How to Keep Discus Fish

Discus fish are some of the most beautiful and impressive freshwater tropical fish kept in the aquarium hobby. They are also some of the most delicate and hard to keep. Discus fish are also expensive compared to most freshwater fish. Use these tips to learn how to keep discus fish.

Things You'll Need

• Aquarium of at least 30 gallons
• Aquarium heater with thermostatic control
• Aquarium thermometer
• Aquarium filter and accessories
• Chlorine remover
• Water pail for removing and adding water
• Food for the discus fish
• Two or three start-up fish

Instructions

Set Up the Tank

1. Prepare the tank by rinsing it thoroughly with clean water. Also rinse everything that will be in the tank, such as gravel, artificial plants and decorations.

2. Add the gravel to the tank and then fill the tank half full of water. Place the plants, decorations, filter and heater properly in the tank.

3. Fill the tank up slowly and add chlorine remover to the water according to the manufacturer's instruction.

4. Start the filter and adjust the heater to keep the aquarium water at 85 degrees F. Add your starter fish to the tank when the aquarium temperature reaches 80 degrees F and keep them healthy for at least a week. This will start the biological filtering process inside the tank.

5. Feed your fish only what they will eat in about 3 minutes and remove any uneaten food from the aquarium.

Keep the Fish Healthy

1. Purchase two or three healthy discus fish from a local dealer or store with a good reputation. Find out the water temperature at which they've been kept.

2. Ask the dealer what type of food the discus are accustomed to eating and get some of that food. Discus fish are hesitant about changing diets.

3. Introduce your fish into the aquarium after making sure the water temperature matches what the fish are coming from.

4. Give your fish at least half an hour to explore their new home and settle down, then give them just a bit of food.

5. Change 1/3 to 1/2 the aquarium water every week, but make sure that the temperature of the water you add equals the temperature of the water in the tank. Remove the chlorine from the water you add.

Tips & Warnings

• Move slowly around the discus tank, especially when the fish are new. Discus fish are timid and can injure themselves by running into the aquarium sides when attempting to flee.

• Discus fish are susceptible to disease and infection. Keep their tank clean.

Resources

• Offers information about a variety of pets
• Good information and a phone number to call for help