What's the best temp. for discus???

[jeep]

I see a wide range of temps that people use in keeping discus. Some at 82, some as high as 90.

When I ordered my discus from Gabe Pasoda, he told me to raise the temp. in my tank to 88 degrees for 2 weeks and then turn it down to 82 for life (barring illness). The reasons he stated are that the higher temp. in the beginning will help raise metabolism and ensure a good transition.

However, he also said to keep the tank at 82 because even though the higher temp will make your fish grow faster, it will also shorten their life span by several years.

Just curious as to WHY some maintain a higher temp...

[Bladerunner]

Hi,

Not sure what the concensus in the states is but on our side of the water (UK), the recommended temp by all the key breeders is 86 degrees farenheit. 30 degrees celcius.


Hope that helps,

BR

[jklnbrg]

I've always kept mine at 30 degrees Celsius. Once every 8 weeks I would slowly raise the tank temps to 35 over a few days then back to 30 over another few days. (remember, my best info comes from mid to late 80's knowledge in Germany. I'm learnign new things every day on here!

John

[EthanCote.com]

Hi John,

Higher heat is normally used for the following reasons:

1. As Gabe suggested, for easier transition from shippment to getting them relax in your tank, and also encourages hungry.

2. As heat treatment, alot of internal parasites have been known to be killed by high heat such as Hex.

3. To encourage your fish to eat when they have stopped.


I suggest you stop doing the heat fluctuation every 8 weeks, unless you are doing it for a specific reason. But having said that, to each his own, if your method seems to work, then more power to you. Apparently there is more way than one to raising successful Discus.

But the above reasons are why one would raise temperature in their tank.

HTH.


Cheers,

Chi.

[Jeff]

My fish enjoy a toasty 86 all the time . If I need to add salt for any reason I'll raise it to 88.

[keno]

My adults are at 83 and my growouts are at 87. works for me. I think as with ph discus can thrive in a wide range say from 80-90.

Ken

[korbi_doc]

OK, everyone, I've been keeping my youngsters @ 86-87*. Sounds like I ought to drop it to 84?? Is that the concensus?? Or 82?? Even my new baby rams are @86.4 today & doing ok, but I will do an overall decrease if its called for. I hadn't asked Gabe that one. lol, Dottie : : :

[EthanCote.com]

Hi Dottie,

For youngsters, they are best kept at 86F until they are close to maturity then you can lower it to 82 slowly.

That is what I have heard anyhow. And that is how I am keeping my tanks at and they seem to be doing quite well (errr except for one fish, but that is a totally different story).


Cheers,

Chi.

[darcy]

Well my pair's are at 84 and 82 and I don't see much difference between those two temps. All my little guys are at 86.
Darcy

[allan_mark76]

88 for the juvys.

84-86 for the adults.

A-

[korbi_doc]

So guess I'm ok for the time being. thanx guys, Dottie ;D ;D ;D

[Dennis_Hardenburge]

eggs, wigglers, fry, grow out, adults 83 degrees
oh I forgot ageing barrells 83

[liz]

Hello I was interested in the wide range of tempertures.I am in Scotland and most people here keep their temps lower.Mine are at 84 deg and doing fine.When I got them from the shop their temp was 80deg.I have heard of some recomending 78deg which I personally think is too low.

[Steve_Warner]

Hi all,
Jeep, for throwing or fish? ;D J/K I keep my kids at 85/86. They seem to do well in this temp range.

Steve

[mikeos]

Hi all

Most UK breeders/specialist dealers seem to go with 30c 86f, same for most people i know.

If the fish are doing Ok & behaving like Discus should why worry? just dont let it drop too far (IMO <82f).