starting discus a few questions...

[bcshepard]

Well I have a few questions here. I am converting my 150G Tall to discus. I have a bunch of nice driftwood pieces I ordered at the beginning of last month that are in a big barrel soaking that I am doing regular water changes on.. Waiting for them to start sinking. 1 or 2 have so far. That and my tank are the start.


So the fish are the last things to go in the tank. That is my last priority. But I am interested in some good captive bred discus breaders in the US, preferably that do not mix with wild. I am in the Portland OR region - there is a good fish store AKA the wetspot here but they are somewhat rude to customers so I prefer not to do my shopping there.


In any case. I will probably not breed. So I was wondering if most people prefer to do 1 or 2 strains, or mix them up? I'm thinking 12-14 or so. I will also be converting my filtration system around, buying a whole new setup for the tank. I was thinking of either a pair of FX5's - or possibly some nuclear filters? 100/25/biofilter? These are expandable and I intend to place have an in-line UV sterilizer in either option.

So I know people always give these lists. I do all the time for cichlids here and there... Anyone have some good suggestions for tank mates WITH some good color?

 

[arowanas lover]

personally i go for a variety of strains to maximises the color. a good supplier to get your fish from is kenny

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/forum...-s-Discus-(Kenny-Cheung)-Daly-City-California

since this is your first time i would suggest starting with 4-5" fish.

got tank mate varies depends on your temp but most popular are:

some variety of cory cat
blood fin tetra
diamond tetra
black neon tetra
cardinal tetra
rummy nose tetra
lemon tetras

you get the idea friendly tetras that can thrive in 80+ temp.

i keep mine at 86 so no tank mate for me but the discus alone are enough =]

 

[3dees]

I would'nt go more than 10. especially if you want other fish. the 150 is just a little taller than my 120. I have 8 adult wilds and believe me they more than fill the tank. I'm not crazy about mixing strains. a school of blues or reds is simply a beautiful sight but thats just my opinion. save your money. do enough wc's and you won't need the uv sterilizer. I would not go with Cardinals or neons. they do not school well and can become expensive snacks. I have 25 lemons and they get along fine with the discus. rummies are another good choice.

 

[fattubwhale]

+1 on Kenny's http://forum.simplydiscus.com/forumd...ity-California

10-12 Sub-Adults/Adults would be a pretty good staring point, Especially if your going to be adding more stock in the future! and for what strains you like/want is really up to you! I have a little bit of everything
What kind of filtration system are you running now? On my 150 i have a sump with a nuclear canister and it is more than enough filtration for it... if your gonna change or up grade your filtration system you wrong with 2 FX5 either...

 

[fattubwhale]

+1 on Kenny's http://forum.simplydiscus.com/forumd...ity-California

10-12 Sub-Adults/Adults would be a pretty good staring point, Especially if your going to be adding more stock in the future! and for what strains you like/want is really up to you! I have a little bit of everything
What kind of filtration system are you running now? On my 150 i have a sump with a nuclear canister and it is more than enough filtration for it... if your gonna change or up grade your filtration system you wrong with 2 FX5 either...

Meant to say you cant go wrong with 2 FX5's !

 

[evilobster]

i would go with one strain... that way in the future if they decide to make discus babies you don't end up with mutts. i have mixed bunch right now but if i could do it over, i'd do a school of reds or PBs. simplydiscus.com is a great place to get more info. best of luck buddy

 

[arowanas lover]

i would go with one strain... that way in the future if they decide to make discus babies you don't end up with mutts. i have mixed bunch right now but if i could do it over, i'd do a school of reds or PBs. simplydiscus.com is a great place to get more info. best of luck buddy

Hate to break it to ya but any domestic discus you buy is a mutt. Even the pure pigeon is a mutt.