highfive
08-06-2004, 03:04 PM
Six months ago I started the discus hobby expecting it to be a tough grind. To my surpirse, it has been anything but that.
Since quality water is the most important factor, I set up an inline filter with a 35 gallon holding tank. You can see by the photos that I use the PYTHON SYSTEM. The filter is a TASTE PURE from Walmart, $17.50. It last for many months. You can use the water in the holding tank after 24 hours, if needed.
The holding tank is filled with very warm water to assist the 200 Watt Ebo-Jager heater inside. I have a small Rio Pump to keep the water circulating and a 450 mag-drive with 50 foot attached hose to reach all of my aquariums. The one photo, attached, shows my release valve. I never have to worry about the city water fluctuation, which have been plenty.
I had to experiment on how often to make water changes. What works is a water change every 13 days, including filters. I could go longer, but it requires more work to clean the tanks. Even after 13 days, the tanks are very clear.
Feeding was the next challenge. I've settled on frozen bloodworms in the AM, Wardley's Shrimp Pellets at NOON, and Tetra Bits at NIGHT. I never over feed. They consume it within five minutes.
The growth of all the discus have been normal. No loss of fish. I started with various sizes.
TANKS:
100 - 9 ADULTS, 1 LARGE CHINESE SALFIN
75 - 13 MEDIUM SIZE
75 - 4 MEDIUM SIZE (new tank)
I put off keeping discus for four years due to all the scary pitfalls. I hope this helps someone get started now.
Since quality water is the most important factor, I set up an inline filter with a 35 gallon holding tank. You can see by the photos that I use the PYTHON SYSTEM. The filter is a TASTE PURE from Walmart, $17.50. It last for many months. You can use the water in the holding tank after 24 hours, if needed.
The holding tank is filled with very warm water to assist the 200 Watt Ebo-Jager heater inside. I have a small Rio Pump to keep the water circulating and a 450 mag-drive with 50 foot attached hose to reach all of my aquariums. The one photo, attached, shows my release valve. I never have to worry about the city water fluctuation, which have been plenty.
I had to experiment on how often to make water changes. What works is a water change every 13 days, including filters. I could go longer, but it requires more work to clean the tanks. Even after 13 days, the tanks are very clear.
Feeding was the next challenge. I've settled on frozen bloodworms in the AM, Wardley's Shrimp Pellets at NOON, and Tetra Bits at NIGHT. I never over feed. They consume it within five minutes.
The growth of all the discus have been normal. No loss of fish. I started with various sizes.
TANKS:
100 - 9 ADULTS, 1 LARGE CHINESE SALFIN
75 - 13 MEDIUM SIZE
75 - 4 MEDIUM SIZE (new tank)
I put off keeping discus for four years due to all the scary pitfalls. I hope this helps someone get started now.