Thinking about dicus in a 55

[Stepmom]

I have a 55 gallon that I want to get set up for discus. I have done alot of research. I am planning on getting tank bred discus.
I also plan on useing sand a substraight, getting drift would, and planting slightly. But what worries me is my tap test at about a ph of 8.0.
Just messing around I tested the water that was in my fidge filter (small pouring fitler) and it was a ph of 7.2.

How can a get better water for dicus without spending alot of money or going RO

what other things should i consider???

 

[muckieman]

you mean like lowering your PH

 

[Dkarc]

Discus will do fine at a pH of 8.0. Mine are slightly higher (8.2-8.3) and do great. Warm water, clean water (frequent water changes) and good food is all that is needed for healthy discus.

-Ryan

 

[Stepmom]

YAh how can you lower your PH? Also my lft keeps em at 7.0 and they told me they wont be healthy or keep good color if i keep em at 8.0. So i was nervouse. Any other concers about sand

 

[Stepmom]

also i hear people who change there water once a day would 25 to 35% a week be good?

 

[fISHyPriorities]

Dkarc is right just use your tap water
keep it in the mid 80s and change water once a week
discus are easy

 

[fISHyPriorities]

change water 50% is what i was going to say

 

[Lupin]

also i hear people who change there water once a day would 25 to 35% a week be good?

Twice or thrice a week is even better.

 

[ziggy2]

I like two changes a week. I like to do about 35% each time. I would not get into using chemicals, they tend to change the perameters too quickly. They will do fine if you use your tap water. If you add some peat moss to your sump and add a lot of wood, your ph will be fine. Mine runs at 7.5.

 

[oshp132]

You can never do too many water changes with your discus.....My fry and breeders get daily water changes (The fry are 100% daily)....My 135 gallon display tank gets at least 3 water changes per week (40%)....Sometimes more if my fish are acting "FISHY".

MIKE