Question about discus..kinda lengthy

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swarrrm

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 28, 2009
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Canada
So my LFS is closing down everything @ 50% off (I've stocked up on so much stuff) Anyway, they have a single juvi discus there for 20 bucks!! The discus has been in a tank by himself there for well over a month. He said he'll hold it for me until I decide. I already know the basics of discus care so I'm skeptical.
I know if I don't buy it there's almost no chance it will survive. My choices for housing would be a 15 gal tank with a few platies and my 55 which has a Fire Eel 15"(i know..he'll be in a 125 by sept) , 2 Flying Fox, 5 corys. 1 Lavender Gourami, 1 7" pleco. So should I bother ? He will be without other discus in the tank until I get my 125..then I would add a couple more discus to the 55 which would have only discus. Thoughts?
 
Not a Discus expert by any means, but from what I've read is they are super difficult to take care of when they are under 3". Also the eel might stress it out. Honestly try this thread in the Discus forum for better luck!
 
Yea i know what you mean. The only worry about my fire eel would be it's size alone just scaring the discus and stressing it to death. Thanks for the reply.
 
Depends on the discus. I had a 3" discus square off quite comfortable against a 12" bala shark. At 3 inches they are not much harder to take care of than adults assuming you keep your water in good condition, if he/she is much smaller than that then yes. The fire eel might be a problem as the discus are known for getting food by blowing on the bottom and grabbing worms. The 15 gallon grow out tank would be fine for a while.

If you are willing to risk 20 bucks and can care for him then go ahead, I've had some rescue discus do really well and some do really poorly.

You may have issues later as the first fish will dominate the tank.
 
I raise and breed discus. I find they do best in groups and in barebottom tanks as youngsters. It reduces stress, allows for better water quality, and reduces the chances of stunting. Then once they approach 4-5" you can move them into a planted or discus only tank. Personally i wouldn't buy it, wait till you have a tank set up specifically for some. I would also try to find a breeder in your local area. Breeders always have quality fish, you get to choose the best ones out, you could see their parents, and they generally have lower prices than stores.
 
Midas Madness;3247488; said:
I raise and breed discus. I find they do best in groups and in barebottom tanks as youngsters. It reduces stress, allows for better water quality, and reduces the chances of stunting. Then once they approach 4-5" you can move them into a planted or discus only tank. Personally i wouldn't buy it, wait till you have a tank set up specifically for some. I would also try to find a breeder in your local area. Breeders always have quality fish, you get to choose the best ones out, you could see their parents, and they generally have lower prices than stores.
Click to expand...

You're right, I think I've decided not to get it. It's not really worth the risk of it getting sick and giving something to my fire eel (my monster)
Thanks for the help
 
It's a good decision to pass on the discus. It sounds like you don't have a good setup for it anyway. A single juvi discus that's been by itself for a while is likely stunted and not in the best of health.
 
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