Eric's Grow Out Challenge Thread [Archive]

modealings

09-25-2018, 01:57 PM

Hi all -

Name's Eric and I'm excited to be a part of the challenge! I started keeping discus 3 years ago and the vast majority of useful information came from this site so I'm very appreciative. What Al, the mod's, and everyone who contributes has done for the hobby is remarkable.

I don't know as if I've developed a discus keeping philosophy however I do believe in big, frequent water changes. I currently have a tank of adult blue pigeon stendker discus and a tank of blue zebra PB angels. I age the water for the discus tank (although I've stopped heating it with the adult fish and just add 5-10gal of hot water prior to the WC).

Here's the setup:
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My plan is 2x daily WC's in the range of 75-90%. I look forward to following everyone's thread and the spirit of a little competition!

eugenefish

09-25-2018, 02:06 PM

When I grow mine 21 baby fry (about half inch long) six months ago and now they are all over 5 inches. None of them get sick. What I did is 2x daily WC of 90% and feed them like 9 times a day with FDBW, beef heart...... I am also believe in big frequent water changes too. Good luck with you grow out challenge:)

modealings

09-28-2018, 09:09 AM

Eagle(s) have landed! I had a flurry of tracking updates overnight and they arrived to my local post office this AM so I went to grab them first thing.

After an estimated 80+ hrs in the bag, only 1 was dead on arrival (one of the double bagged pairs). Not bad! I floated the others for 10-15min and dropped them in. Fins are a bit clamped right now but everyone's swimming. Added 1 tbsp salt.

Interesting side note - one bag had blue water. Be interested to hear from Al about why just out of curiosity,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW1XCgc46N4

Filip

09-28-2018, 09:17 AM

Good luck Eric .
I use the same preheating method on my aged water too . I just pour a gallon of Boiled water in my aging tank and temp. Instantly raise from room temp 62F to 80 F .So only a circulation pump in The aging tank .
Eagerly awaiting your discus photos In this thread .

brewmaster15

09-28-2018, 09:17 AM

Eric,
sorry one didnt make it but thrilled the others did!

All the bags had a little blue in them. When I used to ship fish I used a product called bag buddies by jungle that contains a mild sedative and detox agent for the water. I really loved the product. Jungle discontinued it . I still have a stash so I crushed some tablets up and adding a pinch to each bag.. a few bags probably got a bigger pinch as I was really rushing to make the post office.
Al

Filip

09-28-2018, 09:19 AM

Wow . I guess we have posted In same time :) .
1 DOA isn't bad at all . Good luck and have fun with the rest of them .

Second Hand Pat

09-28-2018, 09:43 AM

Great news Eric and a testament to Al's awesome packing job. :D Hopeful everyone else gets their fish today.
Pat

Tshethar

09-28-2018, 10:10 AM

Yeah this is excellent news... bodes well for others!! Congrats and enjoy! :)

modealings

09-30-2018, 04:48 PM

Well they all seem to be eating now. Given the long trip I wanted to give them a day or so before I did the first big water change. Changed about 80% today without any issues and they went right back to grazing.

They do remain a little spooked but I think it's mainly my light set-up (I just use the room light which causes a shadow when I approach the tank). I also have to say these are the smallest fish I've ever tried raising so a bit nervous - but so far so good!

I'm glad everyone seems to be up and running!

modealings

10-03-2018, 05:22 PM

I think I'm close to getting them weaned over to a beefheart mix. Below are the ingredients (left 2 are multivitamins and garlic powder). This is my first time making it with the shrimp and it seems to be a good ingredient to get everything to bind together. I froze it in very thin sheets so it basically melts right as it hits the water.

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jeep

10-03-2018, 05:26 PM

Is that salmon in the middle?

modealings

10-03-2018, 05:37 PM

Is that salmon in the middle?

Yea beefheart, salmon, shrimp, and some spinach. Not sure where I first saw the salmon but Ive used it for the past year or so and the fish seem to like it.

rickztahone

10-03-2018, 08:02 PM

Yea beefheart, salmon, shrimp, and some spinach. Not sure where I first saw the salmon but Ive used it for the past year or so and the fish seem to like it.

I've used salmon and cod and they seem to like the cod a little more but I like how the salmon holds together better

brewmaster15

10-03-2018, 08:59 PM

Looks good. I used to make something similar... called it my "surf and turf " recipe. :)
Al

Filip

10-05-2018, 05:59 AM

Nice looking meal Eric. Do you use a specific ingredients ratio or you just go by your intuition .I wonder if it stains the water too much ?

modealings

10-05-2018, 01:31 PM

Nice looking meal Eric. Do you use a specific ingredients ratio or you just go by your intuition .I wonder if it stains the water too much ?

