New Discus set up

[JohnnyRaggs]

Hey all, long time fishkeeper, but never discus. Im looking for some advice from you all who have the experiance in keeping these magnificent fish. I want to have 4 in a 45 gallon bowfront tank. Im looking to making this a planted aquarium also, with plants native to the amazon river.

I have heard that a powerfilter (like aqua-flo) filled with bio filter material from canister filters works best. What are some of your experiences?

[promise]

Spardas is your best bet on this one wait till he comes along and see's this post

[DrNic]

4 discus seems like a lot for a 45G tank. I've been researching them for a 75G setup and have been told to estimate 18G per fish. Others might say differently though.

As for living conditions, reasonably low ph with good biological filtration, HOBs or canisters are ok, although most use canisters. With discus water quality and consistency is key. Fluctuations in water quality can lead to stressed/sick fish very quickly.

[Australian natives]

i am no expert, but from the little research i have done into discus, when they are growing they eat like pigs and are messy. so maybe 18G applies to them when they are juvenile but when larger they require less?
i have also read they like soft water with lower pH, and they are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in water chem.
also a good diet is key to them looking pretty =P.

[Spardas]

Hmmmm, I advise you to get a pair of pre-adult or adult discus instead in the 45 planted.

Don't get juveniles if it's your first time in a planted tank. The reason being is juveniles will require more consistency in feeding. Since they require more food than adults to grow; the water quality is important to watch out for. Your water parameters may register fine but the dissolved organics will be out of control if you don't do water change and clean the substrate thorougly for juveniles. If the water quality is not good and the diet is poor; they will become stunted. Discus fishes are easily stunted if not given the proper care. Besides, 6 is a magic number for discus, I wouldn't go below 6 in a tank. Therefore, your tank isn't big enough.

Also, pigeon strains will have peppering on them if kept in black/darker substrates. Even high quality pigeons will have some moderate peppering if kept in darker substrates.

What's the water of your tap like? What's the pH and GH/KH? Also, test for metals in the tap.

Also, get domestic discus for your first try if you plan on getting a pair. They're more forgiving so long as the water is stable day to day.