Made the jump to wilds

[farebox]

Finally took the plunge into the wild discus arena. I ordered six Rio Negro Heckel Sm from Snookn21 (John) yesterday, Christmas present from my family. Due to arrive Thursday, 12/29. Will be going into an 40G breeder tank, bare bottom, heater, and sponge filter. Tank water consist RO/tap (TDS 84), and added two teaspoons of Rooibos tea in diy nylon stocking tea bag. Also have tank temp at 28.5C. I feel I'm all set and ready to go with this project, will keep you all posted as I progress with these guys. Tank set up: https://youtu.be/MDmrK6EzS7A

[Jack L]

nice, will wait to see photos

[Phillydubs]

Plan to add anythingd to the tank?

Sand? Wood?

Most will say wilds do better with a little layer of sand some even do a light sprinkle

[pavlos]

Good luck with these guys! Will you use this tank as a quarantine?

[farebox]

Okay just added an thin layer of sand and a piece of wood to the tank...ready for the fish.

[jmf3460]

+1 for sand, it was a good idea to add sand Roland the wilds will appreciate you for it. Cant wait til tomorrow for you.

[Second Hand Pat]

Hi Roland and what a nice Christmas gift.
Pat

[Phillydubs]

Let us know how they come in and how it all goes!

[farebox]

I received my six Rio Negro Heckels on Thur., 12/29/16, from John(snookn21) in excellent shape. I going to say they at the 3" mark. Placed in an 40G breeder tank with thin layer of sand and a piece of wood. Running an K1 moving bed filter (new micro K1) and sponge filter, and 250W heater. Did first 80% WC last night. Refilled using 70% RO and 30% aged tap water with 2 tbs. of RooibosTea in nylon stocking. TDS=112. They started eating a little FDBW this morning and swimming around the tank now. Some coloring coming back. Glad I got these guys and hope to grow them out to an nice size. Check video:

[Second Hand Pat]

Sound like they are doing great Roland. The driftwood and tea is helping them to feel secure. When they show no bars you know they are comfortable.
Pat

[Willie]

Love the Heckel bars!

Just a general question. How do wilds handle the large water change? Does the sandy bottom scratch them? Always wondered about that.

Willie

[Second Hand Pat]

Love the Heckel bars!

Just a general question. How do wilds handle the large water change? Does the sandy bottom scratch them? Always wondered about that.

Willie

Willie, you didn't lay they on their sides nor do you want to panic them during the change. I leave about three inches of water for my little guys.
Pat

[ColdPeg]

Nice fish! He seems to have quite nice stock that's for sure!

[farebox]

They take the large WC just fine, they are not lying on their side. I add 70% RO and 30% aged heated tap water back to the tank. Been keeping the TDS at 104-112ppm. That's the only water testing I do, fish all seem to happy. Starting to show some color/stripes, must be settling in. Also eating Al's FDBW and Bill's Empire Super Beef Heart flakes for now, I'm feeding these guys 4X daily, water temp @ 29C. So far I'm enjoying these little guys, a new challenge to me in the hobby. Check out today's video: https://youtu.be/6sj0A2XyrEc

[farebox]

Here's an update after the first full week with these guys. They just ate one cube of Al's FDBW and now acting still hungry by eating some Super Beef Heart Flakes w/Pro-Growth from Inland Empire. Currently in 40G breeder tank with a thin layer of sand, piece of wood, 250W Aqueon heater, Aquaclear 70 HOB filter, and 1-ltr DIY micro K-1 moving bed filter. I'm feeding 4x daily and doing 80% WC in the evening after last feed using 70% RO and 30% aged heated tap water. Also adding 2 tbs. Rooibos tea to the water. Check it out: https://youtu.be/fzobMzuKYnc