If you're considering keeping discus fish, you're in for an exciting journey, Lykkers! These stunning creatures, known for their vibrant colors and majestic appearance, are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish in the world.
However, they are also quite particular when it comes to their environment and care. Let's dive into how we can make sure our discus fish thrive in our home aquariums!
Choosing the Right Tank and Equipment
The first step in keeping discus fish is setting up a suitable tank. For a healthy, thriving fish environment, we recommend using a tank with dimensions of at least 120×50×60 cm, holding around 200 liters of water. This size gives your fish ample space to swim and grow. It's important to include a proper filtration system to keep the water clean and an aerator to maintain oxygen levels.
In your tank, you should use layers of filtration materials like filter cotton, activated carbon, ceramic rings, and quartz stone rings, arranged in a specific order. The filter cotton should be at the top to catch larger particles like waste. Make sure to clean or replace the filter cotton regularly. Lighting is another key element. While lighting enhances the visual appeal of your aquarium, it's important not to use overly strong lights. A 20w fluorescent light is usually enough for a 120cm tank. This lighting will help maintain a stable environment for your discus while making them look even more beautiful.
How Many Fish Should You Keep?
When it comes to stocking your tank, it's important not to overcrowd your discus fish. For a 200-liter tank, if you're keeping adult discus of about 10 cm, you should limit yourself to around 20 fish. If your fish are younger and smaller, around 5 cm, you can safely keep up to 40 discus in the same tank. Overcrowding can lead to stress and unhealthy conditions for your fish, so always ensure there's plenty of space.
Daily Care for Your Discus Fish
Maintaining the right conditions for your discus fish is key to their health. Here are some important daily care tips:
1. Water Temperature: Discus fish thrive in warmer water, ideally between 28°C. We recommend using a temperature-controlled heater and placing it near the water pump for even heating. It's best to have two heaters in case one fails, as sudden temperature changes can be harmful to your fish.
2. Feeding Your Fish: For feeding, we recommend using a high-quality artificial feed, often referred to as "fish hamburgers" by enthusiasts. These are made from ingredients like meat heart, shrimp, fish, squid, and chicken, along with vegetables like spinach, carrots, and tomatoes. Adding yeast, spirulina, and vitamins can improve the nutritional value. After mixing and grinding the ingredients, you can store them in the freezer for future use. When feeding, cut the mixture into small pieces that your fish can easily eat. Be sure to feed your fish in smaller amounts so they can consume everything within 10 to 15 minutes. Leftover food should be removed promptly to keep the water clean.
For younger fish, feeding two to three times a day is ideal, while adult fish only need one to two feedings per day. You can also feed your fish live food like bloodworms or mealworms, but make sure they are properly disinfected before feeding.
3. Water Quality Management: After feeding, make sure to clean up any uneaten food and waste to maintain a healthy environment. This helps prevent water pollution and reduces the workload on the filtration system. You can change about 5-10% of the water daily, using tap water that's been treated to remove chlorine. If you need to treat the water, you can use methods like aerating, sun exposure, or adding a small amount of baking soda to neutralize chlorine.
Weekly, aim to change 20-30% of the tank water to ensure freshness. If you have access to a pre-filter or activated carbon filtration system, this can improve water quality even further, making it safe for your discus fish.
Creating a Healthy Aquatic Environment
Adding live plants to your tank can help improve the overall health of the water. Plants absorb harmful substances and contribute to a more natural and balanced environment. They also provide hiding spots for your fish, making them feel more secure and reducing stress.
You can also keep smaller, peaceful fish alongside your discus, like tetras or dwarf cichlids. However, avoid mixing them with aggressive species, like cichlids or larger predatory fish, as these could harm your discus. It's always a good idea to research potential tankmates before adding them to your aquarium.
Why Discus Fish Are So Worth It
While discus fish can be a bit challenging to care for, they are incredibly rewarding to keep. Their striking colors and graceful movements make them a joy to watch. Plus, with the right care and attention, discus fish can live for many years, becoming the centerpiece of your aquarium.
If you're ready to give it a try, we hope these tips help guide you through the process of creating a healthy, vibrant home for your discus fish. Happy fishkeeping, Lykkers!
