Sepincourt
09-29-2013, 02:59 AM
Hello guys,
After being interested in getting Discus for about 4 years, I finally got my first 10 Discus. They range in length between around 5 to 12cms. I spent about an hour yesterday getting them acclimated to their new quarantine tank.
(P.H 6.8, Temp 28c, GH 60-80ppm (3-5dGH)) (No detectable Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite)
The tank was inhabited by a large number of Tetras and Rams for several weeks prior to the Discus being added (removed the morning before adding the Discus). As well as large breeding catfish prior to that, so it is a mature tank.
The fish settled quickly and were swimming about (very cautiously) within the first hours (I was actually very surprised, all other fish I've owned have taken longer to become so adventurous). Today they are much more active and displaying better colours, I went to give them their first feeding and they completely freaked and spent the next few hours cowering in the corners. It was when I lifted the tank lid and put my hand above it to drop in food. (I assume that a predatory bird response?) They aren't so bad when it comes to movement in front of or around the tank as I've been to check on them several times without causing them to noticeably freak out.
I know Discus can be a very jumping/skittish fish when it comes to sudden movements, so I was aware this could be an issue. However this is where my questioning comes in, it's more about the psychology of Discus than anything.
Am I better off leaving these fish in peace as much as possible until they completely settle in. IE avoiding the tank as much as possible and being very subtle when I'm near it?
Or should I start off with my regular routine with them, and act as I normally would with my other fish tank.( Even though it will potentially take longer for them to settle in and add to their prolonged stress) Does this type of regular interaction during the settling in stage help them become accustomed too such things?
Basically can they be "trained" to be more relaxed with such things by being exposed by them early and it being a "normal" thing in their new home? I just wonder if being overly cautious with them will only end up making them each more of a scaredy-fish?
(Obviously I don't intent to do star jumps or run around in front of the tank or anything like that. Just being able to throw in their food, walk past, move large items around/over their tank without needing to actively slow down because of them)
Also are there any additional hints or tips anyone can provide into A) Helping settle in Discus and B) Helping Discus cope with sudden movements.
Thanks a lot for your time.
After being interested in getting Discus for about 4 years, I finally got my first 10 Discus. They range in length between around 5 to 12cms. I spent about an hour yesterday getting them acclimated to their new quarantine tank.
(P.H 6.8, Temp 28c, GH 60-80ppm (3-5dGH)) (No detectable Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite)
The tank was inhabited by a large number of Tetras and Rams for several weeks prior to the Discus being added (removed the morning before adding the Discus). As well as large breeding catfish prior to that, so it is a mature tank.
The fish settled quickly and were swimming about (very cautiously) within the first hours (I was actually very surprised, all other fish I've owned have taken longer to become so adventurous). Today they are much more active and displaying better colours, I went to give them their first feeding and they completely freaked and spent the next few hours cowering in the corners. It was when I lifted the tank lid and put my hand above it to drop in food. (I assume that a predatory bird response?) They aren't so bad when it comes to movement in front of or around the tank as I've been to check on them several times without causing them to noticeably freak out.
I know Discus can be a very jumping/skittish fish when it comes to sudden movements, so I was aware this could be an issue. However this is where my questioning comes in, it's more about the psychology of Discus than anything.
Am I better off leaving these fish in peace as much as possible until they completely settle in. IE avoiding the tank as much as possible and being very subtle when I'm near it?
Or should I start off with my regular routine with them, and act as I normally would with my other fish tank.( Even though it will potentially take longer for them to settle in and add to their prolonged stress) Does this type of regular interaction during the settling in stage help them become accustomed too such things?
Basically can they be "trained" to be more relaxed with such things by being exposed by them early and it being a "normal" thing in their new home? I just wonder if being overly cautious with them will only end up making them each more of a scaredy-fish?
(Obviously I don't intent to do star jumps or run around in front of the tank or anything like that. Just being able to throw in their food, walk past, move large items around/over their tank without needing to actively slow down because of them)
Also are there any additional hints or tips anyone can provide into A) Helping settle in Discus and B) Helping Discus cope with sudden movements.
Thanks a lot for your time.