Anyone Ever Kept Discus?

[jeffopentax]

Toying with the idea of starting and/or converting to a planted discus tank. Has anyone here ever had one?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[EricTMah]

I haven't. But take care of a few discus tanks

Sony Xperia Z3

 

[jeffopentax]

I guess at this point the most important question is how readily available are discus and compatible plants? If it is going to require hours of travel or ridiculous shipping costs, i give up already!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[EricTMah]

Our retail store usually always has discus in stock.

They're fine with plants for the most part. They may peck at some more delicate plants. But the more robust plants like Val's, Java furn and such will be perfectly fine. They may make short work of things like cabomba and other more delicate plants

Sony Xperia Z3

 

[heath]

I had toyed with I idea of doing a planted tank but, if I can't keep a cheap house plant alive I figured that I was out of my league, they are nice tho...

 

[jeffopentax]

@EricTMah would a co2 reactor need to be incorporated?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[EricTMah]

It's never a must. But plants always do much better with one.

It's like saying, "does a reef tank need a skimmer?" No, but it will do much better with one.

Sony Xperia Z3

 

[Nonuser]

Problem with plants and discus is that discus like a temp that most plants don't.

Also they require really clean water and huge water changes frequently or it will stunt their growth.

To do it right it's a big commitment.

 

[jeffopentax]

Problem with plants and discus is that discus like a temp that most plants don't.

Also they require really clean water and huge water changes frequently or it will stunt their growth.

To do it right it's a big commitment.

I did find a site that agreed with your points. Still an intriguing endeavour...
http://aquaticconcepts.thekrib.com/Articles/PAM_Discus.htm


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[EricTMah]

Problem with plants and discus is that discus like a temp that most plants don't.

Also they require really clean water and huge water changes frequently or it will stunt their growth.

To do it right it's a big commitment.

Discus can be kept at lower temps with no issues. A temp to keep both plants and fish happy can easily be achieved.

Also regarding clean water. Yes they do better with cleaner environment, but will tolerate less than ideal conditions that will not affect their growth, colour and or health. Ideal conditions will be needed if you're trying to breed them though. That's a whole other can of worms

 

[jeffopentax]

I think the biggest hurdle will be learning about all the plants. Will be like getting familiar with coral all over again!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Nonuser]

I

Discus can be kept at lower temps with no issues. A temp to keep both plants and fish happy can easily be achieved.

Also regarding clean water. Yes they do better with cleaner environment, but will tolerate less than ideal conditions that will not affect their growth, colour and or health. Ideal conditions will be needed if you're trying to breed them though. That's a whole other can of worms

can only really speak from my experience. At one time in my life I had discus fever. I was able to breed them once.

 

[EricTMah]

I think the biggest hurdle will be learning about all the plants. Will be like getting familiar with coral all over again!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've always loved the look of a nicely done Planted Aquarium.

But once you look at what's involved. Like lighting, co2, special substrates. I always say to myself "Why f#*%ing bother?" I just start another reef tank.

 

[EricTMah]

I

can only really speak from my experience. At one time in my life I had discus fever. I was able to breed them once.

All good. I speak from experience as well. I take care of three discus tanks that are thriving and doing well. Not breeding, but healthy and happy

 

[jeffopentax]

I've always loved the look of a nicely done Planted Aquarium.

But once you look at what's involved. Like lighting, co2, special substrates. I always say to myself "Why f#*%ing bother?" I just start another reef tank.

Same could be said for reef tank when coming from freshwater


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[EricTMah]

Same could be said for reef tank when coming from freshwater


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's 100% true.

But reef tanks are my passion and for me isn't worth all the hassle if I can just have another reef.

It all boils down to what you like and how much money and work you're willing to put into it.

Sony Xperia Z3

 

[jeffopentax]

@Nonuser - Great! Someone local i can bug if I start one and things start going horribly wrong!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jeffopentax]

Anybody know where to get a large piece of driftwod?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Kevin Tran]

Discus are nice, I heard they prefer ro water as well . How about just keep one arrowana, this fish grow over a foot long, very nice and they can interact with people too

 

[unibob]

I have small driftwood here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk