DISCUS FRESHWATER FISH FULL

Avoid boisterous, small-fish eating catfish such as the Pictus, Pimelodus pictus. With this in mind, it is best to stick to the dwarf species to keep the tank algae free. Plecs get a bad press with Discus as occasionally, the larger species may try to attach itself to the side of a Discus. The choice of Corydoras is very long.Ĭorydoras are busy little catfish and best kept in shoal of at least three. No tank is complete without some bottom and nocturnal feeders. I’ve included them, but it may be prudent to soften the water and lower both the pH to 6.7 and the temperature to 28✬/82✯. There are many variations of this pretty little soft-water-loving fish. If in doubt, leave it out.Įuropean tank-bred fish are widely available in the UK and are a better choice for a Discus community tank than their wild counterparts. Avoid anything that grows large or is naturally aggressive such as Parrot cichlids, Jack Dempsey, Firemouths, Severums and Oscars. Their inclusion is down to individual preference. Glow-light tetrasĪ little bland in comparison to the Cardinals and Neons, but nonetheless not out of place. Without a doubt a pretty fish and, as with all small tetras, kept in a large shoal for best visual effect. I occasionally hear tales of Discus attacking Neons, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Inappropriately referred to as a “Poor man’s Cardinal”, the Neon is completely at home with Discus.

A large shoal of these fish is a delight to behold. In warm, neutral, water and with the benefit of the Discus’ high protein diet, the Cardinals will grow to around 4cm/11/2″. Good quality Cardinals are not cheap, but most retailers will help you with large orders. For the best effect, add as many to the tank as you can afford and safely keep. The Cardinal tetra is probably the most popular and obvious species to swim alongside Discus. However, one or two of them with “flatter” bodies such as Bleeding hearts, Serpea and, needless to say, piranhas, are to be avoided.

Tetras – Most tetras are great with Discus.

If space allows, it is prudent to have an isolation tank, not just to quarantine new purchases, but to also incarcerate any badly-behaved occupants – even with the most meticulous planning and research, livestock can be unpredictable! Proven tankmates to Discus It is advisable to keep a range of basic medications handy, as well as a spare heater and filtration material. The results of this extra effort will be abundantly obvious to anyone looking at your aquarium.ĭaily checks: Monitor temperature and water conditions, remove uneaten food and any dead fish and detritus. Water quality: All fish will reap enormous benefit from regular partial water changes with good quality water. Spread the food over the entire length of the aquarium and make the fish hunt for it. If the tank has a balance of surface, mid-water and bottom feeders, it shouldn’t be a problem to be generous at feeding time. It is essential to make sure all the fish get their share. In any mixed community, some fish will be aggressive feeders and others shy. They will take frozen, dry and tablet foods. At 30✬ / 86✯, this will make it impossible for many common ailments such as white spot to reproduce, thus creating a healthier environment.įeeding: All fish benefit from a protein-rich but balanced diet.

DISCUS FRESHWATER FISH FULL

Temperature: The higher-than-normal water temperature stimulates a fish’s metabolism, so it will eat more and grow to its full potential.

Discus freshwater fish