Well, I've gone and done it... be kind, please!

[jcm412]

I didn't understand why they would be stunted in a larger tank like that. Could you explain a little for me? ( not trying to come off as rude at all I promise)

Its not the size of the tank. Its that the tank is planted and a community tank.

For discus that small he should have a bare bottom tank. Discus need perfect water conditions. And with a planted tank you are asking for growth problems.

 

[justonemoretank]

What is the "grow out" mean? Will they not grow if I don't turn the heat up and put them in a little tank and do three water changes a day? Aren't these fish aquacultured to the point that we no longer have to do crazy stuff to keep them? I did do research before I purchased, and much of what I read led me to believe that these fish are going the way of Angels as far as captive breeding goes, and so they are much easier to keep now than they were, say, ten years ago. I knew I had a few things that weren't in my favor, but I really thought that I could provide the most important things for them -- good, clean water, a varied, healthy diet, and a nice, leafy tank for them to swim in.

 

[justonemoretank]

Its not the size of the tank. Its that the tank is planted and a community tank.

For discus that small he should have a bare bottom tank. Discus need perfect water conditions. And with a planted tank you are asking for growth problems.

Why will they be stunted because it is a planted community tank? That's what we're asking. What's causing the stunting?

What are the perfect water conditions that you're suggesting? What nitrate level? What pH? What KH?

Again, why the growth problems?

I am not trying to start an argument; I genuinely want to know. So please don't be offended.

 

[jcm412]

They will grow best at about 86 degrees. Discus' growth can be stunted very easy. Especially, when they are as young as the ones you have.

No offense but you have a lot to learn. There is a reason discus are called the king of aquarium fish. They take alot of time and care to raise them right.

 

[jcm412]

In a planted and com tank you can not achieve ideal water conditions for a growing discus. Planted and com tanks can cause stress disease and a number of other problems.

Can discus be raised in a com and planted tank? Yes, but you are going to screw them up for life. Dont believe everything your LFS or discus hatchery tell you. they are trying to sell fish.

Do some more research on the hobby in general. Then do some more on discus.

 

[justonemoretank]

What are the pH, KH, and Nitrate level I need to achieve?

These numbers change from source to source to source. Everyone is of the opinion that there is a hard-and-fast pH, KH, and Nitrate level that needs to be achieved. The only thing they don't seem to agree on is what those numbers are.

I'm asking these questions because I'm a dedicated fish keeper. I spend more time testing my tanks, doing water changes, feeding my fish, and just sitting there, looking at fish, my nose a half inch from the glass, than some people spend on their children. I have no doubt I can provide for this fish if I'm provided with the correct information.

 

[Mr Pleco]

Discus much better in groups at least 6, and juv discus much better 86+ cause will make it far away from sickness. Adult discus between 82 to 86. I do everyday WC straight from tap

I agree , plus the main reason not to mix angels with discus is that angelfish carry a parasite that is deadly to discus but not the angelfish.
Also angelfish can become fairly agrressive and bully small discus

 

[Mr Pleco]

What are the pH, KH, and Nitrate level I need to achieve?

These numbers change from source to source to source. Everyone is of the opinion that there is a hard-and-fast pH, KH, and Nitrate level that needs to be achieved. The only thing they don't seem to agree on is what those numbers are.

I'm asking these questions because I'm a dedicated fish keeper. I spend more time testing my tanks, doing water changes, feeding my fish, and just sitting there, looking at fish, my nose a half inch from the glass, than some people spend on their children. I have no doubt I can provide for this fish if I'm provided with the correct information.

I keep my discus tank at 6.5 ph, KH around 40 and my nitrate around 10 ppm. My 6 discus are 7" to 8" each and thriving.......
stability over the long term is what your looking for, fish are fairly tolerant and adaptive.

 

[justonemoretank]

KH at 40? What do you mean? My KH is 4. I use the API test kit, and the instructions for the test only give readings up to 12. My SW tank is 8.

I can drop pH to 6.5 easily by just using less baking soda in my mix. And Nitrate is currently at 10, but will be 5 after my next water change.

 

[Discus-Hans]

In a planted and com tank you can not achieve ideal water conditions for a growing discus. Planted and com tanks can cause stress disease and a number of other problems.

Can discus be raised in a com and planted tank? Yes, but you are going to screw them up for life. Dont believe everything your LFS or discus hatchery tell you. they are trying to sell fish.

Do some more research on the hobby in general. Then do some more on discus.

Sorry, JCM I agree it's easier to grow a small Discus to a good size in a BB tank. But disagree you screw them up for life in a planted tank, maybe you know I'm from Holland and everybody has planted tanks with Discus, nobody has a BB tank as show tank in the living room. And yes, I'm a LFS/hatchery/importer in one, but we don't tell people stories to sell Discus,

Hans