Do Discus Jump

[MPETERS]

Hi All,

I am working on my 280 gal tank, it will still be a while before I get it up. I do have a question, do discus jump? It will be a while before I get to build a top for the tank so should I put some glass on top for now? I don't like to to this but I don't want to come home someday and find a discus on the floor.

Thanks,

Mike

[discuspaul]

Discus aren't particularly known to be jumpers, but it can happen occasionally, and it has occured to quite a few discus-keepers, especially at night when they may get spooked for whatever reason.
I've kept an open-topped discus tank for 2 years, and never had a jumper.
But that isn't to say it won't happen some day - I keep my fingers crossed -lol.
I believe you could take your chances until you get a top built, as you intend to do.

[MPETERS]

Hi,

Thanks for the response. I was hoping that I didn't need glass. I know it will be a chance, however, am willing to take the chance.

Mike

[Larry Bugg]

Absolutely do not take this chance. Why would you risk it? Yes, Discus jump. I've had jumpers (plural) before I put tops on all my tanks.


http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?89361-Jumping-Discus!&highlight=jumping

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?86483-do-you-have-lids-on-your-tanks&highlight=jumping

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?84926-Close-those-tank-openings&highlight=jumping

[Skip]

they get startled.. it happens

[kent1963]

Absolutely do not take this chance. Why would you risk it? Yes, Discus jump. I've had jumpers (plural) before I put tops on all my tanks.


http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?89361-Jumping-Discus!&highlight=jumping

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?86483-do-you-have-lids-on-your-tanks&highlight=jumping

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?84926-Close-those-tank-openings&highlight=jumping+1 Discus are accomplished jumpers don't let their docile appearance and behavior fool you!

[discuspaul]

I know a discus breeder/importer who has had 30 -40 tanks of discus for over 20 years - all open-topped.
And he CLAIMS he has had discus jump from one tank to another (they're all side by side tanks, or over/under) a few times, but NEVER out onto the floor. Although for sure, the fact that he keeps the water line in his tanks 3-4 " below the top of the tank likely has a lot to do with this.

As Skip said, they get startled, it happens. But they don't jump just for the sake of jumping - some fish are in fact jumpers - discus are not, in that sense.

[Second Hand Pat]

Mike, use egg crate until you get your canopy done.

[MPETERS]

Hi Again,

Thanks for the threads to check out. I have read them and have decided to use something. I think I will go with the egg create idea, that will allow for the gas exchange.

Thanks again for all the help.

Mike

[Sean Buehrle]

Yes they do jump out of the tank, cover it.
I've read threads where they have a good aim too. Some have jumped out of tanks with a 1 inch gap into another tank, lol.

[Darrell Ward]

I once had a discus jump between the gap in the glass top and overflow box, landing in the overfow box becoming trapped there. Not once, but twice. It was amazing that it could fit in that small gap.

[Keith Perkins]

Count me as one of the unlucky ones with a jumper, proven male no less...hence the signature line.

[PAR23]

Yes, put a cover on it. Don't chance it.

[lane mechtel]

I had one jump thru a small opening also, I was just starting a water change and she was spooked. I think she inhaled right before she jumped to fit thru the opening lol. bounced off the heat register and landed inside the aquarium stand.

[MPETERS]

Hi,

Unreal, it is amazing that discus has such good aim when jumping. I will not take the chance and use egg crate over the entire top. Thanks for all the answers and help.

I am working on the stand pipe and have found that the overflow boxes and to small for a 2" standpipe. I will try and cut it down to 1.5 I think that will fit. It just never ends but so much fun.

Thanks,
Mike