For Discus fish in tanks there are 2 considerations - the depth and volume of the tank. Because of their size and swimming habits, the depth of the tank requires a minimum of 18 inches, better deer, stable water conditions, and taking into account other considerations the minimum size for a tank show should be at least 55 gallons. The surface is the most important factor when buying a tank. Why? Because only on the surface of the tank there is an exchange of gases (oxygen inside, carbon dioxide). Assuming you have a seventy-five gallon tank show, # 39; A biological filter works as needed. Up to 20 young fish measuring 3 inches or 6 or 8 fully adult discs can comfortably inhabit the tank.
Keep in mind that when young fish are small, they grow quickly and become quite large in a short period of time if you maintain good water quality and quality. If your tank is too small, they will not be happy, and this will quickly accelerate their growth. Minor discus should not be stored in too large tanks. Being a social fish, Discus, as a rule, becomes very shy in large tanks. In our hatchery, we place 6 disks up to 1.5 inches in a 29 gallon tank. They will be moved to larger tanks when they reach 2.5 ", and show possible signs of" mating. "Always try to buy the largest tank you can afford for disco fish.
If the Discus breeding is considered later, tanks can be up to 20 gallons per pair. In our incubator, 29 gallons of rectangular glass tanks are used for each breeding pair.
A bare bottom tank with 2 g gallons of water per inch of fish, several sponge filters and a canister filter with activated carbon in it is used to start the process. This is maintained at 6.6-6.8 PH, and the temperature is set at 82 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. We produce 50% of water changes per week, and some breeders reach 95%. Optimal results would be achieved with a daily change of water by 15%. Because Discus produces mucus on their body and is shed regularly, it covers the inner surface of the reservoir and promotes the growth of bacteria. The safe bet is to wipe every tank every week. This requires commercial sponges and brushes.
Because Discus is a big fish, they require clean water and proper filtration. The reservoir must be “tipped” and tested for nitrates / nitrites before the Discus is placed in the tank. Our policy is to use fish, such as some of the more common cichlids, for the tank “cycle”. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 4 weeks before trying to place the Discus with “bicycle” fish. If you are actively involved in the aquarist community, a friend can promise you “bicycle fish” to start your project, and “cyclists” can be returned to their owner at the end of the cycle.
Discus prefers soft water because of the constant rains and drains in their natural habitat. However, we are more concerned about cleanliness. It is much better to have high quality hygiene in the tank than under optimal water conditions, although we strive for both. Discus will adapt to most conditions, including PH up to 7.8 and 350 ppm. microsilymene hardness, but can not survive in constantly changing conditions of water or dirty water.
