FishChannel Forums / Freshwater Emergencies / Freshwater Forums / discus trouble / Latest Posts

RE: discus trouble

filipem — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:47:00 GMT

Discus can be this way. There is a chance that it's eating when your not looking, it may be picking at food that is left over.

Also FattFishy is right about the stocking. I wouldn't expect those fish to live for very long if they are all going stay in that 30 gallon. Discus also require much warmer temperature then most tropical fish. 85 -86 is what I kept mine at. You should really think about getting a larger tank to rehome the discus at the very least. They are most comfortable in schools. You should have a least five for them to be happy. They also most comfortable with a nitrate level of 10 and under.

If they are juvies they are going to need a lot of feedings with high protein foods and tons of water changes for them to grow.

RE: discus trouble

saltwater guy — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:35:14 GMT

first of all i got smal fish and im going to move them into a bigger tank when they get bigger.

i also dont have an ammonia kit

RE: discus trouble

FattFishy — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:51:07 GMT

For a 30 gallon, no fish like what you have should be kept in there.

Pearl Gourami - Fine, even in a 20 gallon. If you see aggression coming from it towards the angelfish, it's probably attacking the fins. Just a note of caution.

Angelfish - Honestly, I really don't think any angel should be kept in there. They can grow to 10 inches in height and need up and down space. At least a 55 gallon tall (if modified or specially made) should be the minimum.

Discus - These need clean water. Nitrates of 30 ppm is not going to be acceptable. Clean about every other day at 50%. Also, they need a bigger tank. At least 75 gallons with around 22 inches of height. Obviously, as a discus fish, they will grow larger than angels and need a tall tank.

Clown Loach - I do not understand why people recommend this loach. These guys grow big (18 in wild, 12 in captivity), school, and are active. A 75 gallon at least for just a school of 6 full grown clowns. If you're thinking their size will be shortened because of the tank size, that's just sad. There is no other way but to stunt it which will stress and greatly shorten its lifespan.

Return at least the clown loach. If you've been planning a long time for the discus and angels, do whatever you want with them but... what should you do?

Can you post the ammonia levels? It could be naturally occuring nitrates in the water... although that's pretty high nitrates.

A pH of 7.2 isn't exactly ideal for soft acidic water fish. I'm not saying to adjust it. Stability of thet pH is better than a fluctuating pH. A pH change of 0.2 within an hour can kill any fish.

RE: discus trouble

saltwater guy — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:28:47 GMT

pH-7.2
kH-120
GH-300
nitrite-0
nitrate-30

RE: discus trouble

saltwater guy — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:26:49 GMT

i added some bacteria in

RE: discus trouble

Bubbleboy — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:16:25 GMT

And wow if you started it up 2 days before you put fish in, theres NO way it's cycled. Your ammonia levels are probably very high. Always cycle your tank for at least 2 weeks before adding fish. 2 days is simply not enough. You're in for a rough ride my friend.

RE: discus trouble

Bubbleboy — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:14:49 GMT

Admittedly, that is strange, but if it's not showing any signs of illness, there's really nothing you can do but keep it's water in as best a condition as you can. Test your water. If you can, give us the ammonia, pH, nitrite and nitrate numbers.

RE: discus trouble

saltwater guy — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:10:58 GMT

even after 2 weeks

RE: discus trouble

Bubbleboy — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:09:21 GMT

Often, when starting a new tank or purchasing a new fish, the fish that is introduced to the tank is not sure of it's surroundings and is a little stressed out. Give it time to adjust to it's new home and i'm sure things will be fine.

discus trouble

saltwater guy — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:59:51 GMT

i started up a 30 gallon tank 2 weeks ago. on the second day i put in 2 discus and 2 angel fish. all of the fish ate right away exept one of my discus. a week later i added a pearl gourami and clown loach. but after two weeks i still dont see my discus eat. he usually hides but sometimes swims around. what should i do?
thank you:cool: