SO HAPPY "First Discus Spawn"

[lx2077]

A big hello to all fellow discus breeders...PHASE 1COMPLETE-I had my first successful spawn... I have approx.200-300 eggs I'm in the hobby only 3 months so obviously I must be doing something RIGHT granted it's only the beginning and have such a loooong way to go but as U guys know your first time is always exciting and it's a feeling I'm sure you guys never forget OK right now we have a pH of 6.01 conductivity of 231 water temp. At 83. ... we still might have 2 females however unlikely b/c the discus that I think is the male is protecting the eggs and standing guard aggressively chasing away ANY fish that comes within 5 inches of the eggs since day 1 that I brought them home they paired up almost immediately swimming together, playing together, sharing food with ZERO aggression etc; he has what I believe his genitals out so let's all pray...The female is also standing guard however looks as if she is "fanning" them

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[lx2077]

Here are Pictures of the first spawn 3 hours agohttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/20/bu4e5aju.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/20/7yhupu2a.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/20/eduqe8eg.jpg

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[lx2077]

OK with all that being said. ..
I would like to take this time now to THANK all of you who responded to ALL of my questions and coached me through to get me to this point along with all of your advice and critiques.I know it's only a simply egg drop.however for a newbie who has never had even a gold fish before is a big deal and to be SO successful in such a short time period shows great care and dedication was shown and proves I paid close attention to everyone.

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[lx2077]

Lastly....I would like to ESPECIALLY thank "John Nicholson" who has taken me under his wings and offered me special 1on1 time with me and took time out of his busy schedule to talk me through the many stages of discus care & needs...John if you read this THANK YOU!!! Guys even if these eggs don't hatch it's OK sooner or later they will and I'm not going to quit or give up, if they don't it will just make me wanna work harder... So I will keep you guys updated we have 2 more days till we find out!!!

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[phat nguyen]

Hello lx2077,
Congratulation on your first spawn. It s very excited to follow the progress of your pair. Hopefully within the next few day, you would be able to tell if you have a confirmed or proven pair.Give yourself plenty of time in the next few day to read and read some more about breeding. If you have wigglers the next step would be finding a good source to purchase some BBS. Freshly hatch BBS will give your fry an excellent start. Be prepare to have a 20-29 gallon tank for the new pair. You would have more luck having the pair in their own tank rather than the community tank.
Best wishes to you,
Perry

[lx2077]

YES my local pet land carries brine shrimp next I am already to purchase a 20 gal tank when ever I get the go ahead from you guys also I'm just not sure what to do w/ the new tank...Do I just take the water out of my 55gal tank during a WC and if so does that mean I do not have to wait for it to go through a whole cycle...Also what about my beneficial bacteria? ??how do I get it started in the new tank???... Omg I'm so confused H-E-L-P

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[sandy]

Which filter do you have in your current tank or you can add sponge filter in your current tank for a week then move it to your new breeding tank


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[Skip]

you should edit your title

[Tazalanche]

you should edit your title+1

This is a family friendly and work safe forum.

[lx2077]

Oh sorry guys...didn't See any harm in title I apologize I'm not sure how to edit title however I look into it right now and in response I currently have a fluval (G3) and a Marineland 150 HOB I will pick up a sponge filter today

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[lx2077]

UPDATE- I woke up this morning and only 5 or 6 eggs were kind of white the rest look as if they darkened a bit I'll keep updates coming the next one will be when I get home from work and pick up my new sponge filter

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[lx2077]

Can someone tell me how to edit my title...Thank you

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[Second Hand Pat]

I can handle that for you.

Retitled the thread which so captures the excitement over that first spawn.

[lx2077]

Can someone tell me what those little orange icons are at the bottom right hand side of my pictures? Thanks

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[Skip]

Can someone tell me what those little orange icons are at the bottom right hand side of my pictures? Thanks

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yea.. if you put your cursor over that icon and look at bottom left corner of your browser.. it shows something about tapatalk.. and since you are using tapatalk.. i am sure its cuz of tapatalk

[lx2077]

Update2- ok we are now at 24 hours did 60% WC, pair are still protecting and highly aggressive to intruders, we have some fungus starting on a few eggs, just below half are white, rest are dark brown, pH is at 6.10 and conductivity is at 220ms please advise next step for I truly feel we r going to have a hatching of some sort is it true that if they darken they will most likely hatch? And should I get a tank ready for tomorrow and a sponge filter

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[lx2077]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/21/meju6u2e.jpg

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[lx2077]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/21/4a8e6e4a.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/21/pa9yja4u.jpg

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[Second Hand Pat]

I would confirm the pair first and then perhaps move them to their own tank. It generally takes a few spawns to allow the pair to practice prior to successful parenthood.

[lx2077]

Hey pat u are everywhere at all my post...lol...I feel bad im hogging you all to myself...ok pat I was under the impression that if they darken they will most likely hatch...no? Also lets say they do john told me IF they hatch it will be about 60 hours/ 2 1/2 days just like john I ask if u could just stay with me and help me see this through

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[Second Hand Pat]

There is plenty of me to go around lol. I am no expert on the breeding end but have gone through several spawns with my wild fish. I will watch and help of possible but I am also getting ready for Christmas here so that will take me away from the forum. Best of luck with this spawn.

[lx2077]

Noooooooooooo u can't! ! We have discus on the line lol ok just check in when u can...im italian and Christmas eve is huge for me and I myself have not even wrapped my wifes gifts yet lol

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[lx2077]

Im just nervous of a hatch and not know the next step

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[Second Hand Pat]

Just hang in there and learn from the fish. They are the ones who need to get it right.

[lx2077]

So what your saying is...enjoy this beautiful act of mother nature rarely seen by your average fish keeper and let mother nature take its coarse however 1-i do not want to fail 2-let my fish down 3- be unprepared and not being able to reach any of you guys due to the holidays

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[Second Hand Pat]

With discus it is fairly common for them to breed with healthy fish. So yes, the fish need to learn and they do this through repeated tries.

[lx2077]

So if these eggs hatch I plan on running to my LFS getting a 20 gal. Tank, filling it with my water from my community tank adding a 50/75 watt heater, and sponge filter my only question now is how do I build up my BB

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[Second Hand Pat]

Daily large WCs...but trust me, allow the fish to practice. They will lay every seven days or so. I am trying to set you up for long term success.

[lx2077]

So I take it being im using my already cycled water I DON'T have to go through the whole cycle process when I set up the 20 gal. Tank

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[Second Hand Pat]

Nope, you are using large daily WCs to remove the ammonia and nitrites until your BB is established.

[lx2077]

Ahhhhh thats right! Thats why we do all our WC's I keep thinking on the line of your normal joe fish keeper doing 20% wc's once every 3 months...lol

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[lx2077]

I get this weird feeling im becoming addicted wait let me rephrase am addicted to the hobby and am on a whole new level and slowly becoming able to hang with the big boys

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[Second Hand Pat]

Don't get to cocky too quick...discus will make you humble in a heartbeat.

[lx2077]

Lol ok....deal I wont get cocky......Y-E-T however if and thats a big if I should have wiglers in the next day or 2 u guys are in for 1 hell of a cocky newbie...lol and going to demand big boy status....lol your all right pat...just promise me your going to check in with me tomorrow

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[Second Hand Pat]

I can do that :)

[lx2077]

Thanks pat...hey whats the chances of me waking up to a wiggler tomorrow morning

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[Kal-El]

Thanks pat...hey whats the chances of me waking up to a wiggler tomorrow morning

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You can tell if the eggs are going to hatch if the eggs has darken with a black dot in the eggs (if you can see close enough you should see the wriggler in the egg). If eggs aren't darken chances are the eggs aren't fertilize and will turn white. If eggs are darken with a black dot as I mention the eggs should be hatching soon.

[Keith Perkins]

Thanks pat...hey whats the chances of me waking up to a wiggler tomorrow morning

Zero if they were laid yesterday, Sunday however is a completely different story. If someone doesn't gobble them up you should have wrigglers then.

[lx2077]

:thumbdown::thumbdown::(:(:( Well I know why you guys tell us newbies NOT to get excited over the first spawn!!! I just woke up this morning only to find all the eggs turned white :( im pretty let down but thanks to you guys constantly reminding me tha5 the chances are slim I pretty much prepared myself for this....

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[lx2077]

Ok now I see a trend forming this is actually the second attempt the first attempt was 8 days prior however the female only laid 10 eggs and the "male" started eating them as fast as she laid them now here we are 8 days later and they laid a full boat and none were eaten so it appears they are learning as the go along and they are young! Hey im atleast very happy that I have (2) HEALTHY, discus that infact "PAIRED UP" and trying to spawn on a steady 7/8 day cycle that in itself I take is huge?

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[Keith Perkins]

Hopefully it's not two females that have paired up. Are you sure the female only laid 10 eggs of the first time, or could the second fish have eaten the rest without your knowledge? I wouldn't worry too much about being humbled, discus have humbled dang near all of us at one point or another. Besides, it brings a little evil enjoyment to Scrooge's tiny heart this holiday season. :)

[lx2077]

Ok guys what do I do from here?? lets see what I LEARNED. I intend to continue to just observe being they are still guarding and nurturing the eggs my guess is they must still believe there going to hatch and again i take it b/c there young and inexperienced I dont want to spook them are freak them out but I only assume they will sooner or later eat them?

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[lx2077]

Or should I just give them till sunday then remove them myself so they can prepare to start over again or can there be some glimmer of hope 1 or 2 may be fertilized and are darkening but we just cant see them?