Hey Filip - no set ratio. Beefheart and then a little less salmon and shrimp haha. So far with the shrimp I think it’s actually been much less messy.

modealings

10-05-2018, 04:16 PM

In regards to Al’s question in the main thread about light cycle:

I turn on a room light every morning at 5am and then off around 7-8pm. The tank doesn’t have a dedicated light, making it fairly dim and hard to take pictures haha. I’m thinking of slowly adding more light after a month or so only so I can see better.

modealings

10-07-2018, 10:44 AM

Quick video update. I'm struggling to get a clear video with the low room light I have. This is with the iphone light source on hence the skittishness. Hopefully there are a few moments of clarity in there though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKQDpCH8jhc

Filip

10-08-2018, 04:20 AM

Lights on or lights off , they are looking good Eric .

modealings

10-13-2018, 01:15 PM

Quick update at 2 weeks. They all seem to still be eating and doing ok.

I've been pretty sporadic with the number of feedings a day. During the week it may only be twice a day. Then weekends I occasionally add a 3rd or 4th feeding. (I remember John Nicholson posting that he always did 2x a day feedings and he didn't have problems.) Still feeding the BH mix with some of Al's food sprinkled in as well. Water changes remains at 100-150% a day. I'm thinking one more week and then move to a 20gal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vinUh7EoEBU

modealings

10-20-2018, 11:28 AM

3 week update.

They all seem to be eating and doing well. They are still in the 10 gallon with daily 100-150% WC's. Two seem to be a bit smaller than the rest although they all seem to eat pretty well. I'm still feeding the BH mix 2-3 times a day. I'll probably switch over to a 20-29 gallon tank this week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Y84O1m_CXw

Second Hand Pat

10-20-2018, 11:53 AM

Hi Eric, they are looking good!
Pat

danotaylor

10-20-2018, 01:54 PM

Looking good Eric!!

Pices

10-20-2018, 07:17 PM

What’s that saying? Kids grow up so fast these days? Certainly applies to discus too. Nice Eric!
Patty

modealings

10-21-2018, 01:35 PM

Thanks all.

Here are a couple shots from this AM (sorry I somehow missed that video updates don't count for the weekly check in!). I think my bigger challenge by far might be taking reasonable photos/videos! My lack of photography skill is on full display here. Also really surprised at the symmetric growth that Bryan is getting over in his thread - seems like there is definitely something to the idea of not feeding just a few chunks of BH in order for everyone to get access. I have 2 that seem to be a bit behind the others so Im going to start feeding 5-6 much smaller pieces rather than 1-2 larger sizes.

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modealings

10-26-2018, 06:22 AM

1 month!

Here's a couple shots from this AM. I added a light to try to get better pictures - fish are pretty skittish because it just went on this AM. I still havent moved to a larger tank yet... (10 gal tank WC's are just so convenient haha). Hopefully this weekend. No other major updates.

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xKevinx

10-26-2018, 06:38 AM

They are looking great! Keep up the good work!

modealings

11-01-2018, 09:15 PM

5 weeks in.

I finally caved and moved to a 29 gallon (WC's just arent as quick any longer...). They are continuing to get BH mix and 100% daily WC's. I have noted 1 just is not keeping up with the others...probably 1/2 the size of the largest ones (top fish in the first picture). This one also seems to have a shorter gill plate but Ill be keeping him around as long as he's still eating - strength in numbers.

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xKevinx

11-01-2018, 11:46 PM

Looking good!

modealings

11-06-2018, 09:36 AM

Here's an early 6 week video update. I try to zoom in on a few of the largest ones and then of course the runt at the end. They are in the 29 gallon now. I'm home this week doing 3x daily water changes a few hours after each feeding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lti4wTQ_PA

sanjay21

11-06-2018, 12:17 PM

Looking great Eric !

Nice shapes on them :) You are doing a great job !

modealings

11-07-2018, 01:55 PM

Thanks guys. These threads are nice because while I might not see the growth day to day, it becomes apparent looking back a few weeks ago. Also becoming apparent are the snakes vs turqs. I think I have 4 snakes and 5 turqs. Here are some pictures from today.

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Maxx24

11-07-2018, 02:17 PM

Looking good! Nice images..!

modealings

11-10-2018, 07:38 AM

Thanks Max.

A couple observations from this week.

1) My 100W heater was no longer doing the job in the 29gal. I double checked the temp a few days ago and it wouldnt go above 80F. Surprising because I'm only filling the tank to about 20 gal or so but it is a cold basement. I up'd the heater size and now back to 84F.

