Greetings

[Discus Finatic]

After a bit of a hiatus from fishkeeping, I am back. I have been keeping fish for 40+ years of all types (freshwater, saltwater)

My favorite fish to keep have been two, Frontosa and Discus (Obviously in different dedicated tanks). About 10 years ago I raised discus from 2" juvies to staggering 5" beauties in a BB tank and an insane amount of water changes and feedings. I regret not having a proper display tank to move them into, but I'm in a different place now and can accommodate that missed opportunity.

I recently purchased a 210 Gallon tank and have it cycled and stocked with Plants and dither fish (Cardinals & Rummynose) as well as a clean up crew (BN Pleco, Sterbai Cory). The tank is thriving, but I plan to wait longer before adding discus.


Now my dilemma, do I buy adults ready to put into the community tank (at least 5") or do I start up a grow out tank and raise some juvies. My fear is I am being cheap and that's why I'm entertaining the thought of growing out Juvies again. The upside of a grow out is I know I raise healthy discus and have opportunity to stock the community with my blood sweat and tears.

Anyway, good to be back in the hobby.

[danotaylor]

Re: Greetings

Welcome to SD mate!
Which way you decide to it do really depends on your goals. It’s not really being “cheap” to buy and raise fry. There’s a considerable amount of energy expended as you know from your previous experience: initial investment, high quality high protein feeds, lots of water changes, and time! By the time you have raised juvies to 5” plus you’ll have about the same if not more in each one as buying larger adult fish. Not to mention the cost of setting up a suitable BB tank to raise them in, LOL.
It would be advisable to have a second tank as a hospital tank should the need arise to remove your discus from the display anyways.
So if your goal is beautiful display then prolly buy adult discus, but if you want the challenge and reward of raising them your self, get the juvies.
Post up some pics of your tank when you have a chance. The SD crew LOVE pictures!
Welcome aboard mate!
Oh, and another point to consider is the size of your cardinals. Smaller cardinals, say <1.25-1.5”, will likely end up as an expensive snack for a 5” discus. Just sayin LOL

[Discus Finatic]

Re: Greetings

Thanks Dano. Good point on the cost of raising them is probably equal to just paying more up front for adults. I do have a hospital tank ready to go (20 gallon) and looking for a quarantine tank large enough to hold 6-10 discus before introducing to community. thinking a 55-75 would be good for quarantine assuming daily water changes.

Ill get some pics up one the discus are up and running. until then, just here to refresh my discus rearing skills and meet the community.

cheers!

[jeep]

Re: Greetings

There's a lot to be said in saving money and buying smaller discus. You already understand the value of water changes so that's a good start. One thing to keep in mind is that their immune systems won't be fully developed so even more care may be needed. A group of 2.5" juvies will do best in a bare bottom tank with daily water changes at least until they hit 4+ inches. This will send them on their way to their best potential.

Buying them at 5" is best if you can afford them and don't care about the experience of growing smaller ones out, and their immune system will be more developed and they're be able to tolerate unforeseen issues.

Either way, your background already gives you a jump start on many others new to discus. Good luck!

[Second Hand Pat]

Re: Greetings

Hi DF and yup, I agree with Danny and Brian in that it is really up to you on the path you take. Welcome to SD and there is lots of great information and this is a wonderful community of discus loving folks
Pat

[Iminit]

Re: Greetings

Welcome! Big choice going for 2.5 or 5” discus. At 2.5 you really don’t know what you’re getting. They don’t look anything like they will as adults. Even sellers have only an idea what they’re selling you. So you could end up with different looking fish than you were hoping for. Next it is a lot of work with daily water changes and feeding. Will take anywhere from 4-6 months. Now 5” discus you know what you’ve got if they are the first fish going into the tank they will quarantine in there if not the first than qt in a separate tank for 4-6 weeks before adding to your community tank. Keep your community tank bare bottom for best results and don’t add to many non-discus. These 5” discus will probably pair off and start laying eggs. Which will than give you the chance to raise young discus if you choose. Good luck and enjoy! You will find plenty of help on this site!

[Discus Fever]

Re: Greetings

Its totally up to you on size you want to buy there is no wrong answer here, welcome back and look forward to seeing pictures on this project.

[Discus Finatic]

Re: Greetings

Thanks for the welcome and replies. Look forward to showing off the Fish and tank soon!

[AquaticNerd]

Re: Greetings

Thanks for the welcome and replies. Look forward to showing off the Fish and tank soon!

Welcome to SimplyDiscus! We're looking forward to seeing your setup and follow along with the progress.

[Discus Finatic]

Re: Greetings

Well so much for patience. I stopped by Chicago Discus after a work trip and walked out with 6 beauties. They are doing great if no a little spooked still as they settle in. Once they are full settled I’ll get some pictures up. Tank is really doing great!

[danotaylor]

Re: Greetings

Well so much for patience. I stopped by Chicago Discus after a work trip and walked out with 6 beauties. They are doing great if no a little spooked still as they settle in. Once they are full settled I’ll get some pictures up. Tank is really doing great!

Ha! got him! Lets go Miranda! Can't wait to see what you picked and your set up mate

[Second Hand Pat]

Re: Greetings

Well so much for patience. I stopped by Chicago Discus after a work trip and walked out with 6 beauties. They are doing great if no a little spooked still as they settle in. Once they are full settled I’ll get some pictures up. Tank is really doing great!

Congrats and be sure to check for a mini-cycle while your bacteria adjusts to the new bio-load.
Pat

[Discus Finatic]

Re: Greetings

Thanks Pat

I’m on it! Making sure I keep my water changes up to date and daily water checks. I know it could take even a week or longer, but hoping they stop hiding and getting spooked. I still sit and stare at them for hours. lol. Sooner or later they will get used to my mug.

[Second Hand Pat]

Re: Greetings

Thanks Pat

I’m on it! Making sure I keep my water changes up to date and daily water checks. I know it could take even a week or longer, but hoping they stop hiding and getting spooked. I still sit and stare at them for hours. lol. Sooner or later they will get used to my mug.

You are more then welcome and I would suggest when you sit and watch them be a few feet away and be eye level with the tank. Wear lighter clothing Dark clothing can spook them.
Pat

[Iminit]

Re: Greetings

Good luck! Now we’re just waiting for pictures!!