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[Skip]

I think u need to go to breeding discus section and start reading so u will know what to do. And what not to do

[Keith Perkins]

At this point less is more, leave them alone to continue learning the spawning and rearing process...assuming they are truly a pair. You don't need to clean up the spawning site, they will take care of that.

[lx2077]

Hey keith thanks for joining YES im 100% sure she only laid 10 the first time also b/c I paid extremely close attention heres the prelude and a bit of history;
Purchased 3 discuss at LFS approx 3 months ago there paired off almost immediately and haven't separated since they EAT, SLEEP, PLAY & SWIM togerher. I change water religiously 50% every other day water is perfect at 0 ammonia, 10ppm nitrate, 0 nitrite pH at 5.80- 6.3 temperature steady at 84

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[lx2077]

Now approx 2 weeks ago out of nowhere I started to notice completely new behavior they started to fluter there fins at each other then started rubbing against each other along with pecking all of this went on for about a week than last Wednesday I saw the female for the first time running her body up and down the UV sterilizer and eggs started to come out 1 at a time than the "male?" Started to eat them as soon as each one came out

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[lx2077]

Then for the next 7 days the exact behavior was exhibited again and then Thursday night she laid a full pile of eggs on a piece of driftwood in my tank

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[lx2077]

Obviously I'm no expert but you guys are teaching me and I feel I'm progressing well now with that being said I deeply feel they are not two females only because the egg laying is being done by the same fish each time And the bigger more aggressive discus shows all the signs of a male such as guarding the eggs chasing away any other community fish that comes near the eggs etc;

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[Keith Perkins]

Pretty typical behavior, not to diminish your excitement. Doing some poking around in the breeding section, learning how to hatch live bbs, etc. would be a good investment of your time.

[lx2077]

Should I go ahead and remove the peat in my filter my pH is down to 5.81 ? And just put the peat back in after they lay eggs the next time or is 5.81 ok I feel its to low what are your thoughts

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[Second Hand Pat]

Yup, sounds pretty normal. Next time try and observe the breeding tubes. Her's will be squared off at the end and his will be rounder and a bit smaller then hers. Watch the video in the first post of this thread. It shows the breeding end of each male. I was sure these two were a pair. They swim, eat, play and shimmy together...and they are both male and wild fish too boot. :( and yup, dished out the humble pie on this one.

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?110519-And-I-Thought-Wild-Fish-Knew-Better&highlight=

[lx2077]

My butt has been parked in the breeding section all week...lol SOOOOO much info on breeding hatching caring cleaning WOW my head was spinning I feel asleep last night with my tablet on my chest...lol and oh so many different ways of doing things I was basically taking notes on certain points that everyone agreed on

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[lx2077]

I I am definitely doing my homework don't think I'm not putting in the reading time and just asking you experts to basically do it for me I also ordered books from Amazon on discus in addition to reading all the stickies I am definitely no way lazy and expect you guys just to do everything for me below is a picture of one of the books I just got in the mail yesterday

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[lx2077]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/21/7y5urehu.jpg

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[lx2077]

So you can see I am definitely trying

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[Keith Perkins]

My thoughts are that messing with your waters natural pH level is a waste of time and in the long run will likely do more harm than good. Discus like consistent water perimeters and anytime you start trying to manipulate things it's likely you'll start causing fluctuations.

[Bill63SG]

My thoughts are that messing with your waters natural pH level is a waste of time and in the long run will likely do more harm than good. Discus like consistent water perimeters and anytime you start trying to manipulate things it's likely you'll start causing fluctuations.

+1 to Keith.Dont worry so much about the PH,if and when your ready to give them they're own tank,its more about the hardness,tds.

[lx2077]

Wait a minute now im confused!!! Are you saying a MALE can lay eggs????

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[Second Hand Pat]

Nope, it was mentioned that two females can lay eggs together. That has happened to me also. BUT two males can go thru the motions of spawning.

[lx2077]

Ok ok you know what can u PLEASE set me up so I can start fresh I am totally stressing over my pH and in the beginning I didnt know we dont use chemical media do to our constant WC's currently I have 3 different medias 1 in which is peat the 2nd is fluval clearmax and the 3rd I forget what its called

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[Second Hand Pat]

First off, what is your tap like ph/kh/gh/tds?..and all those water conditioners are generally NOT needed for domestics. For breeding we generally want to have soft water (gh)...about 70 ppm.

[Keith Perkins]

Wait a minute now im confused!!! Are you saying a MALE can lay eggs????

LOL, you must be REALLY early in that trying to get educated yourself process.

[lx2077]

And in the early beginning before I found the forum I was going on the advice of my "LFS" b/c my pH was up at like 7.8-8.2 so I started searching for ways to lower it so I went to buy a RO system on top of that I learned about aging my tap water and doing different mixes anyhow my pH is 5.81 right now CAN YOU GUYS PLEASE HELP ME TO GET IT CONSISTANT at a level you would like to see it at

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[Keith Perkins]

Wilds care about what pH they're in to spawn, domestics really don't. As Pat has said it's the softness of the water that helps fertilization, not pH. Using consistent amounts of RO and ROright or tap water to achieve the correct gh/TDS will result in a consistent pH level, and wherever it ends up it ends up.

[lx2077]

Ok pat im reqdy to do whatever it takes john Nicholson has been coaching me however its his daughters birthday and has taken her deer hunting and I definitely dont want to bother him...lol so please tell me you have some spare time now and get me set...I have every test kit and chemical you can imagine on hand.i bought everything the fish store had when I first started just in case I had an emergency in thr middle of the night...I also have a high end digital pH meter along with a built in conductivity sensor in my filter (fluval G3)

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[lx2077]

So I am ready to do what ever testing you need me to do to get this water right

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[lx2077]

Is there any unsafe pH level?

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[lx2077]

UPDATE the discus started to clear the spawn site by eating the eggs:(

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[lx2077]

Better luck next time...lol oh by the way I get what I believe is algae on the side of my glass how do I stop that its not green at all but whatever it is I run those magnet cleaners pass the glass and it comes off 5hen floats in the water...and my filters are constantly filthy with Brown to black debris I clean my filters every two days what is it and what can I do should I run my UV sanitizer around the clock

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[Second Hand Pat]

First off, what is your tap like ph/kh/gh/tds?..and all those water conditioners are generally NOT needed for domestics. For breeding we generally want to have soft water (gh)...about 70 ppm.

You need to slow down and reset. Keith was my mentor thru some of my breeding escapades. So lets see what your tap water is made of. Note the quote above. Mostly likely the best approach is a slow return to tap. Once that is done we can mix in some RO in the WC barrow to ease the GH/TDS (as Keith suggests) down if it needs it. So first, measure what I asked for in the quote above.

[lx2077]

Ok going to do it right now...also my curent WC schedule is 15 gal. Of 24hr aged tap and 10 gal of 24 hr. Aged RO just to let you know where im at and I add tetra aquaSafe plus for a dechlorinator to the tap...ok let me go get those readings for you standby and thank you VERY MUCH in advance

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[lx2077]

Oh BOY as I was going to get water samples I noticed we still have a few DARK eggs left the discus started clearing all eggs that had fungus and that were white ok let me go back to those readings

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[lx2077]

Still working on it ...how do I test TDS?

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[Second Hand Pat]

Guess you do not have a TDS meter...but you do have a conductivity meter.

[lx2077]

Yes its built into the filter currently im at 244ms and it goes lower and lower with each water change the more water I change the lower it goes...and im still working on all your readings im just trying to be thorough

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[lx2077]

Im just having trouble with my ph readings my ph monitor says 6.09 and is constitant each time I try it however my hagen chemical test tells me diffrent 7.0 now im going to try my API chemical kit brb

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[Second Hand Pat]

You will also want to convert your conductivity to TDS. The instructions of your conductivity meter may give you the conversion...or


A conductivity sensor measures how much electricity is being conducted through a centimeter of water. Specific conductivity is expressed as mhos per centimeter (M/cm), sometimes called siemens per centimeter (S/cm). Because a mho (or siemen) is a very large unit, the micromho (microsiemen) or millimho (millisiemen) typically is used (mS/cm).

To convert the electric conductivity of a water sample (mS/cm) into the approximate concentration of total dissolved solids (ppm), the mS/cm is multiplied by a conversion factor. The conversion factor depends on the chemical composition of the TDS and can very between 0.54 – 0.96. A value of 0.67 is commonly used as an approximation if the actual factor is not known [(TDS)ppm = Conductivity µS/cm x 0.67].

[lx2077]

Ok as per your request result are as follows
PH- 6 (api test kit-6) (pinpoint pH monitor-6) (hagen test kit-7)
Kh-0/40 (API 5in1 test strip) hard to tell very close can be either one
Gh-0/30 same as above
Nitrite-0
Ammonia-0
Nitrate-0
TDS-approx 163

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[lx2077]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/22/vuvanuhy.jpg

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[Second Hand Pat]

Can you retest the kh/gh with the API KH/GH test kit. You may need to buy it.

[lx2077]

No problem igoing to the store right now ...you want the actual liquid kit and not the strips correct?

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[Second Hand Pat]

Correct

[lx2077]

Cool thought so alright going now just give me some time...leaving now

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[lx2077]

O for 1 pet smart does not have it...only the strips going across the street to pet land stand by

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[lx2077]

Oh while im there what can I get for the glass algae

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[Second Hand Pat]

Paper towels

[Allwin]

Didn't go thru all the posts. With my limited knowledge/experience, leaving them alone for another 2,3 spawns makes their pairing comfortable. So later on, even if you move them to a separate tank they don't mind pairing right away and you can play around with the water chemistry. For now enjoy watching these phase :)

[Allwin]

+1 i use paper towel as well :) , i had some luck with UV filter in getting rid of algae..


