Discus

How to Care For Discus Fish

Discus fish bring a splash of color to the home aquarium like no other fish. While they may be a bit more difficult to keep than many tropical freshwater fish (they require higher water temperatures and near-daily large water changes), they can be a wonderful addition to any aquarium.

Discus do best in larger tanks, 75 gallons or more when full-grown, with gentle water movement. The substrate should be sand or fine-to-medium grade, smooth-surfaced gravel as discus often forage along the bottom looking for food. Decor should include driftwood and large broadleaf plants arranged vertically, providing cover and shaded areas. Lighting should be low and soft as these fish do not tolerate bright, intense light as well as other tropical fish species.

When selecting a discus, choose one that looks healthy and alert with a round body shape free of wounds, deformities or other abnormalities. Look for eyes that are clear and in proportion to the fish’s size. Feeding is important for discus as they are omnivorous in nature and eat plant matter as well as blood worms and other carnivorous foods. They will thrive on a diet of Aqueon Tropical Flakes, Color Flakes, Spirulina flakes, Tropical Granules and Algae Rounds. Live and frozen foods can also be fed as treats or to induce spawning.

When setting up a new tank for discus, test the water daily for ammonia and nitrites for several days until you see zero readings. This prevents the introduction of toxic substances to the fish. If your tank is not cycled, it is a good idea to add a seasoned sponge filter from the supplier or a seasoned filter media from another tank you have already cycled before adding the fish. This will help with the cycling process and will provide a larger colony of beneficial bacteria for the fish.