Starting out soon... hopefully. Need help.

[dilldiscus]

Hello, I`m 16, I have been doing aquarium stuff since 12 or 13 years old. I have been cared for many fishes from African Cichlid to Livebearers to Dwarf African Frog. I am wanting to take a try at Discus, I have been wanting to since a couple years ago but due to my financial situation as a teen i haven't been able to. But soon i will get a job and will hopefully have the chance soon.
I was thinking about having a pair (around 5 inches) in a 38 gallon bowfront (about 16 wide 30 long 24 tall). Dual marine-land penguin 200bs. Also i plan on doing 20% water changes every other day and have done a lot of research about discus.
If you guys could give me any advice or help that would be amazing.

[Akili]

Hi and welcome to SimplyDiscus, I suggest to all newcomers and hobbyist to this site to read all the stickies in the beginner's section. A must read in that section is Beginner's Guide to Getting Started with Discus. Also take about an hour of your time and watch this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXe3VKh7qF8&t=2478s

[dilldiscus]

I have been here since 2014 just finally able to get discus soon. And wondering if my idea of what i will be getting is good enough or not.

[discuspaul]

Your idea of getting a mature pair to be housed in a 38 gallon tank by themselves is just fine, except for one important & critical thing:
It can't be just any pair of discus - it must be a MATED pair, otherwise you'll likely be asking for trouble.
Keeping just 2, 3, or 4 discus together is usually a bad idea, due to pecking order issues which will very likely develop (bullying).

Problem is a mated pair costs appreciably more than just 2 random discus, so if your wallet permits this, then go ahead.

Otherwise, it might be best to wait a while until you can afford to set up a minimum 60 to 75 gallon tank, and keep 5 or 6 discus of whatever starting out size - keeping in mind that if they're less than say, 4", they should be started off in a bare-bottom tank.
Hope this helps you to consider what you'd like to do.

[dilldiscus]

Problem is a mated pair costs appreciably more than just 2 random discus, so if your wallet permits this, then go ahead.

Well... A mated pair seems to cost $300+ so there goes that idea. how about a 55 with 5 3-4 inch discus?

[discuspaul]

Ok, a 55 gal tank with 5, or even 6, discus would be fine, so long as you're not planning to keep any other tank-mates with them, and be sure to start the tank off completely bare-bottom, assuming the discus you get are less than say, 4" in size.

[discuspaul]

Oh, & btw, dilldiscus, be sure to get your discus from a well-known reliable source for supplying good quality discus.
Any one of simply's sponsors here - outlined in the "Sponsors" section will be just great.

[dilldiscus]

Oh, & btw, dilldiscus, be sure to get your discus from a well-known reliable source for supplying good quality discus.
Any one of simply's sponsors here - outlined in the "Sponsors" section will be just great.

I was thinking about buying from a locally owned fish store i understand it won't be as high quality discus but i would be supporting a local business and wouldn't have to deal with shipping.
The supplier for them is Segrest Farms.

[LJSmith]

I learned the hard way. Don't be me. Spend up for the shipping or find a hobbyist breeder in the area. You would be surprised at how many are out there. The problem I had with my LFS, is that they do not have adults. They carry juveniles and did not provide adequate water changes. This lead to likely stunting and other issues that I am dealing with. In my experience, the suppliers and hobbyist's here are the ticket to success.

[LJSmith]

My main point is, that even the greatest supplier cannot mitigate the care that the fish receive at the LFS.

[dilldiscus]

My main point is, that even the greatest supplier cannot mitigate the care that the fish receive at the LFS.

Do you know which supporter has the best deal on discus?
Thanks

[Phillydubs]

Do you know which supporter has the best deal on discus?
Thanks

I could not agree more with the above comments, spend up and save yourself in the long run.

Take a look at the sponsor section here, it is loaded with offerings and all their lists are pretty current, if you like something and see something you like send an e-mail.

Where are you located?

Also, if you really want a "deal" check the for sale section here, many folks breed their own discus and sell some great stuff at killer prices... they ship too!

[Phillydubs]

Check out a thread such as this and PM mr warblad, he has nice stuff for crazy low prices - http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?125283-Giant-Flora-4-5-quot-5-quot-Down-sizing-my-breeding-stocks-San-Jose-CA-PU-Only/page2&highlight=warblad

I also think another gentleman, a moderator I believe had packs of fish for sale for super cheap and folks were raving about them, even the owner of the forum Al grabbed a packed and was floored at the "deal" you seek.

[dilldiscus]

I could not agree more with the above comments, spend up and save yourself in the long run.

Take a look at the sponsor section here, it is loaded with offerings and all their lists are pretty current, if you like something and see something you like send an e-mail.

Where are you located?

Also, if you really want a "deal" check the for sale section here, many folks breed their own discus and sell some great stuff at killer prices... they ship too!


I looks at Hans his seem to be in expensive. Im in Boise Idaho, sadly there arnt any near by sponsors.

[Phillydubs]

Hans is a great choice too... You really can't go wrong, but I would say buy the biggest fish you can afford and do it right one time...

They will all ship right to your door, send pics and video before hand, you have zero to worry about

[discuspaul]

I looks at Hans his seem to be in expensive. Im in Boise Idaho, sadly there arnt any near by sponsors.

If you wish to check them out, I believe the nearest high quality discus supplier to you is Chicago Discus - a sponsor here - look them up.
If you contact them, ask for either Miranda or Josie. They are breeders & importers, have a good variety of strains & sizes, and their prices are very reasonable.

[Akili]

I looks at Hans his seem to be in expensive. Im in Boise Idaho, sadly there arnt any near by sponsors.We do have a few sponsors in California and that would be closer to you.

[dilldiscus]

We do have a few sponsors in California and that would be closer to you.


closest one in cali is a 8hr drive

[Akili]

closest one in cali is a 8hr driveGet in touch with and find out your options are.

[dilldiscus]

Get in touch with and find out your options are.

ok, i will when i get that far. Love your signature by the way. Many people these days dont realize that hard work is key to success.