Paper towels

[yim11]

Thought Nicholson was handling this?

:)

[lx2077]

Hes hunting with his daughter for her birthday there is nooooo way im going to bother him...u know u guys r just as good

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[lx2077]

Hey pat no luck at petland either just the strips. . Got one more shot a new pet store that just opened...pet supplies plus cross your fingers

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[lx2077]

Oh they looked at me as if I had 3 heads when I asked for it...and they said why do u care about that its not important. Lol I said thats what the forum that I belong to said...and they said "THOSE FORUMS R CLUELESS DONT LISTEN TO THEM" and I just went nuts and had a HUGE argument and got thrown out and told I cant come back and unfortunately there the only ones with live brine and blackworms....

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[lx2077]

I told them yeah and u know what your doing coming from a fish store that keeps discus in a central filtration at a temp. Of 76 yeah you should talk and thats why your discus are stunted and swim sideways but yet my forum is useless oh how I wish u guys were there I went nuts on them

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[Second Hand Pat]

Let them calm down and try in a couple of weeks. You can buy frozen brine and order FDBWs from Al. Order your kit online and relax until then.

[lx2077]

And then I told them u couldnt keel a carnival goldfish live for a day...lol I just went ballistic who needs there blackworms anyway

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[lx2077]

Im not sweating it pat I got u guys and thats all I need im 2 minutes from our last petshop

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[lx2077]

I'll just send my wife in to get them pat

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[Kal-El]

LFS doesn't care about the health of their Discus. All they care about is selling overprice discus to folks that don't know anything about keeping Discus. They don't want to waste money and resource to constantly clean the tanks, WC, and setup separate filter system for the Discus. Reason why you don't by from LFS unless they know how to care for Discus the right way.

[lx2077]

Well said it just infuriated me on how little they care I felt like just buying all of them just to take them from the horrible dungeon they were being kept in and give them the care they deserve and the love they need Pat it made me sick seeing how sad they look :(

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[lx2077]

You guys taught me way better than that it's totally not fair to the fish to be kept in conditions like that I just wish there was something we can do...ok im here now at the last store cross your fingers

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[lx2077]

How bout this pat its not the liquid but atleast we can compare its a different company than the API strips I have at homehttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/22/hy5ubahy.jpg

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[lx2077]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/22/ype6a5ym.jpg

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[Second Hand Pat]

If it is another strip test I would not bother.

[lx2077]

Yeah it is...

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[Second Hand Pat]

Then order the API online.

[lx2077]

Ok so what do we do with the water for now? And how much of a water change should we do today

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[Second Hand Pat]

I guess continue as you have been doing. The fish are good right?

[lx2077]

Sorry for the delay pat wife is getting on me for not being social at our family Christmas party lol..enough with your fish and come join the party...lol fish are fine and very happy and eating well we just need to reset the water stop adding all the chemicals I do and come up witu a proper WC regiment how bout we hook up again around
6 pm (EST) and we will figure out a WC system then?

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[Keith Perkins]

Discus often do one of two things with new discus keepers: 1). Drive them out of the hobby or 2). Teach them patience.

[Second Hand Pat]

Discus often do one of two things with new discus keepers: 1). Drive them out of the hobby or 2). Teach them patience.

Amen Keith :)

[Bill63SG]

Discus often do one of two things with new discus keepers: 1). Drive them out of the hobby or 2). Teach them patience.

+1

[Allwin]

Amen :)


Discus often do one of two things with new discus keepers: 1). Drive them out of the hobby or 2). Teach them patience.

[Tazalanche]

Discus often do one of two things with new discus keepers: 1). Drive them out of the hobby or 2). Teach them patience.+10000000000000000000000000000000000ⁿ

[lx2077]

I dont know guys if this is for me im thinking about throwing in the towel...all I know is I have over $3000 into this hobby already in only 3 months between the standby generator all the way down to airline tubing. And all I do is bother you guys with a ton of questions and leaving no time for anyone else who needs you

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[Second Hand Pat]

Just passing on lessons learned...patience being the important one.

[Bill63SG]

I dont know guys if this is for me im thinking about throwing in the towel...all I know is I have over $3000 into this hobby already in only 3 months between the standby generator all the way down to airline tubing. And all I do is bother you guys with a ton of questions and leaving no time for anyone else who needs you

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Maybe we need some mood levelers for Xmas,We've gone from "oboy,this is great!" to "I'm thinking about giving up!"Lol.I dont know if I missed it,but are these young discus?That throws in the factor that if they are a male and female,thet are inexperienced,and will take a whjle to get it right.Its a marathon,not a sprint.

[judijetson]

lx2077, I don't say much on this forum because I'm also new to discus but not fish keeping....I lurk and I read everything... who's naughty who's nice... take a deep breath, enjoy your fish and go enjoy your family and the holiday. The discus will lay eggs, eat them or other fish will and someday you may have a proven pair that you can place in a 29 gallon together. Discus, all though lovely are not as important as your family. Even john nicholson who has taken you under his wing can drag himself away long enough to celebrate his daughter's birthday. Take care and good luck!

