We all know for a fact that discus fish are among the most sought after fishes for aquariums. They have vibrant color that can really please anyone who sees it swimming inside an aquarium. However, before you start to attempt raising discus fish, it is important to know that discus fish can be quite hard to keep especially for people who are just starting out in this kind of hobby.
You need to remember that discus fish are temperamental creatures that need special care. They are very sensitive when it comes to water quality as well as food quality. Water chemistry is one of the most important factors that you need to understand when you plan on raising discus fish. With proper water chemistry, you can be sure that you will be able to keep your discus fish healthy as well as happy.
As a discus fish owner, you need to understand that you should test the water prior to every water change. This is to ensure that the water chemistry is correct for your discus fish to thrive or live in.
You need to remember that sudden change in water chemistry can eventually lead to high stress levels for discus fish. And, if your discus fish is constantly experiencing stress, they will be more likely to get diseases and even die.
Tap water is full of chemicals which can be very harmful to discus fish. It may be helpful for your healthy but the chemicals can be very damaging to your discus fish. This is why it is important that you monitor the water�s chemistry every time you change the water in your discus fish aquarium.
In most parts of the country, chlorine and chloramines are added to water supplies. And, as you can imagine, chlorine is a chemical that is not good for discus fish. Today, there are available test kits that you can use to test the water if these chemicals are present in the water and also how much of it is present in the water.
Water conditioning is the process of removing these chemicals from the water. This part is essential in order for you to properly care for your discus fish.
You also have to keep in mind that the hardness and acidity of water is also important. You need to be able to mimic the waters of the Amazon River in order for you to properly care for your discus fish. This means that the water should have an acidity level of pH 6 and it should also be soft water.
These are the things that you need to remember when you are planning to keep discus fish as pets. Always keep in mind that water chemistry is always important when you consider taking care of these types of fishes. They are very sensitive to water chemistry and you have to be able to make sure that you provide them with the proper water chemistry in order for them to live comfortably in your aquarium.
By keeping these tips in mind and by applying them, you will be able to enjoy taking care of discus fish for a very long time. In fact, if you do it correctly, you can even get your discus fish to start breeding.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Basic Environment for the Discus Fish
When it comes to tropical fishes, many aquarists would insist that the discus fish reigns supreme. Many fresh water aquariums today wouldn't really be complete if the vibrant and soothing discus fish is not in it. Before, because of its limited supply, only a selected few would be able to get their hands on a discus fish, let alone a handful of them, luckily today, many are now able to get their hands on them, and if you're one of those lucky persons, then you should know how to provide them a good environment so that they can leave healthy and stress free.
Unlike other normal household pets, fishes are much more fragile. The discus fish is geared more as a tool for visual enjoyment rather than being cuddly and playful, like a dog or cat. Aside from that, they need more looking after, providing them with an adequate environment where they can breed and live healthy. This is not to dissuade you; fish owners know how rewarding an aquarium can be. To many, this relieves stress effectively. So if you plan on getting some discus fish or have already purchased some, here are some tips on how to keep the environment suitable for the discus fish.
Firstly though, don't be dissuaded when people say that discus fish keeping is difficult, frankly speaking it can be, but only to those who do not exert the effort to learn. But, in time, with proper research you will discover that discus fish keeping is very rewarding and easy. So here we go.
You need to have an adequately sized tank. Discus fishes can grow big, as compared to other fishes when they reach their adulthood. Normally, they can grow to about six or seven inches. Make sure that they have adequate space for each discus especially when they are breeding. If in a cramped space, this can lead to fighting and injuries.
You may add some ornaments in your tank. Although they can survive without them, ornaments wont only make your aquarium look good, but they can also provide shelter for them for their protection and for their spawning. Also, some plants can help clean the tank.
Secondly, and to some most importantly, your aquarium water should be strictly kept at a certain level, both in temperature and in pH level. You should also always keep your tank clean and soft, keep away heavy metals and invest in a good filtration system or purifying unit. Keep the water slow moving and with temperatures between 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
When adding other fish to your tank, make sure that your discus fish is the largest in the tank. Because they can be somewhat protective of their area, bigger fishes can injure them or worse kill them. Fishes that can live together with the discus fish are plecs and small tetras.
Keep this tips in mind and you will find that maintaining a discus fish, and even breeding them will not be difficult for you.
Unlike other normal household pets, fishes are much more fragile. The discus fish is geared more as a tool for visual enjoyment rather than being cuddly and playful, like a dog or cat. Aside from that, they need more looking after, providing them with an adequate environment where they can breed and live healthy. This is not to dissuade you; fish owners know how rewarding an aquarium can be. To many, this relieves stress effectively. So if you plan on getting some discus fish or have already purchased some, here are some tips on how to keep the environment suitable for the discus fish.
Firstly though, don't be dissuaded when people say that discus fish keeping is difficult, frankly speaking it can be, but only to those who do not exert the effort to learn. But, in time, with proper research you will discover that discus fish keeping is very rewarding and easy. So here we go.
You need to have an adequately sized tank. Discus fishes can grow big, as compared to other fishes when they reach their adulthood. Normally, they can grow to about six or seven inches. Make sure that they have adequate space for each discus especially when they are breeding. If in a cramped space, this can lead to fighting and injuries.
You may add some ornaments in your tank. Although they can survive without them, ornaments wont only make your aquarium look good, but they can also provide shelter for them for their protection and for their spawning. Also, some plants can help clean the tank.
Secondly, and to some most importantly, your aquarium water should be strictly kept at a certain level, both in temperature and in pH level. You should also always keep your tank clean and soft, keep away heavy metals and invest in a good filtration system or purifying unit. Keep the water slow moving and with temperatures between 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
When adding other fish to your tank, make sure that your discus fish is the largest in the tank. Because they can be somewhat protective of their area, bigger fishes can injure them or worse kill them. Fishes that can live together with the discus fish are plecs and small tetras.
Keep this tips in mind and you will find that maintaining a discus fish, and even breeding them will not be difficult for you.
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