Discus Water Parameters?

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ariodpalm

ariodpalm

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Nov 24, 2008
35
0
36
Baltimore
Hi,

I just started keeping discus within the last few months. I have notice that one of my larger discus has cloudy eyes after every water change. I do about 25-30% water change for my 30g. I have 2 (4-5 in), 2 (3-3.5 in), and 2 (2-2.5 in) in the tank. The reason I do 30% changes everyday because I believe I have fungus, the white spots on my discus. I add about 3 tbs of salt plus quick cure for the fungus. The fungus seem to go away but then come back in a few weeks. My tank is barebottom with a few moss ball and 2 plants.

My questions then, what do I need to do to keep my larger discus from getting cloudy eyes? They all eat well but chase each other alot. And how long must I add the quick cure to completely get rid of the fungus? And what is the typical water changes for discus? I have read that there could be as little as 50% a week to 50% a day? I live in chicago, so we have hard water.

Thanks for your input, I don't have any pic because I'm at work.
 
I would suggest you do a 80 to 95% water change, lay off the salt and meds, and after do at least a 50% daily water change until you can get a bigger tank. You have too many fish, and not enough water volume, which is probably why you are having problems.
 
thanks for your advice, i'll try that tomorrow. it just seems funny because only one fish develop this symptom while others are fine.
 
I just have another question maybe you can help. my tank has a couple of fish that are really aggressive, so i've been looking for a bigger tank and maybe adding a few females. I've asked this breeder in chicago and he said "buy the smaller ones in the batch, it will most likely be females." I know that females tend to be smaller than males, but then there could also be runt males. So is there much truth in what he is saying or is he just trying to sell off the smaller ones because not many people wants them.
 
Could be he's just trying to unload smaller fish. Most of my females are just as big or bigger than males of the same age. So IMO that doesn't mean anything. In general, the larger the group, the less aggression they will be. I would add that you need a bigger tank than that 30 gal. regardless of where you get any more fish or not.
 
Hi there...:iagree: with Hillbilly... Bigger tank+ cleaner water= healthier happier discus.. I wouldn't keep 6 discus in anything smaller than a 55 and would really prefer to see them in a 75 as adults..if you could manage it.. Good luck with your fish... Sue:D
 
I agree with you guys about the 55g or more, I'm kind of tight on cash and have to wait until I can find a larger thank that is also in a fair condition. Which would also mean that I wouldn't have to do a 50% water change everyday.

And thanks for the advice hillbilly, 50% water change everyday does make them more active and healthier.
 
I took a pic of my fish this morning with my phone. I'm still trying to find a way to reduce the aggression in my tank.

fish.JPG
 
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