Feeding Discus • Water Parameters • Discus Tankmates

This page is full of informations to help you with your Discus keeping, click on the links to the right to search every subject of interest.

Feeding Discus:

We Feed our Discus a variety of nutritional foods,which are available to you for purchase in our Fish & Supplies area. Live white worms are fed three times a weeks only, due to the high fat content, but they are a necessity in the Discus diet.Beef heart mix is also very important, we have been making our own for years and as of now,it is available to all our customers.

Hikari frozen blood worms, are another delicacy we feed to our Discus, they absolutely love them, Freeze dried Tubifex worms are fed on a daily basis, they are clean, rich in crude protein (more then 50%) and you can stick them on to the glass, and watch your Discus feast on them, I still smile at the site of my baby Discus, indulging in this delicacy. Then we also offer, Nutri-bits, Tetra bits, high protein flake foods and Ocean Nutrition formula one. Please check our Fish & Supplies for some of these items on sale.

Our adult Discus are fed once or twice a day with an assorted selection of food listed above, the young adult are fed three times a day and the juveniles up to 5 times a day. Discus needs a lot of food to reach full growth, but remember to clean the left over after 15 minutes and keep up with water changes, this way you will avoid health problems in the future.

Water Parameters:

Discus will need a little more time and effort than a regular tropical fish, its beauty and behavior will conquer your heart and you will do anything to make them happy.

We cannot emphasize enough on how important water quality is, in our hatcheries 75% of water is replaced daily through a drip system, all tank bottoms are siphoned twice a day and more aged water of same temperature is added. Water for growing tanks is kept at 88* , PH between 6.9 and 7.2, hardness between 250 and 350 PPM.Within these limits and proper feeding, you'll see your precious Discus reach full growth in a short time.

All Discus though, will thrive in a much wider range of water parameters, as long as the changes are not done suddenly they will adjust to ranges of PH, from 6.0 to 7.6, and hardness, from 50 to 450 PPM.

Because the average hobbyists cannot dedicate so much time to their aquariums, a good biological filter, and a minimum of 30% water change weekly is recommended and will suffice. One hour a week, will go a long way on making your fish happy and healthy, but it will be your dedication that will make the difference in your success.

With planted Discus aquariums, we recommend the same procedure, with a PH lower then 7.0, hardness lower than 150 PPM. and temperatures between 81* and 85*.

With good dedication and a little luck, your beautiful Discus will pair up, and start spawning away, especially after a nice cool water change. Absolutely fascinating. If you think that you got the Discus Bug, please check out all our pages with so much more to read and learn.

Compatible Discus Tankmates:

Keep in mind that your tank should be a Discus tank first - make sure the other fish you intend to keep conform to Discus conditions, and not vice-versa! Always quarantine any fish for at least two to four weeks before mixing them in with Discus.

The list below is what we have experienced to be suitable as Discus companions, information is based on temperament, size and water parameters.

