How to Care for Discus Cichlids
Discus Add Beauty to the Home Aquarium Like No Other Freshwater Fish
Discus (Symphysodon spp) grow to 15-20 cm, and are from the cichlid family. The discus is native to the South American waters of the Amazon basin. The spectacular colors of the discus make them one of the most colorful freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Discus, though, are more difficult to care for than most other aquarium fish. Housing and feeding requirements of discus are quite specific, and these cichlids do not at all tolerate adverse aquarium conditions.
Housing
The minimum tank requirements for the discus is 20 gallons, but the bigger the aquarium is, the better. There should be good filtration in the aquarium, but not a strong current. A hang-on-the-back style power filter is good for this. The intake valves on these filters can be adjusted so that they do not run at full blast.
Temperature
Discus need very warm water. The temperature should not be less than 26º C, and can go all the way up to 30ºC. A heater is a must in the discus aquarium.
Water Quality
Discus need very low pH, from values of 6 - 6.5. Powdered buffers are easy to use, as they are formulated to achieve the exact pH desired, and are safer to use than liquid pH adjusters. Liquid pH adjusters tend to cause drastic changes in pH, which are harmful to any fish. For delicate fish such as discus, powdered buffers are preferable.
Discus need very clean water, but are sensitive to large water changes. With Discus, it is better to do a water change of 10 percent every 7-10 days, instead of a larger change once a month. The new water going into the tank should be adjusted to have the right pH level. As with any aquarium fish, always use water conditioner.
Decorations
Discus appreciate a well planted aquarium. They are shy fish, and need plenty of space to hide in order to feel comfortable. Pieces of wood should also be added to the discus aquarium. Wood not only makes the discus feel as if it is in its natural habitat, but helps buffer the water (see section above).
Feeding
Discus need a variety of foods to stay healthy. Flakes and pellets will be eaten by discus, but these foods should be fed in conjunction with frozen or raw foods. The flakes should contain sources of omega 3 such as spirulina and/or kelp, and also contain ingredients that enhance colors.
Beef heart and blood worms have long been staples in feeding discus. Though nutritious, these foods are very fatty, and should not be fed everyday. Other frozen foods that can be fed are chopped shrimp, brine shrimp, or frozen krill.
A good way to feed discus may be a bit of flake or other high quality dry diet in the morning, and a good feeding of frozen food in the evening. Rotate the type of frozen food daily. Only feed the fish as much as they can consume in 2 minutes, as leftover food can cause adverse water conditions.
Tank Mates
Though discus are peaceful, except when breeding, they should be kept in a species aquarium. Discus are shy fish, and housing them with other fish may prove to be too stressful. The only fish that could be suitable tank mates are harlequin rasboras or neon tetras.
When it comes to fresh water aquariums, discus cichlids are seen as the pinnacle of both difficulty in fish keeping, and overall beauty. When an aquarist exercises thought and care to successfully keep discus, s/he has truly moved from novice to expert.
Discus Cichlids in the Home Aquarium
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