Sent from my Galaxy S3

[lx2077]

Wow that's nice of you guys...I just wome up from a nap and cleared my head....im came to the realization to start learning how to walk again...and thought what kind of example am I showing my daughter. I guess all the excitement of seeing them lay eggs I kind of got ahead of myself like all of you warned so im going to start from scratch

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[Kal-El]

To give you an idea of my priority.

1. GOD
2. Family
3. Work
4. Discus Hobby

As you can see this hobby comes last to me, but it is also my enjoyment and a way to get away from everything. Enjoying discus keeping is one thing, breeding discus is another. You need to decide for yourself if you want to breed or just keep discus for show enjoyment. If you have not done so already you need to start reading all you can about breeding in the breeding section of this forum. There you will see lots of info and breeding logs that will help guide you. It will help prepare you for the roller coaster ride you'll encounter when trying to breed discus. It seems you are very excited about this new venture, but yet can also come crashing down very quickly. I would suggest you just take a deep breath and take everything slowly. You'll enjoy this hobby as much as everyone of us have and will also test you to the point of quitting. It's and expensive hobby and not everyone can do it. This is where you decide for yourself if you want to keep discus for show or breed them. Good luck...

[lx2077]

Im going to get my water ready and do a 80% water change wipe down all glass and clean everything else such as filter hoses, heater, sanitizer etc; than refill I have 15gal of 24hr aged tap and
10gal of 24hr aged RO and I guess whatever im short ill use straight tap does that sound good pat? And guys thank you

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[Second Hand Pat]

I would do what you have done in the past. I worry that you do not have much buffering capability.

[lx2077]

What do you mean by buffering capability? Also should I remove all chemical meadia including the peat also should I rince the biological media to while im at it?

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[Second Hand Pat]

Your kh buffers your ph. I do not rinse my bio media except sponge filters.

[lx2077]

What about removing all chemical media? Oh also my ph seems to be holding at 6.05 do you like that number?

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[Second Hand Pat]

What do you have in the way of chemical media?

[lx2077]

1-Peat granules , 2-(fluval clearmax) which sais its a science grade resin designed to absorb phosphate nitrate and nitrite and which I must say pat my water IS crystal clear 3-small amount of carbon

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[Second Hand Pat]

Remove peat and carbon and tell about your tank size, no of discus, bb or gravel and your wc schedule. Percentage and how often.

[lx2077]

You got it!!
55 gal BB
3 discus total (2) semi young adults (1) PB juvenile told to wait to add more
2 gouramis
2 huge angel fish that do infact get along very well had them since baby's daughter picked them out please lets keep those
(1) small iridescent shark I can part with that
WC- 50% every other day religiously 15gal. 24hr aged tap 10gal aged RO
1 LARGE piece of imitation coral for decoration and cover
(2) pieces of drift wood



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[lx2077]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/22/qajeruzy.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/22/e7ajega6.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/22/y9ygamu9.jpg

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[lx2077]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/22/jepebudy.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/22/zebypaqy.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/22/utuhe2e2.jpg

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[lx2077]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/22/uqe4yzyq.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/22/u4ybyda4.jpg
And thats everything hope I have what u need

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[yim11]

I think some other folks would be willing to post suggestions, but knowing you are Nicholsons protege prevents that as no one really wants to suffer any wrath or blow back from John, especially around the holidays.

Perhaps if you could publicly denounce Nicholson as your mentor it might open some doors for others to comment.

[lx2077]

Wow you put me in a position lol. I cant denounce him as my mentor HOWEVER I can tell you he infact told me in his absence should I have any problem just go to the board and you will be surprised how many people will help me in a snap so it is OK

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[nc0gnet0]

You can do it......go ahead........you know you WANT TOO!!! :)

[lx2077]

Where did you go pat!!! Lol yim are u still up? I need one of you guys I now have the TANK and FILTER completely disassembled everything totally out of the tank except for the heater water ALL over the place and my wife being EXTREMELY PATIENT at which I thing is about to come to an end LOL..with that being said the discus apear to be totally stressed will they go back to normal when I put everything back the way it was im trying to do a SUPER CLEAN

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[lx2077]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/22/9y5ezuqu.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/22/2agyruzy.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/22/e3yqe4as.jpg

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[nc0gnet0]

all this would be soooo much easier if you just got a seperate breeding tank.

[Second Hand Pat]

So put the filter back together without peat and carbon, turn it on, fill the tank and call it a day.

[lx2077]

Funny guys real funny:mad: if any of those eggs would have hatched I would have...anyway normal WC is no way like this I just do this once a month...you guys stress the importance of clean water super clean water time and time again and its drilled in my head lime that...ok break time is over any suggestions NOW is the time

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[lx2077]

YES SIR!!!! music to my ears...Pat how long r we at this now 12 hours and counting lol?

