Sick discus?

[Andrew101]

You have a new tank and it is questionable whether it is fully cycled right now, plus you have a very sick fish, so yes, check for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. If you have any signs of ammonia and nitrite that's not good. However, if there's no trace of any of these 3 things, it means your tank is not cycled, and that's not a good thing either.

I have my water parameters.
Ammonia: 0.50 ppm
Nitrate: between 0 and 5.0 ppm
Ph: 6.4
Nitrite: 1.0 ppm

 

[xraycer]

I have my water parameters.
Ammonia: 0.50 ppm
Nitrate: between 0 and 5.0 ppm
Ph: 6.4
Nitrite: 1.0 ppm

This is what I was sort of figuring, you don't have enough bb from the gravel you transferred over. Is there any spare bio media you can transfer over from the established tank? If not then all you can do 30% daily w/c to keep up with the ammonia/nitrite build-up. You may have to do this for several weeks until the bb population is adequate. Check these parameters once a week to confirm the tank is fully cycled. Another thing you may want to try to speed up the process is those bb in a bottle product, such as SafeStart. I've never used these products before, but there are plenty of members who swears by them.

 

[Andrew101]

This is what I was sort of figuring, you don't have enough bb from the gravel you transferred over. Is there any spare bio media you can transfer over from the established tank? If not then all you can do 30% daily w/c to keep up with the ammonia/nitrite build-up. You may have to do this for several weeks until the bb population is adequate. Check these parameters once a week to confirm the tank is fully cycled. Another thing you may want to try to speed up the process is those bb in a bottle product, such as SafeStart. I've never used these products before, but there are plenty of members who swears by them.

That's what I used simple start?

 

[Andrew101]

That's what I used simple start?

This is what I was sort of figuring, you don't have enough bb from the gravel you transferred over. Is there any spare bio media you can transfer over from the established tank? If not then all you can do 30% daily w/c to keep up with the ammonia/nitrite build-up. You may have to do this for several weeks until the bb population is adequate. Check these parameters once a week to confirm the tank is fully cycled. Another thing you may want to try to speed up the process is those bb in a bottle product, such as SafeStart. I've never used these products before, but there are plenty of members who swears by them.

It has bb in it and all so you can quickly start up a tank that's what I used to start it along with gravel and plants

 

[Lawlboom]

That liquid beneficial bacteria stuff STILL requires the tank to cycle. As you noticed you are getting ammonia and nitrate which are extremely toxic to any fish. Discus being super sensitive I don't think it was a good idea to put them through a mini cycle. Especially with how expensive they can be.

I agree with everything the above said with one addition. I think you should increase your WC to 50-80% daily.

I let my nitrates get to 20ppm and two of my discus turned black and started breathing really heavy. All because they were used to <5. These guys are sensitive.

 

[HungDang]

well, seem like some other member have already said what I want to say. I will just add to this a could be consider rude but common in the fish keeping hobby statement: "you should've research before buying fish". I say that because if you go around and do some proper researches, you will never buy a discus from liveaquaria.com.

 

[Andrew101]

well, seem like some other member have already said what I want to say. I will just add to this a could be consider rude but common in the fish keeping hobby statement: "you should've research before buying fish". I say that because if you go around and do some proper researches, you will never buy a discus from liveaquaria.com.

Why is that?

 

[Lawlboom]

Why is that?

Discus are probably one of if not the most difficult freshwater fish to keep. Liveaquaria is well known for some inaccurate information such as minimum tank sizes and generally very poor quality of fish. Looking at the prices of discus you overpaid a considerable amount for discus. I paid 30-40$ for my juvies from Discus Hans.

I have never bought from liveaquaria I simply picking up on various threads I have read about them on other forums.

Because Discus are so sensitive you are looking for a very good bloodline. From big box stores you really have no idea what you're getting. Dedicated breeders will have strong bloodlines. They pay very close attention to what they cross.

I'm sorry to say, but did you research discus at all? Take this as a lesson learned. Before you buy any fish make sure you read, read, read, read, and read some more. The average lifespan of a discus is 10 years if kept properly. Pretty close to a dog or cat.

Let's get you on the right track now.

A stable PH is a good PH:
If you are doing water changes directly from the tap you should test both the Tap PH and check for a PH swing. After the 'gas off' your PH can change. If your Ph swing is big you need to age your water before doing the change. I bought a 40g trash can and use a heater with a powerhead in it. The movement will help gas off chlorine and stabilize the Ph. The heater allows to accurately match new water temp with tank temp

Discus are Warm Water Fish:
You're temperature should be a constant between 80-85F. I keep mine at 82F. New water should be nearly the same temperature as the tank temperature.

Discus are prone to Stress:
I couldn't tell from the picture but most agree you should paint the back and sides of the tank because Discus scare easy causing them to flee in a panic and collide with things potentially hurting them.

If any of this was redundant, I apologize I am just trying to inform not judge or be rude.

I work nights so I'm going to bed now, but if you have any questions send me a PM and I'll answer them when I get up. If I can't answer it myself I will find the answer.

 

[Andrew101]

Discus are probably one of if not the most difficult freshwater fish to keep. Liveaquaria is well known for some inaccurate information such as minimum tank sizes and generally very poor quality of fish. Looking at the prices of discus you overpaid a considerable amount for discus. I paid 30-40$ for my juvies from Discus Hans.

I have never bought from liveaquaria I simply picking up on various threads I have read about them on other forums.

Because Discus are so sensitive you are looking for a very good bloodline. From big box stores you really have no idea what you're getting. Dedicated breeders will have strong bloodlines. They pay very close attention to what they cross.

I'm sorry to say, but did you research discus at all? Take this as a lesson learned. Before you buy any fish make sure you read, read, read, read, and read some more. The average lifespan of a discus is 10 years if kept properly. Pretty close to a dog or cat.

Let's get you on the right track now.

A stable PH is a good PH:
If you are doing water changes directly from the tap you should test both the Tap PH and check for a PH swing. After the 'gas off' your PH can change. If your Ph swing is big you need to age your water before doing the change. I bought a 40g trash can and use a heater with a powerhead in it. The movement will help gas off chlorine and stabilize the Ph. The heater allows to accurately match new water temp with tank temp

Discus are Warm Water Fish:
You're temperature should be a constant between 80-85F. I keep mine at 82F. New water should be nearly the same temperature as the tank temperature.

Discus are prone to Stress:
I couldn't tell from the picture but most agree you should paint the back and sides of the tank because Discus scare easy causing them to flee in a panic and collide with things potentially hurting them.

If any of this was redundant, I apologize I am just trying to inform not judge or be rude.

I work nights so I'm going to bed now, but if you have any questions send me a PM and I'll answer them when I get up. If I can't answer it myself I will find the answer.

Thank you for your help is there any way to personal message you? I am newish to mfk.

 

[fattubwhale]

Looks like all has been addressed with the above comments! Only thing you can do know is keep up on the water changes and get your hands on some established sponge filters or Media to add to the tank to help with the cycle.