Discus Fish Care Guide

Discus fish is a tropical fish which comes in different colors like royal blue, cobalt blue and turquoise blue. They are diamond shaped, and have different patterns on their bodies. Before buying discus fish, search the Internet for pictures or ask the people at pet stores to show you the different types of discus fish. It is also important that before buying the discus fish, you talk to the pet store owners/assistants about discus fish care guide. They might be able to give you some good tips.

Discus Fish Care Guide

The most important constituent of discus fish care guide is that you create a suitable environment for the discus fish to live in, which is similar to its natural habitat. Improper care of the fish and the aquarium, leads to health hazards for discus fish. It is important to understand the essential requirements, for proper discus fish breeding and growth. In this article, we will discuss the important factors for discus fish care.

Tank Requirement for Discus Fish: For these aquarium fish, try to buy the biggest possible aquarium. Also, consider the space that additional things like plants, gravel, ornamental things etc, will occupy in the tank. Make sure that after the addition of these things, the discus fish will still have ample space for moving freely, in the tank.

Water & Temperature for Discus Fish: The natural habitat of discus fish is water that is warm. So, it is important to maintain clean, warm and well-filtered water in the fish tank for discus fish. With the help of a thermometer, maintain the temperature of the water at 82 - 86ºF. Also, it is important to maintain a 6.5 pH of the water, in the tank.

Plants in Discus Fish Tank: After adding sterilized gravel and water to the tank, decorate it with aquatic plants. Discus fish are shy in nature, so these plants are not just for decorative purpose. Any panic or attack, might lead to agitation in discus fish. While normally they respond by banging against the aquarium walls, it is a possibility that they may want to hide themselves. During such situations, discus fish can use these plants as hiding spots. Also, plants will filter ammonia and bacteria present in the water.

Filters for Discus Fish Tank: After you set up the tank, it is time to install a filter for aquarium care of discus fish. Do not use a powered filter for discus fish, but opt for external or biological filters. After setting up the filter, you can set up the heater for the tank.

Mates For Discus Fish: When selecting discus fish tank mates, make sure they are smaller than discus fish. Neon tetras make the best mates for discus fish. However, discus fish also share tank-space well with catfish, rams and plecs.

Food for Discus Fish: Tropical fish food comprises a varied diet which is rich in vitamins and proteins. You can feed discus fish, flake, brine shrimp, granular food, and bloodworm. Before giving them flake food, soak and squeeze the flakes properly. Discus fish like brine shrimp which enhance their colors and health. You can feed bloodworms to discus fish, however make sure they are frozen and irradiated. Whenever feeding granular food to discus fish, make sure you buy the best quality product. You can also combine various types of food products to prepare discus fish food recipe.

Placement of Discus Fish Tank: For aquarium algae control, avoid placing the tank where it is hit by direct sunlight. Place the tank in a calm place, as discus fish do not like noise. Do ensure that the fish tank is not disturbed by children.

Discus Fish Problems Faced & Secret Tips

Many problems occur if discus fish care guide is not followed properly. Given below are some of the problems associated with discus fish, which you should be aware of and some secrets for the discus fish care tips.

• Pollutants and improper diet leads to iodine deficiency in the discus fish. So regularly clean the discus fish tank and provide the fish with a proper diet.
• Lack of vitamins in discus fish causes many discus fish diseases like bleeding, ulcerations and also results in low immunity. So, make sure you include vitamins properly in their diet.
• Along with maintenance of the aquarium and fish, it is important that the mates in the fish tank are kept healthy.
• Keep a vet's phone number handy, in case your discus fish suddenly suffers from a health problem.

This was all about discus fish care guide. So follow this guide and keep in mind the above discus fish care tips to ensure that your discus fish remain happy and healthy, and breed well.