How to Raise Discus Fish
Discus fish are a breed of tropical fish popular among aquarium enthusiasts. They are a member of the cichlid family. Discus fish are very colorful and are adaptable enough to be successful in aquariums where many other tropical fish fail. They do have some very specific habits, however, and require specific care. Discus fish are very shy, which complicates their care a bit. Although they are usually compatible with other breeds of fish, their shy nature will cause them to hide if the aquarium is in a busy area, or if the other fish in the aquarium are overly aggressive. But proper precautions can make care of these fish easy and rewarding.
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Things You'll Need
- Tank
- Thermometer
- Heater
- pH measurement device
- Air filter
- Air stone
- Air line
- Fish food
- Substrate (i.e., gravel, crushed coral, etc.)
- Light source
Instructions
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Instructions
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Set up your aquarium with precise measurements, starting with water temperature. Conditions should be as close as possible to the discus fish's natural habitat, so the temperature should be between 74 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. A higher temperature will increase the fish's eating habits and cause them to grow. Keep the tank out of the sun and use the heater only if the aquarium is getting too cold. Since discus fish are shy, put the tank in a quiet area of your house.
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Maintain a steady pH level. A pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal for discus fish. Take measurements regularly and don't allow any sudden changes of pH in your aquarium. If the water becomes too acidic, use soda to bring the pH level back down.
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Keep the discus fish aquarium clean with filtration. Make sure your filter, air line and air stone are hooked up and working properly. Clean your filter regularly to keep the aquarium water clear and healthy.
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Discus fish have specific dietary needs, so feed them discus-specific food. You can buy discus fish flakes and live food at fish and aquarium stores. Feed your fish small, frequent meals.
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Provide substrate to maintain the pH level and visual appearance of your discus fish aquarium. Popular substrate materials include gravel and corals. Add plants and rocks to your tank as well.
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Provide light for your discus fish. Fluorescent lights should be attached to the lid of your aquarium for both your viewing pleasure and your fish's health. Use only subtle lights and, when available, choose natural daylight over artificial light.
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Tips & Warnings
Discus fish's tolerance to high pH means these fish can tolerate coral and shells in the aquarium easier than some other tropical breeds.
Discus fish are not simple fish for which to care. Although they are sociable, always check with your pet store to make sure they're compatible with other breeds of fish.