	Cardinal Tetra, Neon Tetra - These brilliantly colored fish do well with discus. They can live in the warmer, acidic water and a school of Cardinals can "draw" out a shy discus. Cardinal Tetras are related to the Neon Tetra, but will grow slightly longer (up to 2" or about 5cm) and are hardier at warmer temperatures. Try to keep at least nine in your tank.
	Glowlight Tetra - A very popular freshwater tetra, which came from the clear water streams of South America. This fish has a clear body with a bright neon red stripe running from the nose into the tail. When the lights on the aquarium are dimmed, the red stripe on the fish can be clearly seen which lends to its name. They are a great addition to any soft water Discus aquarium.
	Black Neon Tetra - A very popular freshwater tetra, which originally came from the clear water streams of South America. This fish has markings that are similar to the Neon Tetra, except the bottom half of the fish is black with a bright yellowish green stripe running horizontally across the fish. They are a great addition to any soft water Discus aquarium.
	Loaches - There are many different varieties, all of them generally do well with discus and are good to keep as bottom feeders. Try to keep at least two in your tank. I've found that Clown loaches are a lot larger than the other varieties, these loaches can scare the discus during feeding, so its best to avoid them once above 5 inches.
	Bushynose Plecostomus - The Bushy Nose Plecostomus, also known as the Bristlenose Plecostomus, comes from the rivers and tributaries of South America. It is mainly brown, with a mottling of lighter areas. The mouth area and nose are covered in short, whisker-like appendages, which are used for detecting food. There are also many color and fin variations available. Bushy Nose Plecos make good additions to any community or Discus aquarium.
	Imperial Zebra Plecostomus - I've had good luck keeping this catfish with my discus. Unlike most other plecos the zebra is more of a carnivore. There are several different varieties of plecos, some stay small, others will outgrow small tanks. Some will develop a "taste" for the mucus on the discus' skin, so we only suggest two Plecos.
	Siamese Algae Eater - This fish is a very good algae eater and scavenger. I've rarely seen them cause any trouble with discus. Sometimes these fish are a bit skittish and that can frighten a discus. The only fault with keeping this fish with discus is that they would rather eat the food instead of 'working' for algae and will eat the buds of soft plants..
	Ottocinclus - It is a small (2") algae-eating fish which is perfect for the tropical freshwater aquarium. It is a diligent worker, doesn't have an aggressive bone in its body, and is fun to watch interact with others in a group. Other names for otocinclus are "otos", or "dwarf suckermouth catfish". We experinced that if not enough algea, Ottos will look for food on the Discus skin, you can prevent that by feeding Spirulina discs.
	German Blue Rams - Social fish that will form pairs and often remains "faithful" to each other. German Blue Rams have an orange face, a red/yellow belly, and neon blue towards the back half of the body. Being a peaceful fish, the German Blue Ram makes a wonderful addition to the Discus tank. However, if kept in an aquarium that lacks hiding places for this fish, they may become aggressive toward each other.
	Bolivian Rams - Also called the Butterfly Ram and the Red Ram, is a social fish that will form pairs and often remains "faithful" to each other. Bolivian Rams are golden brown in color with reddish highlights on the dorsal and caudal fins and pearly turquoise-blue highlights on the pelvic and anal fins. A black 'spot' is in the center of the body and a black line runs from the top of the eye to the bottom of the head.
	Rasboras - There are several virieties that you can choose from,all of them will do well with Discus. The Harlequin Rasbora (our favorite) is one of the most popular aquarium fish. These fish have a black triangle-shaped patch starting near the dorsal fin. The male's patch is slightly rounded at the bottom with an extended tip while the female's is straight. Females are larger than the males.
	Praecox Rainbow - Otherwise known as the Dwarf Neon Rainbow, is a peaceful schooling fish. Rainbowfish are known for their characteristic large eyes, black or silver band that runs through the middle scale rows, deeply forked mouth, and two dorsal fins.
	Rummy Nose Tetra - The name of this fish can be easily distinguished by is red nose. The caudal fin is also coloured as it has three black stripes, which are fainter in juvenile fish. Found in the lower stretches of the Amazon river soft, acid conditions are preferred. This species is used in Discus aquaria, or as part of a typical 'blackwater' selection incorporating Cardinal Tetras, small cichlids like the Checkerboard, or Rio Negro Apisto species, Pencilfishes, e.g., Nannostomus eques. As a shoaling species, it requires open swimming space and planted thickets. It also likes tannin-stained water produced by either peat, or a peace of bog wood.
	Koi Angel - The Koi Angel is a strain of angelfish that has been bred for its mottled black and white coloration. Some may have gold markings on the head. These are beautiful angelfish, and like Koi, the coloration of each fish will be different. It prefers a well-planted aquarium of at least 20 gallons. Rocks, driftwood, and plants can be added to the aquarium, but leave plenty of space for swimming. *Note* some angels have been known to be fin nippers even though most of the time they are peaceful fish.
	Skunk Loach - The Skunk Loaches are known for their smooth and sleek pinkish body and the four barbels sticking out from their mouths. They have a black stripe that runs from the tip of their nose to the tail. They like to have some caves, holes or a planted environment to make it feel safe and secure, especially when it sleeps. They will tend to group with other fish of the same size.
	Celebes Rainbow - The Celebes Rainbow is a schooling fish that should be kept with other peaceful fish. The colorful males have an extended second dorsal and anal fin. Natural lighting intensifies their colors. The aquarium for this peaceful Rainbow should have plants but also needs large open spaces for swimming. Water conditions should remain stable, as the Celebes is sensitive to changes. Although Celebes Rainbows have large mouths, their throats tend to be narrow. Small pieces of an omnivore diet of prepared flakes, algae, or live foods should be fed.
