New Here

[du3ce]

Been lurking for a while and decided to introduced myself, this is my first experience keeping discus. Used to keep malawi cichlids before i made the transition to freshwater and discus. Right now i have 4 in a bb 55g tank. I raised these from a 1" fry, hoping to get 2 more discus to complete the group to 6. Im hoping to grow these out until dec-jan and then i will move them in to a 75g tank in my living room. They are still very skiddish except for my biggest one he's about 3 inches, how do i make them less skittish and how do i get them to eat out of my hand?

[dillpickle]

Welcome! When I first had my discus they were skittish. I upped my water changes and they were much better. In general discus are a pretty shy fish though.

I feed my discus freeze dried black worms and they love them. As soon as I put them in the water everyone rushes for some. So, i didn't really have to do anything to get them to eat form my hand. It was pretty cool at first, but since they are slow feeders I got bored pretty quick lol.

[Crunchy]

Hello and welcome.
Many reasons why the fish may be hiding, check water quality is number 1.

Also newly introduced fish may be hiding for a few weeks until they get used to the new environment.

Yes it's been my experience that feeding worms attracts fish to come out and attack the food, so much that if they comfy enough they won't mind the hand to go for the food.

[du3ce]

I feed them frozen bloodworms and beefheart they love the beefheart but not the bl8odowrms, they been in the tank for about 2 months any sudden movements I made and they scatter

[Eddie]

Could be lighting, vibrations, tank placement, tank set-up and as mentioned, water issues. A picture would be great.

[Trubble]

Mine started out shy and skittish. All became better as they grew and got used to routines. It took a while, though. What really worked for me when it came to them eating from my hand was freeze dried black worms. I started by just sticking them to the side of the tank, slowly taking longer to remove my hand until they would come eat from my hand, and eventually let me pet them, also. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Oh, and welcome to Simply.

[camuth8]

Yes, most discus are very skittish when not used to a routine or the environment. If you keep trying to feed them bloodworms, they will eventually start eating them, but it may take a while.

Welcome to Simply.:D

[White Worm]

A larger group will feel more comfortable.

[camuth8]

A larger group will feel more comfortable.

Definitely.

[du3ce]

Heres some pics of them
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v52/du3ce/20130720_165749_zps6897c40f.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v52/du3ce/20130720_165745_zpsa939101e.jpg
the three of them used to be the size of the tomato discus

[du3ce]

btw does anyone know discus breeders in colorado?

[camuth8]

The dark one in the back looks a bit too dark. Has it been behaving differently than the others?

The blue in the front looks like it's grown a lot and is very healthy.:) Can't wait to see the new discus soon.

[du3ce]

yeah the blue one in the front is the boss of the tank he chases the other ones away when I drop food in the tank. As for the dark oone I think its just my cell cam he's still eating and growing so im not too worried.

[camuth8]

Okay. Can't wait to see you grow 'em out all the way.:)

[du3ce]

bought 2 more discus today i believe they are pb's.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v52/du3ce/20130722_143349_zps7ebc6523.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v52/du3ce/20130722_143330_zps01bcec16.jpg

[du3ce]

what do u guys think about floater plants in a grow out tank to soak up the excessive nitrates?

[White Worm]

Plants are good, adding new discus or any new fish without quarantine is not good.

[Eddie]

what do u guys think about floater plants in a grow out tank to soak up the excessive nitrates?

Also, nitrates are not the be all end all for growth. Some people grow monster fish with nitrates in their water. Best to control the water cleanliness through water changes. ;)

[Trubble]

Also, nitrates are not the be all end all for growth. Some people grow monster fish with nitrates in their water. Best to control the water cleanliness through water changes. ;)

+1

I have an issue with high nitrates from my tap (60-80 ppm +). I have a 9 month old Blue Turquoise who is pushing 5.5 Inches. I have grown it out from 2 1/2". I'm looking forward to seeing what it's final size will be.

[du3ce]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v52/du3ce/20130724_130411_zps1f767175.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v52/du3ce/20130724_130355_zpscebb1ed2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v52/du3ce/20130724_130430_zps9b5e8c8e.jpg
my gf's father keeps discus also he has 2 marlborough in a 75 he was out of town so we paid a visit to feed them today. They are fed with 3 cubes of frozen bloodworm with a few drops of vitachem everyday they are still growing im guessing they are about 6.5-7 in length!