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[Second Hand Pat]

So put the filter back together without peat and carbon, turn it on, fill the tank and call it a day.

What more do you want?

[lx2077]

Oh now I wasnt being sarcastic I was just saying you spent the entire day...afternoon. ..and night with me I mean you did more for me today than I can ever expect...you have no idea how GRATEFUL I am and feel for ever indebted to you!!! I just wish you had an electrical problem right now so I can fix it for you...I would actually book a flight and fly out to your house!!! Thats just the way I am and no joke when I finally am successful I am sending discus to each and everyone of you who helped me....im DEAD serious

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[lx2077]

Ok finally all done Pat...everything is cleaned up and put away...I refilled all water buckets and made 10 gal. Of RO and ready for the next "normal" WC I would like to take this time to thank ALL of you who helped me today. ..and a special thank you to you Pat for giving me your entire day....THANK YOU :thumbup:;) and I also ordered that gh and kh kit from amazon as well...GOOD NIGHT ALL and thanks again

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[Keith Perkins]

..when I finally am successful I am sending discus to each and everyone of you who helped me....im DEAD serious

Now I see how you expended $3,000 on your set-up so quickly. At about $100 a pop for shipping discus you'll make it to $5,000 in no time. :) I don't know about everyone else, but I'll just chalk this comment up to your inexperience as well and have no expectations of a package on my front porch.

[Second Hand Pat]

Shoot Keith, I wanted some more nice wilds. :)

[lx2077]

Hey guys

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[lx2077]

Great news!!! My pH hasn't moved (6.30) My conductivity is nice and low at 180 and fish never seemed happier! Thanks


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[lx2077]

Hey guys is there ANY other way of sexting other than the tubes?

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[lx2077]

In m6 heart I truly feel they r M/F and not b/c I want a successful spawn its b/c of 5here actions as a pair that leads me to belief...they get along Sooooo well together and NEVER separate from one another have you seen behavior like this in 2 females?

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[William Palumbo]

LOL...seen in in not only 2 females, but in 2 males as well. I believe I have a "pair" now, consisting as 2 males. Discus are pretty, and captivating, but very dumb!...Bill

[Bill63SG]

Hey guys is there ANY other way of sexting other than the tubes?

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autopsy.

have you seen behavior like this in 2 females?

sent from my Galaxy S4

yes in 2 females,and also in 2 males.

[Second Hand Pat]

Did you watch the video of tow wild males making the moves together?

[lx2077]

Yes I did pat. And i started reviewing all the videos of the spawning I took and I cant tell due to my lack of experience I see both tubes but unsure of shape and what it means

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[Second Hand Pat]

If you have a spawning video of your fish do post it and perhaps others can help.

[lx2077]

Awesome idea pat...oh by the im in the city now w/ the family going to see the rockafella Christmas tree and OMG its 72 degrees and its the middle of winter! !! And im wearing a T-shirt...lol anyone want any fresh roasted cashews

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[lx2077]

Cheaper to ship than Discus....lol

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[lx2077]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/23/ybysy7ap.jpg hey guys here is ky daughter ge55ing her face painted and the girl asked what she wanted and she said a "DISCUS" and the girl said W-H-A-T IS A DISCUS LMAO

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[Keith Perkins]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/23/ybysy7ap.jpg

I'd say that one is a female.

[Tazalanche]

I'd say that one is a female.I'd agree. She has equally spaced spots along the body and unique striations around the face. The eyes appear uniform for its size, so it's not stunted. I'd say the grow-out is going well. Continue with nightly water changes in the bathtub and this one will be the pride of your collection for many years to come!
:D

[Keith Perkins]

I'd agree. She has equally spaced spots along the body and unique striations around the face. The eyes appear uniform for its size, so it's not stunted. I'd say the grow-out is going well. Continue with nightly water changes in the bathtub and this one will be the pride of your collection for many years to come!
:D

:D Excellent review David, you've got a keen eye.

[lx2077]

:D:D:D that was CUTE!!!

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[lx2077]

Hey pat quick question my discus used to love bloodworms however they no longer seem interested in them anymore they eat the flake with no problem along with beefheart but not the blood worms is this normal?

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[John_Nicholson]

Back from deer hunting until the 26th but wanted to say that you are giving my way to much credit in this thing all I did was to give you a little advise. You are the one doing the work.

Good luck.

-john

[Second Hand Pat]

Hey pat quick question my discus used to love bloodworms however they no longer seem interested in them anymore they eat the flake with no problem along with beefheart but not the blood worms is this normal?

sent from my Galaxy S4

No clue, I do not feed bloodworms. Are the worms any good?

[Second Hand Pat]

Back from deer hunting until the 26th but wanted to say that you are giving my way to much credit in this thing all I did was to give you a little advise. You are the one doing the work.

Good luck.

-john

Any luck John?