2) Ive started mixing in Al's pellets and BH flakes with every BH mix feeding. After a few days they are finally eating these as well.

3) The fish are much happier with the 2x daily wc's. Usually with my work schedule I do a 100% water change every night. This week being home however I started changing another 60-70% around mid-day and the fish seem much more active. Also with the amount of BH mix Im feeding, Im wiping down the glass every other day as well. Granted, for me, this isnt a sustainable routine.

4) Im surprised at the varied size difference in my group. I'd say there are 3-4 good sized fish. Then there is the runt who at this point is probably 1/3rd size of the others. Given the uniformity I've seen in some other contestants threads I can only speculate that I (a) started feeding BH too early, (b) am not changing enough water, or both. Like we've said before however, it only takes one fish to win - and I think the educational value of this contest for the hobby is awesome.

danotaylor

11-10-2018, 08:11 AM

Great observations and summary mate. I agree that the info/educational value of this contest is excellent. This is due to the existence of the contest and the open sharing of a number of key contestants, yourself included.
Thanks!

modealings

11-14-2018, 07:08 AM

7 week update...

I think me being home last week and able to do multiple WC's a day really helped them. This week I added a automatic feeder with some BH flakes to go off twice while Im at work.

I also picked up a 1200gph mag drive pump off eBay so the WC's are very quick again.

Interesting that one of the fish is showing a lot of red in the fins as well (last picture).

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modealings

11-14-2018, 07:12 AM

Also here's a quick (blurry) video update as well...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDPayP9pKTU

Second Hand Pat

11-14-2018, 07:52 AM

Yours are getting thick and rounding up too Eric. They look great :)
Pat

Mando

11-14-2018, 08:55 AM

modealings

11-14-2018, 09:15 AM

Looking good!! The runt is very tiny! Can you provide a link to the mag pump for water changes? I was just thinking that I need a faster way to do water changes since I’m doing it twice a day on my grow out tank.

Thanks! The pump was used in an auction so I grabbed it for $40 or so. It’s the Danner Mag-Drive Utility pump 1200gph. It’s used but I only turn it on for a few minutes a day and for the last week or so it’s worked well.

Yea the runt is a goner - but as long as it’s eating and not acting sick/harboring disease I’ll probably keep it around just for the numbers.

modealings

11-14-2018, 09:21 AM

Yours are getting thick and rounding up too Eric. They look great :)
Pat

Thanks Pat! Also very jealous of your picture- taking abilities in your thread...

modealings

11-21-2018, 03:07 PM

2 months in!

These past few weeks I have tried increasing my WC schedule to 150% or so a day. 50% in midday/late afternoon as able and then 90-100% in the evening. I'm continuing to see some decent growth and outside of the runt, I think they are becoming more uniform. I've also added an automatic feeder to feed BH flakes twice during the day while Im at work.

Lastly, Ive been messing around with the room lights to try to get some better photos/videos. The tape marker down in the corner is marked at every inch. Last week I measured my largest out of the tank at 2.5 inches or so. Getting excited for the official measurement in 1 month! If we have a contest for the smallest - the runt may win...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9XiCtfTOqE

Tshethar

11-21-2018, 05:52 PM

modealings

11-21-2018, 06:08 PM

Looking really good! You have some nice-sized turqs--I noticed in my batch that most of my SS were always the big ones, and my turqs were behind them for size. Looks like you've got some turqs that are keeping up with them. Everybody looks happy. :thumbsup:

Thanks! Yea my biggest (and smallest) is a turq but there are 2 SS’s that are close. Overall a fairly even split.

modealings

11-21-2018, 07:07 PM

Another interesting observation I’ve had from the competition -

I don’t see any difference with those of us who used our own bio media and that from Al. This was a big concern of mine because I thought it could be a shock to new fish. Even if my biomedia didn’t have pathogens necessarily, it still likely had different types of bacteria in different ratios that may stress the fish. Even a fishless cycle has different types/ratios of bacteria from the fish’s original source. My filter came from a stendker discus tank and they seemed to do just fine. Given that a handful of us used our own media without disaster, I may be able to put this concern to rest.

(Or we all got lucky.)

Pices

11-21-2018, 07:37 PM

Very nice Eric. You’ve got a some big bruisers in there.
Patty

modealings

11-26-2018, 04:30 PM

Pat's close up cell phone photos gave me some inspiration to try it today...

