Please advise

[6488nathan]

Hi all, this is my only remaining discus and would just like to know if you think he looks well I.e not stunted etc. other than that he is eating fine and moving around great. Also what exact variety is he.Thanks http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/15/5y6a2uny.jpg

[DiscusLoverJeff]

Do you know how old it is Nathan and how big? It appears to be young and it's pattern is not fully developed yet.

It looks like Checkerboard Pigeon.

[6488nathan]

Hi thanks for reply, I was told year and a half but am now doubtful as to if its true as I am new to discus and was sold some bad ones but as this one has survived and doing well I just wanted to know from you guys that can spot a good one from a bad one if he could grow to a good size etc

[6488nathan]

He is around 3.5" max I would guess

[lipadj46]

He is around 3.5" max I would guess

Yes he is stunted, not very high quality otherwise.

sent from an undisclosed location using morse code

[Second Hand Pat]

Hi Nathan, at a year and a half it is not likely to grow much. I suggest you check out the sponsors here and their stock offered for sale. It might make you want to start over. Also there is lots of good info here to assist you if you care to check it out.
Pat

[6488nathan]

As he does not have a fully developed pattern would that not suggest he is still young?? Since having him for 3 weeks I am seeing more pattern/colouring coming out.

[Second Hand Pat]

Hard to know at this point. Feed it well and keep up with your WCs and see how it develops.

[6488nathan]

Ok thanks pat, I will do that, been doing wc's every other day 50-60% and feed 3-4 times a day, going to add another 2 in a few weeks and will make sure they are top quality.

[Second Hand Pat]

Nathan, six are really needed for a stable group. I really suggest doing some reading here and then think about your next step. Also it is best to QT any new fish.

[lipadj46]

Ok thanks pat, I will do that, been doing wc's every other day 50-60% and feed 3-4 times a day, going to add another 2 in a few weeks and will make sure they are top quality.

Go over to the beginner section and do some reading. 3 discus are not enough, 5 is the minimum number unless you have a mated pair. I would probably start over with good stock from a sponsor here. There are lots of affordable imported fish offered here. Also I see a clown loach in your tank which are not compatible with discus and need to be in groups themselves. Tell us a bit about your tank and what your plans are with discus and we can give you some advice if you are serious.

[Second Hand Pat]

Nathan, the picture below is similar to yours and is part of Kenny's June shipment. You will find that you will get recommendation to start over with quality stock. But it will be best to get your feel under you with a bit of reading and looking around here on the forum. A little bit about your tank etc would be helpful too.

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr177/kennysdiscus02/Kennys%20Discus%202013b/RingCPP45-51_zps5983c700.jpg (http://s481.photobucket.com/user/kennysdiscus02/media/Kennys%20Discus%202013b/RingCPP45-51_zps5983c700.jpg.html)

[6488nathan]

Ok thanks guys, I did do an original post yesterday about what happened but I basically did have 6, one died so shop replaced him (the one on here) but all the original 6 died one by one day by day see if you can find my other post, done water change most days checked all levels feed what was required. I will have 6 again just can't buy all at once.

[bbhill]

Nathan, Second Hand Pat and the others are giving you good advice. I'm sort of a Discus newbie myself, and have learned more from reading on this forum than I could have learned reading 5-6 Discus books! (I know this because I have read 5-6 Discus books) The info here is spot on and the members are always trying to help us new guys. I'm sure they get tired of repeating the same advice over and over, but they do it anyway. Please, just take the time to read the stickys and other posts in the beginner section, then read some more! You will be amazed at the difference it will make in the way you understand and care for this unique fish.

Good Luck, Becky

[DiscusPamela]

You're so right, Becky. I spend hours reading on here everyday, and I learn something new everyday, and my fish are better off for it. In a week, my discus have gone from a planted tank to a BB, I've made my own mix to feed them, and I've upped my WC's from once weekly to daily. I wish I'd come to the forums sooner. Then my fish might have grown to their full potential.