dred
07-20-2003, 11:15 PM
Alright,
It occured to me recently that Discus keeping may appear overwhelming to many of the folks that pop in and see us foaming at the mouth about seemingly trivial things.
So, I started to think about what really matters. And, it occured to me that the list of things that a discus keeper must understand and master is actually pretty darned short.
So, I want to start a list of things I should be embarassed not to know and understand if I claim my fish are happy and healthy - I don't call it an idiot's guide 'cause although I don't believe it's difficult, I don't believe an idiot could ever really be up to the task.
My perspective just demands we meet the minimum needs of Discus which I define as: shelter, food, security, companionship.
I'm hoping y'all will add to this list, 'cause I'm not making claims <smile>. Well, I think you absolutely must:
1. understand the "shelter" needs of discus
1.1 Low nitrAte tolerance; very sensitive to ammonia and nitrite
1.2 environmental conditions (light, temperature)
1.3 implications of bioload on discus population density (10 gal rule)
1.4 understand water chemistry
1.4.1 the relationship between pH, carbonate hardness, oxygen and CO2
1.4.2 how to maintain stable pH
1.4.3 how water chemistry can be affected by tank occupants including plants, substrate, etc.
1.5 understand the nitrogen cycle
1.5.1 how ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are produced
1.5.2 how biological filters are selected, cycled, and maintained
1.5.3 how the nitrogen cycle constantly increases the nitrate concentration
1.5.4 relationship between bioload and the nitrogen cycle
2. understand the nutritional needs of discus
2.1 implications of feeding strategy on bioload
2.2 be informed about the various foods and their benefits
2.3 be informed about the various forms of food and their benefits
3. understand the security and companionship needs of discus
3.1 the different stages of discus development
3.2 their needs at each stage of development you encounter
3.3 ability to identify and interpret discus stress signals
3.4 understand that stressed discus most often get very sick or die if the stressor is not managed
Well, lots of folks have written books at one time or another that attempt to address all of these issues. Many are very, very good. And, they are all addressed in real time here on the forum if you want to keep up with the latest and greatest. Anyway, wonder if this might help someone. Was fun to think up at any rate - who knows, maybe it's a first strike at the table of contents for my book <LOL>.
It occured to me recently that Discus keeping may appear overwhelming to many of the folks that pop in and see us foaming at the mouth about seemingly trivial things.
So, I started to think about what really matters. And, it occured to me that the list of things that a discus keeper must understand and master is actually pretty darned short.
So, I want to start a list of things I should be embarassed not to know and understand if I claim my fish are happy and healthy - I don't call it an idiot's guide 'cause although I don't believe it's difficult, I don't believe an idiot could ever really be up to the task.
My perspective just demands we meet the minimum needs of Discus which I define as: shelter, food, security, companionship.
I'm hoping y'all will add to this list, 'cause I'm not making claims <smile>. Well, I think you absolutely must:
1. understand the "shelter" needs of discus
1.1 Low nitrAte tolerance; very sensitive to ammonia and nitrite
1.2 environmental conditions (light, temperature)
1.3 implications of bioload on discus population density (10 gal rule)
1.4 understand water chemistry
1.4.1 the relationship between pH, carbonate hardness, oxygen and CO2
1.4.2 how to maintain stable pH
1.4.3 how water chemistry can be affected by tank occupants including plants, substrate, etc.
1.5 understand the nitrogen cycle
1.5.1 how ammonia, nitrite and nitrate are produced
1.5.2 how biological filters are selected, cycled, and maintained
1.5.3 how the nitrogen cycle constantly increases the nitrate concentration
1.5.4 relationship between bioload and the nitrogen cycle
2. understand the nutritional needs of discus
2.1 implications of feeding strategy on bioload
2.2 be informed about the various foods and their benefits
2.3 be informed about the various forms of food and their benefits
3. understand the security and companionship needs of discus
3.1 the different stages of discus development
3.2 their needs at each stage of development you encounter
3.3 ability to identify and interpret discus stress signals
3.4 understand that stressed discus most often get very sick or die if the stressor is not managed
Well, lots of folks have written books at one time or another that attempt to address all of these issues. Many are very, very good. And, they are all addressed in real time here on the forum if you want to keep up with the latest and greatest. Anyway, wonder if this might help someone. Was fun to think up at any rate - who knows, maybe it's a first strike at the table of contents for my book <LOL>.