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Pices

11-26-2018, 04:54 PM

Hey Eric if you crop the pics a little they will be right side up.
Patty

Second Hand Pat

11-26-2018, 05:05 PM

They look great Eric, try a slight crop next time before uploading so they appear right side up. I will try and fix your images a bit later.
Pat

modealings

11-26-2018, 09:50 PM

Thank you. Sorry this is what I get for not previewing the post. Seems like i never have the problem if I keep my cell phone horizontal. Any help with the current pics is appreciated Pat. Thanks,
Eric

Second Hand Pat

11-26-2018, 10:46 PM

modealings

11-26-2018, 11:35 PM

Hope they look ok Eric :)
Pat

Thank you!!

modealings

11-29-2018, 10:07 AM

9 weeks - AKA 3 weeks until first official check-in!

Holding the course. I've been trying to do as many WC's as possible. Averaging 1-2 during the day and then the 90-100% every evening. I think it's helping to even out their growth. The runt remains comically tiny but still eating (far left of 3rd photo, at 30sec on the video).

Their colors are really starting to show nicely too. The turqs seem to have a lot of variation with a lot of red in the largest one and mainly blue in the others.

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modealings

11-29-2018, 10:21 AM

When I look back at last weeks video - I think Im making some progress with all these WCs!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuvgc_m0EHk

fljones3

11-29-2018, 12:36 PM

Just some general questions:

1. Any reason why you have one runt in the bunch? Obviously he is not sick.
2. From observation, having the runt does not seem to affect the growth of the others?
3. Do you think there was something early on that affected that one fish only?
4. What are your plans for the runt? From what I have seen, most cull the runt.

Enjoying all the forum postings on this. Many great observations.

modealings

11-29-2018, 01:01 PM

Just some general questions:

1. Any reason why you have one runt in the bunch? Obviously he is not sick.

My best guess is both a combination of environmental and genetic/birth defects. Certainly looking back on it I think I shouldve started them all on some BBS or at least not moved right to BH mix so quickly. That being said, the other 9 seemed to do okay. I also notice that the gill plates on the runt seem to be a bit short so it may just not have been as strong from the get go.

2. From observation, having the runt does not seem to affect the growth of the others?

I dont think so. Discus are a shoaling fish and from what I've read, it seems like there always has to be one at the bottom of the group pecking order unless you really have a large group. As long as it's not acting as a harbinger of disease, I can't see it hurting the growth of the other fish.

3. Do you think there was something early on that affected that one fish only?

Again I think my best guess is a combination of not feeding the most easily digestible food early on and possible birth defects (gill plates). Then likely once it got behind enough, it could just never catch up.

4. What are your plans for the runt? From what I have seen, most cull the runt.

I'm planning to keep it around unless it starts acting sick. Right now it's still eating well and hanging out with the group. I'd prefer to not have to remove it and then force another fish to the bottom of the pecking order. But I'd never breed it or let it leave my fish room should it make it that far.

Enjoying all the forum postings on this. Many great observations.

Hi Frank - I have limited experience but will answer the best I can. Hopefully others will jump in two. Thanks for your questions!

fljones3

11-29-2018, 08:32 PM

Thanks Eric. Very interesting observations. I found it educational and helpful.

sanjay21

11-29-2018, 09:40 PM

Great ! looking stock my friend :) All the fish are having great shapes.

Second Hand Pat

11-29-2018, 11:12 PM

They look great Eric and getting big :)
Pat

jeep

11-30-2018, 02:55 AM

Very nice Eric! i'm seeing a stiff competition here and am enjoying everyone's contributions!!!

modealings

11-30-2018, 07:40 AM

Thanks!

modealings

12-03-2018, 12:17 PM

More attempts at some close-ups...

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danotaylor

12-03-2018, 12:20 PM

Very nice Eric! Nice shape from the lips down past the ventral fins. You have some lovely looking grow outs there mate :thumbsup:

modealings

12-03-2018, 08:17 PM

Very nice Eric! Nice shape from the lips down past the ventral fins. You have some lovely looking grow outs there mate :thumbsup:

Thanks Daniel!

modealings

12-05-2018, 08:13 PM

Well minor hiccup today with the automatic feeder.

I crushed up some more BH flakes last night and added them to my Eheim auto feeder that usually goes off at 10am and 2pm while I’m at work. For the past few weeks this hasn’t been a problem and I always find a clean tank when I get home in the evenings.

Well today the tank was covered in extra food and the water was quite cloudy. Clearly overfed all day. The fish still seemed fine so a quick 100% WC and hopefully no harm no foul.

I probably just crushed up the flakes too fine this go around. But moral of the story, these things can be finicky (esp with flake food).

modealings

12-06-2018, 09:19 PM

Week 10 - AKA 2 weeks until first check in!

