, so I'm hesitant to say what my plans are for them other than I'm enjoying it and trying hard not to mess it up. On the first page of my journal, Rick said "don't forget to sell some along the way", but I'm don't want to put the cart before the horse. I do have a 135 gallon acrylic tank in storage, time will tell. Also, both parents of the fry and the fry's siblings have died, so I will try to give back to Ardan.

Yes, I would do it again because apparently I like changing water and must get something out of growing "things" (plants included) ; > ) What I've learned is to start with quality fry, be consistent and don't add any other fish to the mix.

Craig

[Jenene]

Hi Jenene,

I've never really had a successful large grow out before, so I'm hesitant to say what my plans are for them other than I'm enjoying it and trying hard not to mess it up. On the first page of my journal, Rick said "don't forget to sell some along the way", but I'm don't want to put the cart before the horse. I do have a 135 gallon acrylic tank in storage, time will tell. Also, both parents of the fry and the fry's siblings have died, so I will try to give back to Ardan.

Yes, I would do it again because apparently I like changing water and must get something out of growing "things" (plants included) ; > ) What I've learned is to start with quality fry, be consistent and don't add any other fish to the mix.

Craig

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on that Craig. Lots of us can learn by watching what works and what may not and all the inbetween uncertainties along the way.

I would love to have the desire to do a grow out but I know in my heart right now it's not for me. I don't mind water changes either, I actually enjoy the time I spend with them- but that is on one tank. I know when I even have the small QT running it gets to be kind of a drag. If I had a bit more time I might be tempted.

Culling is another thing I would have a hard time with and I know it comes along with responsible breeding but I was the kid that would save the worms from the puddles on a rainy day and walk the spiders out the front door rather than smoosh them.

So yes, thanks for documenting your adventures with your gorgeous fish so I can remember how much work it really is and at the same time enjoy your excitement with you as they grow and evolve into beautiful young adults. You should be very proud of your hard work. It is really paying off in many so ways. Wishing you continued success! :o

[Keith Perkins]

...the plan is to get a 75 gallon for the remainder when Petco has their $1 gallon sale.

I could be wrong, but I thought Petco capped the size of the tanks in this sale at 55. Have you seen this thread? http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?128171-Petsmart-75-ensemble-99&highlight=

[CraigJ]

I could be wrong, but I thought Petco capped the size of the tanks in this sale at 55. Have you seen this thread? http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?128171-Petsmart-75-ensemble-99&highlight=
Hi Keith,

My two Petsmarts will not match that Slickdeals price. I even have an email into corporate to price match, but I'm not holding my breath. At least I have one nice 75 gallon, so thank you.

Some Petco's carry the 75 gallon for the $1 gallon sale as Larry mentioned via a prior Facebook post. Realistically, your Janesville store most likely only has the 55 gallon, though my fingers are still crossed for the 75 g.

[Keith Perkins]

Oh well, I tried.

[admiralhoy]

Hi Keith,

My two Petsmarts will not match that Slickdeals price. I even have an email into corporate to price match, but I'm not holding my breath. At least I have one nice 75 gallon, so thank you.

Some Petco's carry the 75 gallon for the $1 gallon sale as Larry mentioned via a prior Facebook post. Realistically, your Janesville store most likely only has the 55 gallon, though my fingers are still crossed for the 75 g.

I live in Janesville, WI also and the last time I checked at both PetSmart and Petco, neither even had a 75 available on the shelf.

[Cevoe]

Great batch of fish you have there.
Nice job.

[bossanova]

This is great, i just got 6 L/SS from hans, and it's nice to know what i have to look forward to. Any recent pics?

[CraigJ]

This is great, i just got 6 L/SS from hans, and it's nice to know what i have to look forward to. Any recent pics?
Congratulations on your new fish and here is a quick update.

I did separate the fish into two groups, leaving half in the 90G and the other half in a 55G. Three weeks later, my year old lightly used 55G started to leak. With everyone back in the 90G, the 90G started to leak. Thank goodness I had an empty 72G in the middle of my living room :eek: and an extra 55G in storage.

