How Difficult Are Discus ?

[jcali10]

Now that I bought a 75 gallon tank, I was wondering how difficult it would be to keep Discus. I know they require clean water, no ammonia, or nitrates, medium hardness, and pH that is slightly acidic. Which means regular water changes. I would to do a mineralized soil Discus tank. Of course it would be a planted tank. I'm sure there are many plants that can thrive in 84 degree water.

I've been reading a little bit here and there online, and I was getting a little worried about feeding them correctly. What are some good foods and feeding schedules? I've read that small ones, about an inch in size need to be fed 5 or 6 times a day, and bigger ones 3 or 4 times a day. That would be difficult to do. I'm not retired.

[John G]

I always thought George Booth's stuff on planted Discus tanks was interesting. See, e.g.,
http://aquaticconcepts.thekrib.com/

[jcali10]

Thanks John, I am reading it now, and I will be adding this link to my favorites.

[DelawareJim]

I've successfully treated Discus the same as my other fish; low to mid 70's, fed once a day, normal water parameters with no problems.

Cheers.
Jim

[jcali10]

Jim, that's what I needed to hear. I don't want to blunder into something I'm not ready for. Some of the things I've read seemed a little excessive, like vacuuming the gravel after feedings, or feeding them 3 to 5 times a day, or twice a week water changes. After all, I am not a breeder trying to grow out discus as fast as possible. I'm just looking for a larger, attractive fish for a planted tank. I also like some rainbow fish, like the bosemanis.

[chris_todd]

I always thought George Booth's stuff on planted Discus tanks was interesting. See, e.g.,
http://aquaticconcepts.thekrib.com/

John, what a great article, thanks for the reference!

When Scales closed down, we couldn't resist, and bought four small discus. This article will help us build them a nicer home.