want to jump in. But can't in put big toe in water

[discus#1]

Hello folks.
Been wanting to setup a discus tank forever but haven't been able to pull the trigger because I've heard they are very sensitive and difficult to keep. I've keep South Americans, Africans, flower horns. But always come back to these beautiful fish

I have a 40 plexi with built in wet/dry, bare bottom, 200w heater.

Dry.

Planning on filling tank get water to temp

Put in 4 small discus and a cycled sponge filter

Water changes daily for a week.

Is this a reasonable start?

Any information and suggestions would be appreciated

Thank you
Barney

[Second Hand Pat]

Hi Barney, If you plan on starting with small discus ie juvies start with a group of six (they do better in a large group). Your 40 will work for a while as a growout tank but you will need to move the discus to a larger tank as they grow. The best way to grow out juvies is large daily water changes and plenty of food in a bare bottom tank.
Pat

[DonMD]

Barney, I think you need to consider where you want to end up. Pat is correct that discus will do much better in groups of 6, or even more. If you use the standard calculation of 10 gallons per fish, then you'd need 60 or better gallons of water. I suggest that you thing about a 90 gallon tank in your future. It's my own opinion that when you have fewer discus in more water, things are better, always keeping in mind that you need a critical mass, eg: at least six. So, if you want to keep a discus display tank, think ahead. Just my opinion. Good luck. -Don (formerly Bay Area resident!)

[RodneyL001]

young discus are the most difficult to keep, imho if you want to jump in, go with sub-adults at least about 4". If you go with young discus you can count on feeding them 4 or 5 times a day, and you will have to keep up the daily water changes for some time. Once they get a little older, discus are pretty easy to keep. imho

[John_Nicholson]

young discus are the most difficult to keep, imho if you want to jump in, go with sub-adults at least about 4". If you go with young discus you can count on feeding them 4 or 5 times a day, and you will have to keep up the daily water changes for some time. Once they get a little older, discus are pretty easy to keep. imho

I know where you are going with this but in reality young discus are very easy to raise if they receive proper care.

-john

[brewmaster15]

I know where you are going with this but in reality young discus are very easy to raise if they receive proper care.

-john

agree with you there.

Older discus are more forgiving of mistakes along the way though.

al

[brewmaster15]

Barney,

Hello folks.
Been wanting to setup a discus tank forever but haven't been able to pull the trigger because I've heard they are very sensitive and difficult to keep

The way I see it, you could take the easy well traveled path that many fish keepers choose, or take the least traveled one that leads to Discus. .(modified Emerson quote). The path least traveled is not easy...but its fun and fulfilling. My advice , pull the trigger and find out for yourself. Most people that talk about discus like that just like easy path.

al

[Loosir]

haven't been able to pull the trigger because.......difficult to keep.

Barney,
As a new Discus keeper (7 months and counting) I can tell you it's really good to be terrified. It's that healthily fear that keeps you from thinking there're shortcuts and easier ways to keep Discus. Use that obsession about their frailty to keep you on the straight and narrow ie.. water changes, no other fish (w/out QT), bare bottom and good food. Then all of a sudden 7 months have gone by and you realize your fish are alive and growing and you are now the "most awesome fish keeper in the universe" . It's a lot like watering a plant, it's not hard, you just have to do it everyday.
Geoff

[farebox]

Take the plunge and get them feet wet my friend. Given all the mentioned advise and this forum, you will be good to go. Just remember discus are easy to keep, as long as you start with quality fish, do the water changes, and feed quality food. Sit back and enjoy the king of aquarium fish. "Just do it"!
Good luck...