tank size for discus?

[AmputatedBrain]

I would get the discus through a breeder if it all possible, you will get a much better product than you will at most pet stores . . .the good ones will ship pretty reasonably.

 

[AmputatedBrain]

Research what a good Discus looks like before you buy them. Watch out for so called "good deals". There are more undesirable fish for sale than they are good ones. Things to watch out for are, large eyes on a small body, "football" shaped fish, peppering, misshapen fins, dark color, cloudy eyes, excessive rapid breathing, breathing from only one gill, stringy poo hanging from the anus, etc. Also, never get just 2 Discus, it is very stressful for them. They have a social, or pecking order, and need a group of fish to do this and feel secure. A good economical Discus tank would be a 55 gal. with a group of 6 fish, with a good HOB filter such as a AquaClear 110 using no carbon, and frequent vac and water changes.

There's nothing inherently wrong with peppering I don't think is there? I know they try to breed it out for aesthetic reason, but I don't think it's a health concern like the other things you listed right?

 

[hillbilly]

There's nothing inherently wrong with peppering I don't think is there? I know they try to breed it out for aesthetic reason, but I don't think it's a health concern like the other things you listed right?

Right. Peppering is not a health concern, just an indication of a lower quality fish. A higher quality fish is generally considered to have little to no pepper. Personally, I prefer to buy fish that have no Pigeon Blood genes so it will never be a problem in any offspring that may occur. The point is that one should look for clean fish when shelling out money for Discus. Often, if you shop around, you can find nicer fish for the same amount than ones that look like they have been carelessly sprayed with black spray paint.

 

[Yanbbrox]

Good dealer + good maintenance = a happy 55 with 6 fish