[lx2077]

Hey john WELCOME BACK any luck? I heard u can make some GOOD protein packed discus food from the heart of a deer alot has happened while u were a way I recommend reading "So Happy" in the breeding section to bring u up to speed

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[John_Nicholson]

Pat my 13 year old took a doe. It was mainly about her this trip. I will be going back on the 26th for me.

-john

[Second Hand Pat]

John, tell her way to go. Nice way to fill the freezer. :)
Pat

[John_Nicholson]

Will do.

-john

[lx2077]

Same hear pat :thumbup::thumbup:

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[lx2077]

Meant john

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[lx2077]

Hey john, How come my discus eyes get dark sometimes 1 minute there dark the next minute there back to that bright redish/orange...I dont think its anything to worry about right?

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[lx2077]

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/24/ba3apy3e.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/24/2ugype2y.jpg those pics were takin 10 minutes apart

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[nc0gnet0]

12 pages and still going strong!

[yim11]

Our hands still tied...

[Trier20]

Is that an artificial reef in the tank or am I still drunk?

[Allwin]

Looks like a bg paper to me or i'm still drunk too :o


Is that an artificial reef in the tank or am I still drunk?

[Second Hand Pat]

Nope, it is a coral insert

[Trier20]

Nope, it is a coral insert

Same thing to me. Not being an ex-reefer and all. :P lol

[lx2077]

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE TO ALL!!!
I Just wanted to take this time to wish ALL of you a VERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS without you I would have nothing but a CLOUDY,MURKY, PARASITE FILLED TANK along with nothing but sideways swimming unhealthy fish I truly thank each and everyone of you for making this hobby successful and fun and I mean it from the bottom of my heart! !! Thanky you JOHN, PAT, YIM, NC0GNET0, and whoever has helped as well who I forgot to mention

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[lx2077]

Is this anything to worry about its white...does this indicate parasiteshttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/25/erary2u5.jpg they r eating just fine and nothing out of the ordinary from what I can see

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[Bill63SG]

If its floating,I dont know,if its attached to the glass,hard to tell from pic,could be planaria.Not harmful to the fish get them from over-feedind,waste in the water.

[lx2077]

Thank you for responding. ..and yes I do infact power feed 4 times a day 7am,12noon,4pm &9pm each feeding is high quality flake food however I like to substitute 1 or 2 of those feedings with either live black worms, frozen beef heart or frozen blood worms my discus are currently spawning and VERY GOOD EATERS... it does not float and not even sure if its even from the discus I have a community tank thanks for your help hope this is the info your looking for...let me know your thoughts

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[Bill63SG]

There's alot to go thru on this thread,but if they are not juvies,and your no longer growing them out,you dont have to feed them so often.I only feed my adults when I leave for work and when I get home.

[Skip]

Not planeria is.. too big

Looks like the empty casing for fecal matter.. its a sign of a sick fish.. is one not eating?

[dirtyplants]

First is it alive? Second the pic is difficult to get any perspective of where it is at or what it is on, if you have plants it could even be a part of a broken root. Can you take it out and look at it?

[k7prz]

[QUOTE=lx2077;1053991]MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE TO ALL!!!
I Just wanted to take this time to wish ALL of you a VERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS without you I would have nothing but a CLOUDY,MURKY, PARASITE FILLED TANK along with nothing but sideways swimming unhealthy fish I truly thank each and everyone of you for making this hobby successful and fun and I mean it from the bottom of my heart! !! Thanky you JOHN, PAT, YIM, NC0GNET0, and whoever has helped as well who I forgot to mention

Great thread---thanks for starting it. I have one proven pair that have spawned about 6 times. I've had free swimming fry several times and the
last batch lasted a week before something happened. It really takes patience!
Dave

[Bill63SG]

Not planeria is.. too big

Looks like the empty casing for fecal matter.. its a sign of a sick fish.. is one not eating?

Lol...I was looking at the flecks in the water,I didnt even notice the "white worm".

[lx2077]

Sup guys...bobby discus is now in Hershey PA W/ the family for a couple of days and my discus r all by themselves and its spawning day lol now they will have some privacy! !! I did a n9ce fresh 75% WC left 1 side 9f the tank lights on so they can go to bed when they choose and I gave 5hem a nice healthy LIVE feeding this morning I turn3d the automatic feeder OFF as per Johns instructions I am now extremely drunk..."merry christmas" and getting yelled at by my wife for constantly being on the forum. ..lol well just wanted to check in with u guys talk to you later...who knows I might come home to wigglers and believe me if I do trust me U WILL KNOW LOL..

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[lx2077]

Hey guys...I am getting very frustrated my pair is just about a full week behind on spawning...they were on a 7/8 day schedule and ever since there last spawn it seems something happened to spook them out of breading :( I really miss watching them protect the eggs and whatch them fan them and I feel its all over...my water is Perfect...im feeding live blackworms...and doing water changes whats going on?

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