my stendker discus juvies are "sparring" with each other!

[sushiray]

72gal BF bare bottom discus juvie tank, 15 variety of discus from Discus Hans, varying sizes (some larger than 2.5"), 2 AC110's + sponge filter + airstone, 1 pc driftwood 16".

just did 75% w/c, pH 6.6 AM=.125 NI=0 NA=2.5

have my discus set up since June. but recently (within last couple of weeks) they have been "sparring" with each other, or just simply chasing each other.

it happens anytime of the day they will mostly chase each other (before after & during feedings). in fact, at this very moment they are going thru the drill.

feed them mostly flakes (HGH/tetramin), once/twice a week either frozen brine or bloodworms.

and get this! it's the smaller juvies (still 2.5") that are showing their spunkiness chasing each other including going after the bigger juvies, whereas the bigger juvies (3.0-3.5") are not as spunky. they will at times chase back cuz they're being annoyed by the little guys!

I have seen a few "spar" with each other (sort of like how bettas like to "spar"). they actually go head to head cuz one of them won't back down.

there is not one that is a weakling & not one who is the main bully. tho at one point, my marlboros were the most aggressive - yet they were not the biggest. even my smallest of the lot gets into it taking no crap from no one!

they were fine for so long together, schooling all together, hovering in the corners all together if frightened.

but it has only been a few weeks where they now swim the whole tank w/o fear & come to the surface knowing I am going to feed them.

any clues? it looks like they have plenty of room to swim around with each other.

thx

 

[migetguy]

imo 15 discus in a 72 gallon is kinda small cause i have 14 discus in a 100 gallon and it overstock cause the water quality get s bad when you have like 5 adults with 9 juvies. so imo you should get a bigger tank. also maybe they are establishing territory cause i have a small checker bullying my other fish around and he is like 2.5 inches compared to his brother which is like 4 inches now.

 

[hillbilly]

No! Say it ain't so! Sorry. Seriously, it's normal behavior and nothing to worry about. It's all about position status within the group, and perfectly normal. They are not trying to kill each other. You do need to remove a few or upgrade the tank when they get larger though. It's not a big deal when they are small however. You do need to get rid of that ammonia reading, or you will have problems for sure. Up the frequency of water changes, get more bio filtration, or go ahead and upgrade the tank now.

 

[chEvstErino]

No! Say it ain't so! Sorry. Seriously, it's normal behavior and nothing to worry about. It's all about position status within the group, and perfectly normal. They are not trying to kill each other. You do need to remove a few or upgrade the tank when they get larger though. It's not a big deal when they are small however. You do need to get rid of that ammonia reading, or you will have problems for sure. Up the frequency of water changes, get more bio filtration, or go ahead and upgrade the tank now.

 

[sushiray]

thx. I sorta knew my tank was not going to be big enough. Not possible to upgrade at this time. but was considering down the road when $$$ become readily available.
but I am using 2 AC110's + sponge filter - which seems to keep the water clear. but I will need to change one of the AC's - it's due time.

I am doing at least 30% w/c & once a week 75%. so will see how it goes. thx again

 

[hillbilly]

thx. I sorta knew my tank was not going to be big enough. Not possible to upgrade at this time. but was considering down the road when $$$ become readily available.
but I am using 2 AC110's + sponge filter - which seems to keep the water clear. but I will need to change one of the AC's - it's due time.

I am doing at least 30% w/c & once a week 75%. so will see how it goes. thx again

I would suggest 50% daily changes, and a double dose of Prime to get rid of that ammonia. What do you mean "change" one of the 110s. Don't change anything on them, except maybe to add more bio media. Rinse the sponge and media out in tank water, and reinstall it. If you are you using carbon cartridges in them, throw it out. Don't use carbon with discus.

 

[sushiray]

I would suggest 50% daily changes, and a double dose of Prime to get rid of that ammonia. What do you mean "change" one of the 110s. Don't change anything on them, except maybe to add more bio media. Rinse the sponge and media out in tank water, and reinstall it. If you are you using carbon cartridges in them, throw it out. Don't use carbon with discus.

sorry, meant I needed to clean not change one of the AC's. will rinse in tank water.

also, may I ask what happens to discus when using carbon?

 

[hillbilly]

sorry, meant I needed to clean not change one of the AC's. will rinse in tank water.

also, may I ask what happens to discus when using carbon?

Carbon can and do sometimes strip essential elements from the water. This is probably where the old myth came from linking carbon use to hole in the head disease. You should never rely on the help of chemical media to remove anything from the water. It's a bad habit to get into. You should have enough bio media to take care of any ammonia in the tank instantly, and everything else should be removed by water changes. This is the standard, accepted method of discus keeping. Besides, getting rid of the carbon will save you some money, not a bad thing these days.

 

[revkkoolaid]

Carbon can and do sometimes strip essential elements from the water. This is probably where the old myth came from linking carbon use to hole in the head disease. You should never rely on the help of chemical media to remove anything from the water. It's a bad habit to get into. You should have enough bio media to take care of any ammonia in the tank instantly, and everything else should be removed by water changes. This is the standard, accepted method of discus keeping. Besides, getting rid of the carbon will save you some money, not a bad thing these days.

Not to mention carbon does next to nothing in a properly setup aquarium.
I totally agree with hillbilly on not relying on chemical media, esp. carbon and zeolite, but I do recommend Seachem Purgien to anyone keeping discus, or any other fish for that matter. It's no substitute for water changes, as ive never seen a fish that enjoys the superdouche like discus do , but it's great as an aid to maintain beyond optimal water condtions 24-7. And in the event something does go wrong when your not home (i.e. someone else overfeeds, dead fish in tank, etc) it can function as a lifesaver. I've seen some serious bailing outdone by Purigen.
"Purigen will scrub a dead cat out of your water if need be! "
I've even exp. awesome growth rates in "show tanks" that only get weekly water changes! Not saying to try this, just an observation.

Plus it tends to last ages , generally several months, in discus tanks due to the frequent water changes and its great for scrubbing tannins from driftwood.

It's freakishly amazing stuff that is well worth the cost.

 

[sushiray]

Not to mention carbon does next to nothing in a properly setup aquarium.
I totally agree with hillbilly on not relying on chemical media, esp. carbon and zeolite, but I do recommend Seachem Purgien to anyone keeping discus, or any other fish for that matter. It's no substitute for water changes, as ive never seen a fish that enjoys the superdouche like discus do , but it's great as an aid to maintain beyond optimal water condtions 24-7. And in the event something does go wrong when your not home (i.e. someone else overfeeds, dead fish in tank, etc) it can function as a lifesaver. I've seen some serious bailing outdone by Purigen.
"Purigen will scrub a dead cat out of your water if need be! "
I've even exp. awesome growth rates in "show tanks" that only get weekly water changes! Not saying to try this, just an observation.

Plus it tends to last ages , generally several months, in discus tanks due to the frequent water changes and its great for scrubbing tannins from driftwood.

It's freakishly amazing stuff that is well worth the cost.

thks to you & hilly! I have removed my carbon (was still stuck on the old philosophy of my olden days).

but your suggestion on Purigen sounds great. may I ask a little more background? when to use, frequency & again how is it so beneficial, espec. for discus tanks? where is best place to buy online?

thk u both so much!

btw - I notice after after an 80% w/c they don't spar & there is less chasing each other. coincidence?

temps 85
pH 6.6 AM/NI = 0 NA = .25 API master kit

edit: also after 50% or more w/c have to continue to add purigen?