I want to start a discus tank any info would help.?

Question

I want other fish also.

Answer 1

A discus tank is a major undertaking and a very tall order for something like this area. You really need to get a book about discus and find a few websites that specialize in discus. They are wonderful fish, but very demanding and require very specialized care. Please don't jump in based on what you read here, find several sources of information first. you will be really glad you did.

Answer 2

It's been a long time since I had Discus, but I'll share what I remember.

First off, Discus are generally shy fish. They do best in a tank alone (of course, there's always that strange fish that likes to break stereotypes!). A well-planted tank, with lots of tall plants for them to hide in will make them happier.

Water quality is where you will spend most of your time and money. I'd advise getting a report on your local tap water first---unless you plan to only replenish your tank from a bottle water source (even then, I'd still recommend some in-depth research on *their* source!). You'll need some heavy-duty filters and you'll need to run all your water for the tank through the filter (unless the water you purchase is verified to be within the conditions a Discus requires).

I believe our tank had Brown Discus (symphysodon aequifasciata axelrodi) . These cichlids, according to The Encyclopedia of Freshwater Tropical Fishes (Expanded Edition, copyright 1996), require soft, acid water between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius. They will take all live foods and some frozen foods (beef heart, liver, bloodworms). They do not accept any dried food except pelleted brine shrimp.

It's possible to "grow" (breed) your own brine shrimp, though you'll need to plan the space for that along with the tank for the Discus. It's possible to set that up in the cabinet of the tank's stand, depending on the other pets or children in your home.

We originally had a 65 gallon hexagonal that was quite tall, compared to the average 55 gallon tank. I think we had 3 discus in that tank, with lots of Amazon sword plants and some driftwood for them to dance around. This tank was placed in the living room, with the rest of our tanks (at the time, we had a 200 gallon and a 55 gallon as well. *sigh* I miss them!). I'd advise putting a discus tank in a corner, not on the main walk-way path.

Here's two sites that appear to go into greater detail. The first one seems to be aimed at lower-tech solutions to a well-maintained tank:

http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/People/opsomer.html

http://www.netpets.com/fish/reference/freshref/discusbegin.html

I hope your endeavors are fruitful and you enjoy your tank!