New to hobby questions

[Jade1461]

Hello,

I have a 46 gal aquarium that has been established for years with tetras / barbs and such. About 12 days ago, I cleaned the tank (~50% water change, cleaned canister filter /added new carbon, bio max, and clear max). About 4 days ago, I removed all the fish, except for one pleco, did a 50% water change and added three 2-3" discus. 2 days ago, I did a 50% water changed and they ate some beef heart for the first time since I got them. Yesterday and today, they have not eaten. They've been offered beef heart and flakes multiple times per day. They stay huddled in a corner either on the top or just near to the bottom of the tank. Two are red-turquoise and one is a blue diamond. It seems like the blue one has a red color (blood?) at the base of his pectoral fins. It was slightly red there when I got him but looks a touch darker now.
How long should I expect the discus to fast for?
Is the red color at the base of the pectoral fins normal?
What can I do to make the fish feel more at home?

Thanks!

[Bill63SG]

Hey jade,I think you got the fish from me.The fish should be fine,still getting used to thier new home.One thing I did tell you,is they are a schooling fish,and do better feel more secure in a group of 5-6.They were pulled out of a group of around 60.I didnt realize you guys were going to split the 6.You need to have 10 post to put up pics,you can bump on this thread so we can see pics and pm.How often are you doing wc's?I was hanging thier water about 80% every day.With heavy feedings you need to try 50% everyday or more with juvies that size.

[Jade1461]

Hey jade,I think you got the fish from me.The fish should be fine,still getting used to thier new home.One thing I did tell you,is they are a schooling fish,and do better feel more secure in a group of 5-6.They were pulled out of a group of around 60.I didnt realize you guys were going to split the 6.You need to have 10 post to put up pics,you can bump on this thread so we can see pics and pm.How often are you doing wc's?I was hanging thier water about 80% every day.With heavy feedings you need to try 50% everyday or more with juvies that size.

Hi Bill,
Yes, I did get the fish from you. I plan to get 2-3 more different types of the same size this weekend. I've been changing about 50% of the water every other day. I will switch to everyday. How often should I take apart the canister filter to clean it? I've been reading that the canister filters may provide to much current.. Thoughts? I also have a sponge filter ordered. I had about 1" of silica sand on the tank bottom but I've been slowly removing it during water changes. I have about 1/4" now.
I will try to figure out how to bump so I can post pics. I lost your email address.

[camuth8]

Discus take a few days to get used to their environment. They're going to be fine in a few days. I agree with Bill on saying that they're schooling fish, so I'm glad you're getting a few more.:)

[Bill63SG]

Literally post the word "bump" however many time you need on this thread until you get you 10 pots.

[Jade1461]

Bump

[Jade1461]

Bump

[camuth8]

Keep going!:antlers:

[Jade1461]

Bump

[Jade1461]

Bump.

[Jade1461]

Bump..

[Jade1461]

Bump .

[Jade1461]

Bumping

[Jade1461]

Bump. I think this makes 10.

[Jade1461]

Or now.

[Jade1461]

Still can't add attachments.

[strawberryblonde]

If you want to upload pics to the server, look at the options below the posting area. You'll see an option that says "Go Advanced". Click that and you will have even more option at the bottom of the page. Now click on "Manage Attachments". That will bring up a window where you can upload photos. Each pic must be smaller than 40kb in size, but can be large in pixels and dimensions. I manipulate my photo's with an editor in order to save them "for web", which reduces the kb's.

If you can't do that, you can use photobucket or one of the other image sites...upload your pics there and then use the URL of the pic to link it here.