New discus Log

[Oscarsx]

No I've been out the game for a while, just recently picked up a discus pair for $150 and I have a few questions.

- previous owner claimed that this was a pair, had to let them go because he had no room for them and just moved from San Francisco to socal..

Question :

- fish are by themselves in a 50g bb tank, I don't mind doing the daily wcs but is it necessary for them since they are the only ones in there and bio load isn't that much, what percentage and number of wcs would you guys recommend?

- what strain are these fish?

- as you can see one of the fish has a dark spot near the end, is that genetic problem or could it be a bruise or heater burn etc, most importantly if it is genetics, is there a big chance that could be passed down to their fry?
- oz

[Chicago Discus]

They look like blue pigeons.

[blueluv]

They look like blue pigeons.

I think you're correct. They look like Hans blue pigeons.

[Oscarsx]

Oh nice, I'll look into that strain.. Ty, as for the markings and wcs? Any suggestions

- oz

[strawberryblonde]

Yup yup, Hans blue pigeons. I have a pair of them that could be twins to yours.

And btw, it's great to see you again! =)

I wouldn't worry too much about the black spot, most likely it's a genetic thing, but you shouldn't see it crop up in more than a couple of the fry.

One of them has ragged fins, is that from netting them and all the stress of getting them to their new home? If so, then I'd do a 50% daily water change till it heals, then drop it back to every other day. Oh and they probably should be eating 2-3 meals a day, flakes/pellets and one high quality protein food per day to condition them.

Keep us updated on how they're making out, ok?

[White Worm]

You need to really treat them with great conditions to start with since they do show some minor issues like fin rot. 50-75% WC every other day or daily for the first couple weeks until they improve. 2 in a 50g isn't a problem. Dark mark could be anything. Time will tell.

[Oscarsx]

I'm actually debating putting them in a 20g I have laying around and doing big daily wcs.
One thing I learned from you guys is big water changes cure almost anything :)

Good idea?

- oz

[Oscarsx]

Strawberryblond is good to be back, and it's always nice seeing old faces around :)

Tbh the previous owner had them in a dark container with other cichlids, I'm gonna guess that's where the fin damage came from, as of now they're munching on bills beef heart flake.. I hope they turn out to be beautiful fish

- oz

[strawberryblonde]

Actually, I can speak to that from experience...very recent experience. The more tanks you switch them to, the more they'll get stressed and have to go through the whole adjustment period again. Sooo, it's probably just as effective to keep them right where they are.

They look active from the pics, and not TOO horribly tattered, just need clean water daily to let them heal up. And yep, clean water cures just about anything when it comes to discus. LOL

Here's pics of my own Hans pigeon blues... think they might be related??? ;)

79940

79941

79942

[Oscarsx]

Beautiful!!! How big are yours at the moment??

I've never had a breeding pair nor experienced it.. But my guys seem to be cleaning one section of the glass, and my female (I think) keeps going up and down with her belly touching the glass.. I don't want to get my hopes up but I hope I see some egg action soon! :)

- oz

[strawberryblonde]

They'll spend some time "bowing" and shaking at each other too when they're getting ready to make de eggs. =)

I just got these guys from Hans a month ago at 6". The more vividly colored one with thicker striations is now 6.5" and the more delicate one is slowly creeping up on 6.25". The bigger guy is a huge pig! LOL

I just think it's cool that you have a pair AND that their pigeon blues. They are fast becoming one of my favorite color variants.

[Oscarsx]

They'll spend some time "bowing" and shaking at each other too when they're getting ready to make de eggs. =)

I just got these guys from Hans a month ago at 6". The more vividly colored one with thicker striations is now 6.5" and the more delicate one is slowly creeping up on 6.25". The bigger guy is a huge pig! LOL

I just think it's cool that you have a pair AND that their pigeon blues. They are fast becoming one of my favorite color variants.

I Know! I'm super excited.. I still have to measure mine, but I'm not planning to do it for a while until I feel comfortable with them being @ 100%..

I'll take some pics and share them on this post soon =]

thanks for sharing!!!

[strawberryblonde]

Yep, I totally understand not wanting to disturb them while they are getting used to you and healing up their fins. I can wait for more pics and to see how big they are... I'll just sit on my hands and wriggle like a puppy in front of a bag of dog biscuits. LOL

It's good to see you on here again. Been too long!

[Oscarsx]

Yea I had to take a break, I did a grow out thread a while back and lost all my fish.. god knows what killed them, but I learned from mistakes and I'm doing things a little bit different this round.

sucks losing your stock, but this break was nice and well needed.. thanks for the welcome :)

[tonytheboss1]

:bandana: Not as good a picture as yours but yep Hans blue pigeons would be my guess as well. Toni's advice is spot on as usual. W/C's & plenty of them till the healing is done. "T"
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb95/tonytheboss1/IMG_0564-1.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/tonytheboss1/media/IMG_0564-1.jpg.html)

[sandy]

But they also called checkerboard http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/26/yty7aryj.jpg


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk - now Free

[Oscarsx]

Here's some more pictures:)

Let's hope those fins get a little better.

- oz

[strawberryblonde]

Fine fat fishies and I love the rings on the discus in that first pic!

Fins looks better to me in those pics. Another few days and you should see even more improvement.

[discuspaul]

Nice-looking fish, Oz - They should heal up quickly from the minor ragged edges, and I'm hoping they spawn for you real soon.

[450rdawg]

Those are beautiful fish! Best of luck.

[Chicago Discus]

Here are my Blue Pigeons with some fry.......Josie



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnfU7nCl0bk

[camuth8]

A few more w/c and your discus will be fine. Looking good.:)

[Oscarsx]

Small update: It's been about a week since I first got these guys, they've improved so much after a few days.

My big guy's caudal fin actually has improved ( I think ) . Looking back @ the first pictures and to the most recent ones, It looks like It's healing up.

I've been doing 50% daily and feeding them 3x4 a day... they actually come up to the tank now and wait for me. Well worth the time spent on these guys.... I'm hoping for a fully healed caudal fin soon... enjoy a few pics.

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130831_142830_zps6f5da878.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130831_142830_zps6f5da878.jpg.html)
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130831_142421_zps97f589e3.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130831_142421_zps97f589e3.jpg.html)
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130831_142615_zpsdb52fd77.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130831_142615_zpsdb52fd77.jpg.html)
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130831_142640_zps32b8787a.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130831_142640_zps32b8787a.jpg.html)
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130831_142356_zpsaccad200.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130831_142356_zpsaccad200.jpg.html)

[strawberryblonde]

Wow, they're coming along nicely... good job! =)

[discuspaul]

I really like 'em, Oz !

[Oscarsx]

I know there is a disease section, but I have a quick question. When I was looking closer @ them today I saw that one of their fins actually turned black and It looks to me like it might be getting worse. Should I just keep doing the regular water changes or should I move on to medication for fin rot.

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130831_175601_zps9d1c3f2f.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130831_175601_zps9d1c3f2f.jpg.html)

[discuspaul]

That's not fin rot, Oz, - that's just the natural coloration of those fish.
It's changing & darkening in the fin area as they are maturing.
Don't worry about it.

[Oscarsx]

Oh well that's a relief, I don't remember seeing a chunk missing tho. Bleh, thanks Paul and Strawberryblond for the comments!

- oz

[Oscarsx]

Well It's been 2 weeks since my update, Well.. the big guy's fin went back to 100% and everything damaged grew back.. water changes are a miracle!! (no meds)

I now have some spawning activity (I think) last night I did a 50% water change and since that both my fish started cleaning 3 different spots in the tank, I also recently added driftwood to the tank and they love it!

Lots of shivering, cleaning and not really pigging out like they usually do. I hope that's a good sign. I already have a 20g ready for them if they decide to spawn... It's really amazing seeing everything happen like this.
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130914_094148_zps4b0c722a.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130914_094148_zps4b0c722a.jpg.html)
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130914_094210_zps1b511285.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130914_094210_zps1b511285.jpg.html)
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130914_094235_zpsb1cb0a3b.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130914_094235_zpsb1cb0a3b.jpg.html)
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130914_094139_zps955b3e17.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130914_094139_zps955b3e17.jpg.html)
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130914_094226_zps0b27e77f.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130914_094226_zps0b27e77f.jpg.html)
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130914_094221_zps6600dbd2.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130914_094221_zps6600dbd2.jpg.html)

[Oscarsx]

excuse the bad quality pics, I zoomed in with the camera didn't want to get to close.

[Oscarsx]

eggs!
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130914_180108_zpsf3d809bd.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130914_180108_zpsf3d809bd.jpg.html)

[dillpickle]

Congrats!

[Oscarsx]

Yay for more eggs, I plan on going to home Depot and getting some chicken wire, maybe they'll hatch this time.

Also last time the eggs were clear, this time they're orangish.. Does that mean anything?

- oz

[Oscarsx]

Few more pics.

- oz

[pastry]

CONGRATS OSCAR! By the way, forgot to say earlier that it's good to see you back on. And man, you jumped right into a niiiice pair.

[Oscarsx]

CONGRATS OSCAR! By the way, forgot to say earlier that it's good to see you back on. And man, you jumped right into a niiiice pair.

Hey brotha, good to see you too! thank you, It's good to be back and yes I did score with a nice pair!!:)

[Ryan]

They probably enjoy that big tank all to themselves. ;) Nice looking pair. Good luck with the fry this time!

[Oscarsx]

They sure do! I have 2 small german rams in there and 2 other Albino BN pleco that don't do much but create a bunch of mess haha :)

[tonytheboss1]

:bandana: Congrats Oscarsx!! Keep doin what you're doin. BTW, curiosity......what lens are you shooting with? The photos are great!! "T"

[Oscarsx]

:bandana: Congrats Oscarsx!! Keep doin what you're doin. BTW, curiosity......what lens are you shooting with? The photos are great!! "T"

Thanks! And it's my galaxy s3 hehe. :)

- oz

[Oscarsx]

So after a few attempts @ laying eggs and eating them, I decided to toss them into a 20g tonight. I plan on putting mesh over the eggs and seeing what comes out of that, to at least confirm the pair or not.. I'm excited.

Last time I tried putting mesh around the eggs, they got upset and some how ended up removing it and eating up all the eggs, they were upset apparently lol..

Anyways, a few pics of them in their new home.
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130930_201425_zpsa8d082ab.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130930_201425_zpsa8d082ab.jpg.html)
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130930_201505_zps7f1e351a.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130930_201505_zps7f1e351a.jpg.html)
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130930_201510_zps2ed66a4b.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130930_201510_zps2ed66a4b.jpg.html)
http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y400/subaruseller13/20130930_201455_zps68465266.jpg (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/subaruseller13/media/20130930_201455_zps68465266.jpg.html)