	Turquoise Rainbow - The Turquoise or Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish have striking colors, with males having an intense blue color, that make for a great centerpiece in the aquarium. Rainbowfish are known for the characteristic large eyes, black or silver band that runs through the middle scale rows, deeply forked mouth, and two dorsal fins. This peaceful fish is a schooling fish that should be housed in a planted aquarium with plenty of swimming room. A gravel substrate will add to a good environment and, if dark enough, may intensify the colors of the fish. Although Turquoise Rainbows have large mouths, their throats tend to be narrow. Foods fed should be small in size. Their omnivorous diet should include prepared flake, frozen, and live foods.
	Bleeding Heart Tetra - The Bleeding Heart Tetra gets its name from the markings on its body. The blushing red near the gills gives this South American fish a "bleeding heart" look. Perfect for the community aquarium, this hardy tetra will be a great choice for the beginner to the expert aquarist. A planted tank of at least 20 gallons will be the ideal environment for this tetra. Rocks and driftwood help mirror its natural habitat and will help to reduce stress on the fish. The Bleeding Heart Tetra does best will soft slightly acidic water with high filtration. The Bleeding Heart Tetra will accept many small foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, micro pellet food, and a high quality flake food.
	SerpaeTetra - The Serpae Tetra is a usually peaceful, schooling fish that comes from the regions of South America. It can be a minor fin nipper, so other species with delicate fins are best kept separate. Hiding spaces such as rocks, plants, and driftwood are recommended to give this fish a sense of security. Taller plants should be used to coincide with its mid-level swimming habits along with plenty of rock formed cave structures. Serpae Tetras will accept many small foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, micro pellet food, and a high quality flake food.
	Leopard Longfin Danio - The Leopard Longfin Danio is from the Zebra Danio variety; the difference is that the Leopard Longfin Danio has a spotted pattern on them. They are known for having a goldish metallic color that will shimmer in your tank bringing a new meaning to the word beautiful. These fish are best kept in groups of other Danio species as well as Discus and other small peaceful fish. They like a well planted environment with large swimming areas.
	Julii Cory - The Julii Cory is known for the spots along its body that adds a new style to the bottom of your tank. They are very friendly and they love to dance around the tank for you. They do like to have places to hide for when it needs relief from the light. They also like a well planted environment and a smooth sand or gravel substrate because of their fragile barbels. They like being in a small group of 4 or more, and when feeding them you are in for a energetic dance that will be fun to watch each time.
	Panda Cory - The Panda Cory Cat comes from the tributaries of larger river systems in Central and South America, and is a peaceful bottom dwelling scavenger. The Panda is gold with black patches covering the eyes, dorsal fin, and at the base of the tail. The Panda Cory Cat requires a well planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places that provide relief from the light. A smooth sand or gravel substrate is needed because of the easily damaged barbels. They enjoy being in numbers, so a small school of six or more is ideal for these cats. The Panda Cory Cat is omnivorous and will require a well balanced diet including dried, flake, frozen, and live foods. Feed a quality flake and pellet food as well as frozen brine and live worms.
	Schwartzi Cory - The Swartz's Cory Cat comes from the tributaries of the Rio Negro and Rio Uaupes in South America and is a peaceful bottom dwelling scavenger. The Swartz's Cory is a beautiful catfish with a silver body and two distinct black horizontal stripes that run from just behind the gill plate to the tail. The eyes are also covered with a black stripe and the head area is tan in color. The Swartz's Cory Cat requires a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places that provide relief from the light. They enjoy being in numbers, so a small school of six or more is ideal for these cats. Feed the fry a variety of mashed dried foods as well as baby brine shrimp. The Swartz's Cory Cat is omnivorous and will require a well balanced diet including dried, flake, frozen, and live foods. Feed a quality flake and pellet food as well as frozen brine and live worms.
	Apisto Agassizi - The Apisto Agassizi is known in the hobby as the Double Full Red Agassizi Cichlid which originates within the Amazon Basin of South America. The body of these fish is elongated with a dark horizontal stripe. The dorsal fin extends almost the entire length of the body and is held low on the body with red outlines. These fish will change coloration depending on its mood. The Double Full Red Agassizi Cichlid should be kept in an aquarium that is 30 gallons minimum, with densely planted groupings. They require plenty of open swimming areas but also need hiding places. A fine gravel to sand substrate is recommended. Although a semi-aggressive fish, they are also timid and should not be housed with large, aggressive fish. They require good water conditions, and regular water changes are a must.
	Pentazona Barb - The Pentazona Barb, is a golden color with six black bars running vertically on each side of the body. The Pentazona Barb prefers a well-planted tank of at least 30 gallons with soft, slightly acidic water. Rocks and driftwood can be added to the aquarium, but leave plenty of space for swimming. The Pentazona Barb is a schooling fish and will do best in a small group of 5 or more individuals. If given a large enough school, they will typically not bother any other fish in the aquarium. The Hexazon Barb needs to be fed a variety of foods including vegetable-based as well as meaty foods. Feed a quality flake food as well as freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.
	Black Emperor Tetra - This strain of the Emperor Tetras is nicest looking of them all. They have a black velvety body and white noses. The difference between male and female is that the males have blue eyes and the females green. A good group size would be eight to ten of them. This will prevent bullying amongst the group. They enjoy having a nice hiding spot for breeding and just for hiding from larger fish. A good thing to have on the bottom of your tank would be java moss but again this is not needed regular plastic plants work too.
	Malaysian Trumpet Snail - You can have hundreds of these helpful little Malaysian Trumpet Snails in your tank and never see one, unless you look at your tank an hour or two after you turn out your lights. Use a flashlight, and you’ll notice these guys and gals sliding up the walls of your tank.

Discus Diseases & Treatments (coming soon)

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