Everyone continues to grow and stay healthy (knock on wood) and the food and water changes flow routinely. Thanks for the interest and here are some current pictures.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4167/33808559344_6acb316b86_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TvxGPA)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4183/34489336442_0d370834c7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UxGS8L)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4171/34520639801_ac49e67b4a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UAtiwR)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4176/34610416306_83f5ff3c62_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UJpqXC)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4166/33808642654_9e31836cdc_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Tvy8zY)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4179/34520588621_1afca5ed05_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UAt3jr)

[Keith Perkins]

Dang, your tank luck might be even worse than mine. Of course all my problems were with 72s, hope your luck is better with them. The fish look great in the pictures, hoping to see them in person one of these days. Maybe we could get together and make heart, I've got a bunch of hearts on hand and am going to be need soon.

[CraigJ]

Hi Keith,

The 55G was a Petco $1 a gallon special and the silicone job looked poor from the get go. I think the 90G is my age, so I can't be too unhappy and it was a Craigslist find. I already have the Momentive 100 series RTV in black for the repairs, I just need to find the time. Oh, I may have an extra tube if you want to repair your bowfront as well.

Regarding Beef heart, I recently made a three months supply and have filled my small freezer. It would be nice just to get together and talk anything but politics.

[Keith Perkins]

It would be nice just to get together and talk anything but politics.

Amen to that.

[CraigJ]

Dang, your tank luck might be even worse than mine. Of course all my problems were with 72s, hope your luck is better with them.

I came home last night to my wife screaming help at the driveway. It's true, bad things and unwanted tanks emptying come in threes;

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4194/34777023975_5f79ef9fea_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UZ8kBD)

That's what happens when one of your dogs breaks your fill pipe on your display tank when you are away, 90 gallons of water on the 1st floor, then into the finished basement. Fortunately, my wife returned home and was able to add a few gallons to the flopping, gasping discus that were on the bottom of the empty tank. I don't know how long the tank was empty, but it took a few hours for the 11 adult discus to get off the bottom of their new full tank. A few stress bars still showing, but fingers crossed that they will return to normal without any future health issues.

Unfortunately, my two extra tanks that have leaks haven't been repaired yet, so the 20 fry that had been separated had to be reunited and placed into a 55 gallon tank, with the display tank occupants getting the other half's 72 gallon. I didn't expect my adults to become the "hero fish", so fingers crossed that the fry don't have unknown cooties. I will bleach the 72 gallon prior to the 10 fry returning to their original tank. Sponge filters from each tank were kept separated and will return to their appropriate tanks.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4272/34736865486_5993cf3ec7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/UVzvTU)

I lost half the drop ceiling and a few lights in my basement. Fairly easy to replace and the oriental rug from upstairs is in the garage drying very slowly on this rainy day. 5 fans running and fingers crossed that the hardwood floor remains flat.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4203/33935315904_1f754a6a80_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TGKn8w)

I've learned that the fill and drain tubes should not go all the way to the bottom, which would prevent all of the water from draining accidentally. I'm happy to report that now that I am past "bad things come in threes", raising the fry will get smoother (I hope).

[rickztahone]

Man, that sucks. Luckily your wife was there to the rescue!

[Keith Perkins]

Good grief, if it weren't for the fact you didn't lose any fish I'd say you just can't catch a break. If they appear to be struggling to recover you might add some methane blue to the tank. It increases the amount of oxygen absorbed by the gills.

[CraigJ]

Good grief, if it weren't for the fact you didn't lose any fish I'd say you just can't catch a break. If they appear to be struggling to recover you might add some methane blue to the tank. It increases the amount of oxygen absorbed by the gills.
Hi Keith,

I have some Methane Blue on hand and waited about 30 minutes to see if most of the discus got off the bottom of the tank before trying it. Fortunately, most recovered and I turned off the lights and tried to remove what stress I could. The first and only time I used Methane Blue, I think I pushed the fish over the cliff to death :cowboy: and my fingers are still blue.

I can't believe my fish room (O.K., laundry room) is even messier.

[KevsDiscus]

Hello, I am new to the discus world and recently acquired 6 juvies, 4 about 3 inches and 2 more like 2". I just wanted to mention that i have read this thread in entirety and now more than motivated to raise these little guys to the true beauties they can be. Just a friendly message, and actually my first response on Simply Discus. Cheers!

[CraigJ]

Hi,

I can't believe that it has been exactly 10 months since my last update. All is well and all are still alive! I'm so glad that I got to hear Dick Au’s speech at 2016 NADA about “Growing Trophy Discus”, it sure has made growing out fry easier. I have divided the 19 into three tanks, and continue to feed my beef heart mix 3x day. Water changes have been relaxed to every other day with a 70% change. Most of the fish are at 6", one is at 7", and the rest are around 5"+-.

It really has been an enjoyable grow out, and I want to thank Ardan again for letting me buy some of his fry. Eventually, I might take Rick's advice and sell some, but not quite yet (or put them all in a 135 g).

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4775/38997174820_c9de2bc9c7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22q3Hr7)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4775/38997059680_68a151217b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22q38cW)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4777/39911701015_82e1455377_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23NRUd8)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4779/40806596631_47e3260947_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25aWtuT)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4782/39911617515_f211c7bac6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23NRtot)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4772/40097258424_c028f6b529_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/246fVXN)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4795/40806772191_d79c4b7705_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25aXnFM)

[tvo]

some nice discus you got there.
great job on getting them so big.

[CraigJ]

Thanks Tom,

It's been a lot of fun and rewarding.

Craig

[Keith Perkins]

They're looking very nice Craig, glad you got to hear Dick's talk. One of these days I'll have to see them in person.

BTW, Scott is taken care of my excess BH problem.

[CraigJ]

Thanks Keith and I appreciated the BH offer.

A simple solution would have been to buy more fish to fill your too many empty tanks, then you wouldn't have had excess food. I'm quite sure Scott will be very happy as my fish always loved your BH mix.

Craig

[CraigJ]

Time for a three year update. Surprisingly, all fry managed to live, except for one runt that I decided to cull last month. Finally, I felt my grow out was complete, so last week I brought them out of the dark basement and put them in a 135 gallon acrylic display tank that I had in storage. Enjoy;

https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/49160938648_5a39b4bb0e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hUbEju)

[RogueDiscus]

Hi Craig,
Good to see you again. You've got a great group there!

[CraigJ]

Hi Steve,

They have been a great group and I’m really glad that I followed Dick Au’s advice from his speech at 2016 NADA about “Growing Trophy Discus”. Thanks again to Ardan for such beautiful and healthy fry.

Here is what they looked like 3 years ago;

https://live.staticflickr.com/5824/30778611485_23153fa1b4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NTNqTg)

A picture from yesterday;

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49163723236_b7cd9eabd8_c.jpg

EDIT: The update of the discus two posts above is actually a video. You just click on the “picture” if you want to see the video.

[Willie]

Stendkers always spawn, so you have even more exciting adventures ahead!

Willie

[danotaylor]

They look great, nice vid!

[LizStreithorst]

You have done an excellent job.

[CraigJ]

Stendkers always spawn, so you have even more exciting adventures ahead!

Willie

I’ve been meaning to ask, why aren’t any of my discus sexually active? Even some Barry White music and candles hasn’t helped....any suggestions?

I picked up the breeding cone from Keith a week ago, so that is new, but still...........no need to even install the RO unit.

Thanks Liz and Daniel, it has been an enjoyable three year run so far.

[Tshethar]

Beautiful fish, and nice job with them. I have some young leopard snakeskins I got from a hobbyist a month or so ago that I'm growing out, and I'm enjoying them quite a bit. I think they're a great strain and hope I'll get them to adulthood looking as good as yours do.