Besides the quick hiccup with the automatic feeder, been holding the course this week. Im doing one feeding of BH in the AM, 2 smaller feedings of BH flakes at 10am and 2pm, then a partial water change in the earlier evening, followed by a heavy BH feeding at night. Then still the 100% WC before lights out. Been a bit harder to continue to see their weekly progress as they get bigger but I still think they are doing okay. The runt continues to hang in there.

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Pices

12-06-2018, 10:55 PM

modealings

12-07-2018, 06:52 AM

Wow Eric,
You should be very proud of yourself! I amazed at the variations in all the contest fish. So cool! I love the shape, fine lines and thickness that are beginning to show on yours. Kudos on a job well done. Be glad I’m not there, I’d be clapping your back and it would hurt after a few times. ha ha
Patty

Haha thanks Patty!

I too am surprised at the variations in all the fish. My largest is a turq with a lot of red - almost looks like tiger turq at some times. My favorites though are the snakeskins.

modealings

12-07-2018, 02:05 PM

Here is a shot of the one that I think looks somewhat like a tiger turq. Note the more vertical bars. The other turqs in the group dont seem to have this. I think itll be interesting to see how they all end up looking in adulthood.

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danotaylor

12-07-2018, 02:38 PM

Really nice shaped fish too!

jeep

12-07-2018, 02:41 PM

Mr.BigBlock

12-07-2018, 03:17 PM

They're coming along very nicely!

jeep

12-07-2018, 03:41 PM

Actually, I just checked, and while the colors aren't as pronounced as yours are, I think one may be similar to yours!

modealings

12-08-2018, 07:09 AM

Thanks all. Brian it’ll be cool to follow these along - maybe it’s just a developmental thing. It’s interesting that there doesn’t seem to be much variety amount the SS’s.

modealings

12-11-2018, 07:55 AM

Video update. Morning BH feeding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3tY4eBckWk

danotaylor

12-11-2018, 09:39 AM

modealings

12-11-2018, 09:53 PM

Lookin great...some beauties in the mix there...the lil bloke is pretty feisty lol...what are your thoughts/observations about the size difference in your group?
Thanks for the update mate!! :thumbsup:

Thanks Daniel. Certainly the runt is the outlier of the group. As far as the others, there are 1-2 on the smaller end with the remaining 6 or so fairly close in size (within an inch or so). I think the core group actually got closer in size when I was able to do multiple water changes a day for a few weeks. Things have picked back up at work not so down to 1-2 water changes as able. Ive heard that marginal water quality can effect males/female differently but at least in my previous grow out groups I cant say ive found this to be true. Itll be interesting to see how it turns out here.

danotaylor

12-11-2018, 10:33 PM

Thanks Daniel. Certainly the runt is the outlier of the group. As far as the others, there are 1-2 on the smaller end with the remaining 6 or so fairly close in size (within an inch or so). I think the core group actually got closer in size when I was able to do multiple water changes a day for a few weeks. Things have picked back up at work not so down to 1-2 water changes as able. Ive heard that marginal water quality can effect males/female differently but at least in my previous grow out groups I cant say ive found this to be true. Itll be interesting to see how it turns out here.

Gotcha mate. A good hypothesis. Looking forward to seeing the outcomes with yours! :thumbsup:

modealings

12-13-2018, 05:47 PM

11 weeks in - if my calculations are correct, next week should be the first check in!

Things have been uneventful this week. I still dont like the automatic feeder that much and am thinking about going back to twice a day BH feedings when I'm home. Otherwise I think the water just becomes too dirty by the end of the day with only one big water change in the evenings.

Im hoping I have a few at the 3in or larger mark by next week.

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Second Hand Pat

12-13-2018, 07:00 PM

They are looking great Eric! Loving the pattern on the first turk. :) That three months went by fast!
Pat

modealings

12-13-2018, 11:38 PM

They are looking great Eric! Loving the pattern on the first turk. :) That three months went by fast!
Pat

Thanks Pat - It definitely did! Looking forward to the remaining 5 months.

modealings

12-18-2018, 09:27 AM

I think the full tank shots provide some perspective to see their growth. They are still in the 29 gallon. Ill probably change over to a 45gal tall in the next few weeks.

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There are 1-2 snakeskins that are standing out from the pack now too.

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Another observation - I bought a PVC hose adapter to go on my pump in the aging barrel from the hardware store the other week. It's dark gray PVC. Since then Ive noticed a light film in the aging barrel. At first I thought this was bacteria build up from adding the prime to the barrel before WC's, but I've bleached the barrel and it is back the next day. The fish dont seem affected so I'm not in a rush to swap it out but I may look for another adapter soon. Finally I think the fish are large enough that I now just add the prime to the tank, instead of the barrel, without any noticeable effects.

