All fish are sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, but the Discus cichlid is more sensitive than the average fish . Their sensitivity is another factor that initially made them difficult to keep, as their natural habitat did not have any ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate.
Why are discus so hard to take care of?
Wild caught discus can be challenging to keep , due to their specialized water chemistry and dietary needs, however, most discus sold today are captive bred and are much easier to keep.
Are discus sensitive to water?
Most Discus are comfortable in water with pH ranging from 5.0-7.0, total hardness from 1-4°dKH, and temperature from 82-84°F. Discus are very sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and changes in water temperature and quality . Thus, it is important to keep their aquarium water exceptionally clean, and temperature constant.
Are discus difficult to keep?
Discus fish are one of the most beautiful freshwater fish in the hobby, known for their spectacular colors and large, circular shape. However, they’re notorious for being extremely difficult to keep , with Internet forums often recommending strict practices like 100% water changes every day.
Do discus recognize their owners?
They are said to recognize the owner in time and they can get as close to you as to eat out of your hand. When breeding discus as a hobby, some owners have noticed that the discus will watch you move around the room or even react to TV noise.
Can you keep just 2 discus?
You can keep 2 discus fish in this size but they won’t live happily or for a long time. However, you can keep 2 baby discus fish when they are not fully grown inside a 15-gallon tank. For healthy growth of discus fry, get the tank water cleaned regularly or install a high-quality filter.
What is the lifespan of a discus fish?
Discus fish, kept in good conditions, can live for up to 15 years and reach sizes of up to 20 centimetres / 8” in diameter! They are fully grown at the age of approximately 2 to 2.5 years!
Can discus live with guppies?
These discus-shaped fish are a graceful and colorful addition to a guppy fish tank. They enjoy a planted aquarium and will thrive on a carnivorous diet. The only issue with keeping these fish together is that they water temperature requirements don’t perfectly match up. Discus fish enjoy warmer water than guppy fish .
What do discus like in their tank?
Discus prefer warm, soft, acidic water . pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0, with hardness between 1° and 4° dKH (18 to 70 ppm). Temperature should be kept between 82° and 86° F, although wild Heckel discus prefer water near 90° F. Use an Aqueon Aquarium Heater to maintain proper water temperature.
How many discus should be kept together?
Based on this size range, the minimum tank size would be a 55 gallon tank, but the bigger the better for these guys. 3-5 discus should be doable in a 55gal aquarium as long as water changes are kept up with. A general rule you can follow is one discus per 10 gallons.
Can angelfish live with discus?
Angelfish are usually peaceful , but they can be aggressive when feeding and breeding. Discus fish are docile and may be deprived of food by angelfish. You can put them together but make sure the discus fish is eating.
Why do my discus keep dying?
Discus fish are sensitive to water conditions of the tank and can thus die if the conditions are not suitable. Overeating is another common cause of the death of discus fish. Finding out the causes that can lead to discus fish dying is integral if you want to make sure that all your fish thrive and remain healthy.
Can fish see humans?
Besides being able to see their prey and recognize their owners, fish also can see a range of colors, since they have color receptors in their eyes. Many species of fish can also see ultraviolet light, which humans can’t .
What is the smartest fish?
Introducing Comet the Goldfish , who’s currently on track to become the smartest fish in the world. Comet can play football, basketball, limbo, play fetch, and even slalom around a series of poles.
What should I look for when buying a discus?
Wherever you buy your fish, spend time watching them and do not buy on impulse. Only consider Discus that are alert, bold and inquisitive . Avoid fish that hang back from the others and those that breath heavily or out of one gill only.
