I keep discus problem-free with just tap water . . . most of the literature I've read is that water parameters are not as important as having consistency . . . the discus will do poorly if the PH fluctuates wildly at water changes . . . it should be noted that I just keep discus for fun, if you are really looking to grow them out/breed them at their full potential tap water may not be that best, but from my personal experience it doesn't adversely affect their health.
Discus in Tap water
- Thread starter driftwood
- Start date
Denver tap water is around 7.4. The last time I tried Discus I screwed up and used all RO water and they never had a chance but that was years ago. I could use half RO and half tap. Would that make a big difference or if i get tank raised Discus I could keep them in staight tap water given mine is simalar to the tap water the breeder has his in?
you should be able to keep them in tap with a higher pH ok, in some instances they will grow quicker and stronger due to the extra minerals available to create scales/bones etc.
I'm not sure they will breed well with a high pH tho - I thought it affected the strength of the egg casing.
I'm not sure they will breed well with a high pH tho - I thought it affected the strength of the egg casing.
I have many times for a while now successfully raised discus in florida tap water. While it may not be the hardest water around, it is rather high in pH. 8.2-8.3 in fact. They do great. I have even had adults try to spawn in straight tap (of course no eggs hatched). Now if you want to get the eggs to hatch when they spawn then you will need to use RO water. Good filtration, good aeration (O2 levels), and warm water is all that is needed for discus.
-Ryan
-Ryan
Mine get a pritine pH of 8.2 and a hardness of 8dKH and 19dGH.Peanut_Power;1908143;1908143 said:
the best way to keep discus in tap water is if you buy juviniles instead of adults, juviniles are easier to convert from RO to tap, or you can buy discus that were raised in tap water
I live in South Western Ontario. Our water is 7-8 in ph. A lot people arond here keep them in outr tap water and they are just as colorful as any other discus I have seen. I know that a lot of the discus around here have been born and bred in our water with great success, So yes you CAN use tap water. I would just try to see where your particular fish was born and check the general water parameters of the local area where they were born.