PorcelainChina59

12-19-2018, 09:30 PM

Beautiful...just beautiful makings...can't wait for more color. :)

danotaylor

12-19-2018, 11:50 PM

The SS in center shot is a stunner mate...really nice! :thumbsup:

modealings

12-20-2018, 09:50 PM

Well I believe the 3 month mark for me is today. And it brings good and bad news.

Good news:
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I feel like the largest fish have made good progress up to day. There were very few bumps in the road for this first 3 months for me.

Bad news:
This evening I came home to 2 dead fish, and a 3rd looking quite ill. I do not understand yet what has happened as nothing has changed about my routine recently that I can pinpoint. This morning all fish were fine and eating well. Then this evening I just found the 2 dead. (I had also culled the runt 2 days ago because it was just progressively becoming more isolated and had begun to not eat).

Theories:
1) The runt was carrying an illness that spread to the other fish. I find this unlikely as all fish were seemingly quite healthy this AM and the dead not 8 hours later? I doubt it would happen that fast.

2) I bought a new PVC pipe adapter about 2 weeks. I have noticed a slight film in my barrel that persists despite cleaning it. Maybe it was a mild toxin that finally reached a critical level? Again I still dont understand this as Id expect some symptoms over a few days.

3) I did start feeding a new bag of my beefheart mix. Its the same batch that I was using for the past 2.5 months but now just from a new bag. Something in this bag?

4) Change in my water source. Every night I do 100% water changes. I did one last night and everything seemed fine this AM. Could something in the water just have taken that long to take affect?

5) Something was on my hand when I fed them this AM. Im usually pretty careful but maybe some soap somehow got into the tank.

Anyways those are my running theories. I have 6 fish left (10 minue 1 DOA, 1 culled runt, 2 dead at exactly 3 months). Another one is circling the drain now. I did a 100% WC when I got home and then another 50% just now but I dont have high hopes. It is quite dark as pictured below. Bummer for this to happen at the first check in but such is the plight of discus keeping I suppose.

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Tshethar

12-20-2018, 11:42 PM

Eric, I'm really sorry--I wonder about something with the water supply. Do you have any carbon or something similar you can run? If the water source is the issue then the water changes alone might not bring them back until something changes again with the supply. I think I averted disaster earlier in the fall by doing this (polyfilter in one case, carbon in another) when all of a sudden I had problems after regular water changes.

Hope the ones you have left hang in there--they've been looking great. Pulling for you over here... :(

Second Hand Pat

12-21-2018, 12:20 AM

Eric, would suggest double dosing prime and adding salt. Maybe extra chlorine etc was added to the water supply. Be sure to check your water parameters. So sorry this happened. :(
Pat

modealings

12-21-2018, 07:04 AM

Thanks Bill and Pat. I probably should have added some salt last night. Will throw in a couple tablespoons this AM. Also the carbon wouldnt be a bad idea - but Ive lived here and had discus in this water for 2 years now with no issues so it's very odd.

Unfortunately the 3rd one died overnight as well. The decline was incredibly fast for these three - less than 24 hours. I think it has to be something with the water although I'd still expect the others to show some signs of stress as well.

Another important thing to mention is that this is my only tank right now. I gave away my other fish 6-8 weeks ago. It could still be a lingering disease (or from the already seeded biofilter i used) - but to not effected dime sized fish at all and then hit within 24 hours at 3 months on the nose seems quite odd.

Tshethar

12-21-2018, 10:44 AM

It is weird. Maybe someone else will have a better idea. I had three go down within about 12 hours after a water change back when they were about dime- or nickel-sized for reasons I never identified. I blamed it on something like extra chlorine/chloramines from the town water supply, but that was just a guess. (The next day my older fish in another tank looked terrible right after a water change, so I knew something was up with the water. After that I started dosing extra Safe as a matter of course even after aging and pre-filtering through a carbon block.)

Whatever it was, it seems like something toxic, rather than a disease organism that was wearing them down. The fact that your runt wasn't eating much could have meant he was harboring something, but we know that this would usually lead to things like fasting/white poop/slow decline rather than sudden death. Also, anything PVC ought to be non-toxic, though since that is new I can see why you'd be suspicious. I don't know whether the adhesive residue they use for the barcode stickers on those things could cause problems; seems like a reach, but it's all I can think of there.

Hope everything stabilizes for you today... and again, sorry for the losses. :(

modealings

12-24-2018, 10:26 AM

Thanks Bill.

Well good news is things seem to have stabilized. No other fish seem affected and the remaining 5 are eating vigorously. The bad news is that I changed nothing so I have no answers as to what took out 3 of my larger fish in 24 hours. Im using the same pump with PVC, feeding the same food, and doing the same WC's.

I cant imagine it was an illness that could kill a 1/3rd of the fish in 24 hours and leave the rest untouched and back to normal a day or two later. It had to be something in the water. I called up our water company and they werent aware of any new chemicals being released. Ive never had discus (or fish for that matter) die that quickly.

Overall a bummer but there's still 5 left. Unfortunately the 3 that died were the nicer snakeskins. I only have one remaining SS now with 4 turqs. The above measured turq made it though and he/she seemed to be the largest.

modealings

12-28-2018, 07:48 AM

Here is a shot of the 5 that are left. I just came back from being away for 4 days and they all did fine. Back to eating today.

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MickO'S

12-28-2018, 11:27 AM

That’s a tough few days !
Hope things are going to remain stable now !
I’ll keep watching with interest.
Mick

modealings

01-05-2019, 09:45 AM

Weekly update...

The remaining 5 seem to be doing well. Eating well. I've kept with the daily 100% WC's at the end of the day but have backed off on feedings to twice a day just to make sure water quality is okay after the mess 2 weeks ago. I still dont have an explanation but I think it has to be something that got in the water given how quickly it came and went.
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Pices

01-05-2019, 12:27 PM

Really nice looking fish Eric. Reading all these tales make me glad I didn’t attempt it myself and jealous at the same time when I see these beauties!
Patty

modealings

01-05-2019, 01:02 PM

Really nice looking fish Eric. Reading all these tales make me glad I didn’t attempt it myself and jealous at the same time when I see these beauties!
Patty

Thanks Patty. I’m certainly bummed to not have an explanation/learning point for the loss of the 3. A group of 8 would be looking better than 5. But will keep forging ahead.

modealings

01-12-2019, 12:08 PM

Weekly update

No real news to report. They seem to be doing well. One is lagging behind in size. I think it's interesting how each one has a different color pattern. Continuing 100% nightly WC's and 2x daily BH feedings.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L_AldkhYxw

modealings

01-19-2019, 10:16 AM

Slow and steady this week. 4 of the remaining 5 are really showing some nice growth - one is lagging behind a bit. No changes to the routine this week.

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Pices

01-19-2019, 01:46 PM

Looking good Eric and they’re looking like they had quite a growth spurt! Good job!
Patty

two utes

01-22-2019, 02:03 AM

Nice work growing these out Eric. Solid fish

modealings

01-28-2019, 05:58 AM

Thanks Patty and Joe.

This week the big update is that I got the iphone XR so I am interested to see if the picture quality improves. The 5 are still doing well - one is lagging behind a big but decent growth on the other 4. Tempted to get another batch from Al but frigid temps coming this week in the Midwest...

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modealings

01-28-2019, 05:59 AM

Of course I think the quality of pics would improve if I'd clean the glass haha.

Second Hand Pat

01-28-2019, 08:38 AM

They look great Eric :D. Be sure to practice with that phone. I use the iPhone 10 to take my update pics of the fish so you can see what is possible.
Pat

modealings

02-04-2019, 09:31 AM

Thanks Pat - will do!

This week I tried to experiment with some smaller water changes. I think the biologic filter is behind given the daily 100% wc's previously and I noticed that the water was fairly cloudy every now and then before the nightly change. I moved down to 50-75% wc's daily to see if the filter can catch up. I also think part of it has to do with feeding BH mix still. If I feed it in the AM and then leave for 12 hours, that is not ideal if any is left behind. As others have mentioned, I think the best way to feed BH is to feed and then be around to remove any leftovers/debris 1-2 hours later. This week I will try to do BH flakes in the AM and then BH mix in the PM before the WC's.

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Phil4Discus

02-15-2019, 11:10 PM

I recently got the iPhone XR as well and have been snapping quite a few pics of my fish. hahaha

Your fish are looking great! Keep up the good work!

modealings

02-17-2019, 10:12 PM

I recently got the iPhone XR as well and have been snapping quite a few pics of my fish. hahaha

Your fish are looking great! Keep up the good work!

Haha thanks!

modealings

02-17-2019, 10:14 PM

Here's another shot this week. there are 4 that are all relatively the same size with one smaller one. I think the move to BH flakes in the AM has helped with water quality. Otherwise no other changes.

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danotaylor

02-18-2019, 02:05 AM

Looking good Eric!!

XIHOHORORORO

02-19-2019, 11:34 AM

do u give them black worms or black mosquitos larvaes?

modealings

02-19-2019, 12:17 PM

do u give them black worms or black mosquitos larvaes?

