Prepping for the Discus!

[MandyK]

Hi everyone!

As some of you may already know, I am about to jump head first into Discus care. I have read the stickies, and I THINK I have a good foundation to start with. Although I do believe that, I know that you just can't beat what people with experience can tell you. I'd like for all you with Discus to weigh in on this if you can. :)

Here's the plan:

75g tank + the current stock in my 55g (see sig)

Possible bare bottm with rock, driftwood, and anchoring/floating plants like Java moss.

5 Discus fish to be stocked as follows-- 1, then 2, then 2. (Because I just CAN'T afford to do more than two at a time, IF that)
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Current tank specs:

My levels are always great! With my current stock my levels still read 0,0,0 at 5 days after a W/C.

PH is 7.2 I know this isn't ideal, BUT I do not plan on breeding. In fact, I don't want them to breed.

My fish receive flakes, bloodworms, shrimp, ciclid pellets.
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I can't think of any other relevant information, so here is where you guys give me your opinions and advice on what I should do. Should I alter my plans in any way? What risks am I taking by stocking at those intervals, and so on.

[Indian Woods Angels]

Bare bottom for sure. Be sure to learn how to worm them. This is important in keeping Discus long term.

[Lady10Godiva]

I dont keep discus but I would suggest using a two heater setuo so that if one fails(like overnight) you wont wake up to a cold tank and a bunch of sick discus. I learned this one the hard way this winter with my clown loaches.

On a good note the stand your tank is coming with will hold a canister filter nicely for you.

Also you might have to get a bigger than standard power strip since you likely will be plugging in lots of stuff. I have found once for electronics that have up to 12 outlets (and a long cord so it isnt pulled tight depending on where your outlet is).

[Sandz]

Make sure you have a med kit for the discus. There is a post devoted to this. Its very very hard to get some of the meds without ordering, or atleast hard to get them for the right price.

Bare bottom is always better, I am actually planning on anubias, java fern and potted plants to allow some green with my discus when I get that going.

What prices are you paying for your discus? And what source? I know of a dealer on Aquabid that has really good stock. http://www.aquabid.com/cgi-bin/aucti...cus&1359752409 / Free shipping and he usually has some great strains. If money is an issue, this may be a good solution.

The risk you are taking with this slow stocking is minimal unless you dont have a QT tank. Please pay close attn to the QT proceedure for all Discus.

Wishing you the best of luck!

[MandyK]

IWA- I have some experience worming fishies. I still have a large amount of Prazi on hand. I'll take a look at the med cabinet sticky today. ( That IS one I haven't checked).

L10G- I am sincerely hoping that the 75 comes with a heater rated for it, or over. I am plannin on using my current heater in it as well, just in case. I'm hoping that if they don't have to work as hard that it won't be too difficult to get the tank to the desired temp.

Sandz- Wow! That's a really good deal!! I'm assuming it's $120 for all of them. My LFS charges $50 for 1 3inch. Have you ordered from this person? Or do you know anyone that has?

[Sandz]

I know a few that have and they were always happy. The reviews for him are great and I have talked shop with him in the past. He knows his stuff. Been following him for about 2 years. And yes the 120 is for all 8 fish.

[MandyK]

I put an email in to him today. I haven't heard back. That is so close that I can drive up there to get them! Just 2 hours from me. :)

[Sandz]

Thats perfect! You could tour the hatchery and see what strains he has. I know he had a great deal on these beautiful Crystal Yellow with Cherry red eyes... I almost popped on them but I honestly havnt finished my set up and I want discus to be my last fish.

[gronlaura]

L10G- I am sincerely hoping that the 75 comes with a heater rated for it, or over. I am plannin on using my current heater in it as well, just in case. I'm hoping that if they don't have to work as hard that it won't be too difficult to get the tank to the desired temp.

I have 2 Aqueon Pro Heat 250w heaters in my 75. They are great and keep a steady 77 degrees for me. If you have a black background they literally disappear. I ordered mine from thatpetplace.com, about $30 each ($60 at my LFS).

[Lady10Godiva]

I just got one of the aqueon pro heaters and they do disappear pretty well. I dont remember what temp they go to. They also have a lifetime warranty (and since they arent glass they are sturdy.) I got mine online too because they are so much cheaper that way.