New to discus

[snowdrop7]

Hello Discus lovers,
I am new to this forum and also am new to discus, although I've had my tank for 4 years. This is a new adventure and I'm really thrilled with the 4 I've just purchased (2 weeks) from Wattley Discus. Even though my pH was higher than they are used to, they seem to be really adapting very well and eating frozen blood worms, brine shrimp and beef heart, with garlic guard, all except one. He/she looks fine but I never see him/her eat and that worries me. I know they are brought up on live black worms, but I really don't want to go there so I am looking for somewhere I could purchase frozen ones. Could anyone direct me? I know there is a place in CA but they only seem to sell HUGE quantities.I'd be very grateful, thanks. :)

[Akili]

Most us here feed Freeze Dried Australian Black worms and they can purchased from the owner of this site Al http://www.aquaticsuppliers.com/

[John_Nicholson]

Also ph really does not matter very much. The fish will do better in groups of 6 or more. They are cichlids and will establish a pecking order. The fish on bottom will often act that way because it gets picked on. It is natures way and is completely normal. Having more fish helps to spread the aggression out.

-john

[jmf3460]

+1 for Als FDBW (freeze dried black worms) its what most of us use and have good success with.

[Phillydubs]

Care to share more info about your tank? Size filtration tank mates, how long running etc?

I agree with John, adding a few more would def. help the cause if you have the room, that being said, you should QT any new fish that go in there....

[jim LI]

+1 for Als FDBW, get it with the baby spinach.. mine attack the cube like they never ate before.

[snowdrop7]

Thank you all, I've been to Al's but they only sell HUGE quantities for $150.00. I've tried the freeze dried kind but it stays on the top. Is there any good way to feed with that? I will share more about my tank soon. 55g planted. Eventually I will get more, but have spent a fortune on these 4 already so will have to wait a while.

[Phillydubs]

He sells less than that, you must be in the wrong section or not choosing the sizes right... Also he sells cubes so you smash them on the glass and they stay...

For my wilds I break the cubes all up and let them sit in a cup of tank water for a few min w some blood worms... I mix them a bit w a spoon and pour them in and they go all about the water...

55g - Planted and new to discus is a recipe for disaster... not trying to discourage you, but you should really get your pics posted and all info and let us set a plan for you, or you might be in for a fast loss of all that hard earned and spent cash

[snowdrop7]

OK Phillydubs, here are 2 pics (hope it works) It's been 3 weeks...9685796858

[jmf3460]

al sells his fdbw in as small as 10 gram packs I think. you must not be on the correct site, go here http://www.aquaticsuppliers.com/Freeze-Dried-Australian-Blackworms-The-Original_c6.htm the second option is 10grams.

[snowdrop7]

Pics are there!

[vader2nd]

use al's it is like crack for discus. If you are having problem with the website email or even call him he will get right back to you.

[snowdrop7]

Many thanks I have ordered the FDBW's from Al's, also watched a very informative presentation he gave on discus online. I'm going to start trimming plants and substrate too little by little. It's hot for them anyway. 3 weeks, so far, so good.

[snowdrop7]

55g - Planted and new to discus is a recipe for disaster... not trying to discourage you, but you should really get your pics posted and all info and let us set a plan for you, or you might be in for a fast loss of all that hard earned and spent cash[/QUOTE]

Phillydubs, I posted my pics...

[chuckiesmalls]

I am relatively new to discus and I think Al touched on it in his presentation the other members like to link on this forum but.....If you want to grow those discus out and have them get big--your best bet is to take a no plants, no substrate approach with frequent water changes ( 40% every other day about--AT LEAST)

If you do not mind them growing slower and it is not your intention to have the biggest most huge discus and you enjoy the look of your planted tank as it currently is....just stay on the goal and keep up a decent amount of WCs (3Xs a week min. @ 33% --around there Id say for the minimum?) :)

I'd say the majority of people on this site go for the growing out and wanting huge fish ;)

My advice is get one or two more so they will be more happy per other comments above. don't get super expensive fish yet but ones you really like..experiment, be patient, have fun, practice different décor, setups. Youll probably buy some more fish tanks or at least a QT tank if you don't already and will soon become very very addicted like all of us. LOL :)

ALSO always keep a QT! LOL --I use a bucket, heater and a sponge filter--It aint the ritz but it works...

[snowdrop7]

chucksmalls, thanks for your post and the advice, very good advice. Well to tell the truth I'm not over eager for my discus to be huge as I don't think my tank is tall enough mainly, but I am in process of reducing plants and substrate little by little with every water change :) I do enjoy the look of plants and the breeder told me they would enjoy them! However water temp is still very high as per his advice: 77-78 and I'm looking for some plants that don't mind heat! Eventually I will get some more discus. Finally they are eating the FDBWs, even out of my hand except that the big white snowflake is very aggressive and tends to not let the others feed (from the FDBW I stick to the glass...) He/she is gorgeous but a little mean... But it is a wonderful hobby. How about you posting some pics? :D

[snowdrop7]

sorry, I mean 87-88 temp :o

[Akili]

Hi Chloe,If really want some plants then make use of some potted plants,easier to clean.Look at Kyla's post in this thread http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?120769-Plants-in-Clay-Pots&highlight=potted+plants

[delta5]

f you want a more natural look Try hydroponic pots. A fried puts his plants in those pots with eco plus soil. The rest of the tank has a sand substrate and he just digs a hole in the sand, puts his potted plant, then covers it up with sand. You can't even tell he has pots in there.