Hi - no this go around I have just done BH mix and BH flakes. I have used ALs FDBW before w great success however.

modealings

03-01-2019, 01:47 PM

Hi all - the remaining 5 are still hanging in there. I've moved down to a 50% water change daily and have moved over to more flake foods. The water does seem generally clearer. I've noticed on the snakeskin that it does have a flared gill on one side. Al's post in another thread shed light on the fact that there was likely a mineral imbalance during one of the growth spurts. I think if I were to start this over I would begin with BBS and move to a variety of dried food fairly quickly.

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jeep

03-01-2019, 02:28 PM

They look good! Nice color patterns developing...

modealings

03-01-2019, 07:17 PM

They look good! Nice color patterns developing...

Thanks Jeep. The big turq is looking pretty good imo. I'm still bummed about my losses a few months ago as it could be a pretty good group. But this has been a very educational experience so thats the take-away for me so far.

Pices

03-01-2019, 10:22 PM

Such a perfect tall arch on the dorsal fins. Nice!
Patty

modealings

03-08-2019, 06:33 AM

Here is a picture of the largest one I have. I think overall a pretty nice shape and really starting to color up too. Im just using a cheap office-type LED for lighting.

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I've continued with the BH flakes and 50% WC's every 1-2 days.

danotaylor

03-08-2019, 01:35 PM

Good work Eric, great looking discus!!

jawfish

03-20-2019, 05:52 PM

Filip

03-22-2019, 06:03 AM

Nice job Eric .The biggest two looks very well coloured and rounded .

modealings

03-24-2019, 08:01 PM

A few more recent pictures. Everything seems status quo with the every 1-2 day 50-70% water change and BH flake feedings. Isnt the 6 month check in soon?!?

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Second Hand Pat

03-24-2019, 09:39 PM

A few more recent pictures. Everything seems status quo with the every 1-2 day 50-70% water change and BH flake feedings. Isnt the 6 month check in soon?!?

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They are looking good Eric. :D The six month measurement is this week.
Pat

Filip

03-28-2019, 11:55 AM

Great work Eric. I can allready see that the final judging of the challenge winner discus is going to be a very though call . Can't wait for this weeks measurements :)

modealings

03-28-2019, 08:39 PM

Ok here we go - 6 month check in!

The first below is the largest of the group. The 2nd is the biggest SS just because I like this fish. 6 months went by fast!

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jeep

04-02-2019, 06:25 PM

I'd say this race is heating up!! Good job Eric!!!

Filip

04-09-2019, 08:10 AM

Nice Job Eric . They both look good .

modealings

04-14-2019, 08:34 PM

Thanks guys.

Well Im kind of in the awkward position of having a small group (5 left). The smallest is clearly being outcompeted for food and has started hiding (behind the filter here). In my experience whenever I have a smaller group one always starts to lag behind and eventually dies. I think I can probably make it another 2 months or so for the final best fish. I was hoping for a pair but Im not sure if the group can hang on that long with this limited number left. Another option is to combine them with some rams and corys in a larger tank to basically act as dithers.

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timvriens

04-15-2019, 02:33 AM

great looking fish, you are doing a great job :p

Filip

04-15-2019, 02:42 AM

I wonder If you can decrease agresion and pecking order by putting fish in the tank other than discus ? Did you have any positive experience doing this in the past ?

jeep

04-15-2019, 09:01 AM

How big is their tank? I placed mine in a 40g when they were around 2" and then a 55g when they were still around 3" and even though there is a smaller one, there never has been any aggression or fighting :confused:

modealings

04-15-2019, 10:19 AM

Thanks guys - yea they are in a 29 gal. I think the next move it to move to a 75 w a couple of pairs of rams and corys. Hopefully the increased space and other fish can help like you mentioned.

Phil4Discus

05-12-2019, 10:17 PM

Thanks guys - yea they are in a 29 gal. I think the next move it to move to a 75 w a couple of pairs of rams and corys. Hopefully the increased space and other fish can help like you mentioned.

Interesting! Cannot wait to see! Your remaining fish are looking great and I'm sure they will appreciate having more room in the 75 gallon tank. Keep up the good work!

modealings

05-14-2019, 04:22 PM

Well I apologize for the delay with updates. I have 4 remaining fish that all seem to be doing well. I did lose the smallest one a few weeks ago - I suspect likely to bullying as it was a slow demise. I still plan to combine these 4 into a community tank but I just need to find the time to get it all set up. Im doing 50% wc's every 2 days and feeding solely BH flakes.

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