Discus Fish Tank

The discus fish are very popular types of fish and are found mostly in the fish tanks which have freshwater. These aquarium fish, by nature are tropical fish who are very social and love to live in company of the other fish, in the waters which are native to them. However, setting up a discus fish tank can be quite challenging at times because we need to take care of all important aspects related to discus fish tank setup for them, to live comfortably. Any kind of mistakes made in the discus fish tank requirements can cause these lively and beautiful fish to perish. The succeeding paragraphs have content on discus fish tank setup.

How to Set up Discus Fish Tank?

There are many vital points which one should take into account while studying about how to set up fish tank for discus. Apart from clean and pure water, we should have the right information related to temperature of the water, required pH levels and quantities of the useful nitrates, ammonia and nitrites. The size of the tank, its positioning, tank decor and proper filtration knowledge is also essential.

Tank Size
The discus fish tank size will largely depend on the kind of room you have for it and more on your budget. For your discus fish to survive well, a deep and wide tank is the most recommended. A tank which has the measurement of 120cm x 50cm x 50cm, will suit the discus fish the most. Discus tanks with capacities of 55 gallons and 90 gallons are very common. You will find people who place around five to six discus fish in a thirty gallon tank. Large tanks are necessary as these fish grow and become large in a very small time.

Tank Position
Keeping the discus fish tank at the right place is very essential as these fish are shy. The location of the discuss fish tank should be at a quiet and peaceful place, away from noise, sunlight and heat. Keep the tank at a proper height for proper movement of the discus fish.

Tank Water
The quality of water in your discus fish tank is the decisive factor in their well-being and long life. Changing the pH of the water frequently, is not a good idea as per the opinion of many knowledgeable people. Discus fish can survive well in the water which is hard and alkaline in nature. Generally, the discus fish have the ability to tolerate and live well in water that has pH between 5.0-7.5 and a hardness of 0 to 8 dH. You should maintain the temperature of the discus fish tank between the range of 25-30 degree Celsius. Avoid changing water conditions and make sure that it is clean all the time.

We can give freshwater to the discus fish by using the filtration process, which is of three types - mechanical filtration, biological filtration and chemical filtration. An external canister filter will prove to be very effective in case of a display aquarium. Trickle filter and internal filter are some filters, which are commonly used.

Tank Substrate and Plants
Fine gravel can be used as a substrate in a discus fish tank, if you are breeding them and not just showcasing them. But for that, you need to have a bare water tank for easy cleaning purposes.

Both - live and plastic plants can be used in the discus fish tank. These plants not only make the tank look good, but they also keep a check on rising bacteria levels by using the nutrients like nitrates, ammonia and nitrites.

Tank Decor
Generally, rocks and driftwood is used to decorate the tank well. The discus fish are fond of driftwood, as they are used to it in their native waters too. The colors, texture and way of keeping the rocks and pebbles should be systematic for a nice look. Do not keep too many rocks, as this will affect the aesthetic beauty of the fish tank.

Discus Fish Tank Mates

As said earlier, discus fish are very social by nature and hence it becomes imperative to know about the discus fish tank mates, while knowing about how to set up discus fish tank. Following are the ideal mates for the discus fish:

• Characins
• Dwarf Cichlids
• Pearl Gouramis
• Dwarf Gouramis
• Corydoras

I hope you have enjoyed and have enhanced your knowledge on discus fish tank setup. Many discus fish lovers across the world have enjoyed their company a lot and are very happy with their decision of owning them.