Discus Keeping

Why Discus?

Widely considered the most beautiful freshwater fish. Their flat, round bodies and vibrant colors make them the centerpiece of any tank. Challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum: 200L for 6 fish. 120cm+ long tank ideal.
• Temperature: 28-32°C (most keepers run 29-30°C). NO standard tropical temps!
• Filtration: Excellent biological. Canister preferred. Minimal surface agitation.
• Substrate: Bare bottom (easiest) or fine sand.
• Decorations: Minimal. Driftwood, broad-leaf plants, open swimming space.

Water Quality — The Key

• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Below 10 ppm
• pH: 5.5-7.0
• GH: 1-6

Water changes are non-negotiable: 30-50% changes, 2-3x per week. Use RO water remineralised or very soft tap water.

Feeding

• High-quality discus pellets (Hikari, New Life Spectrum)
• Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
• 2-3 small meals/day

Social Dynamics

Keep in groups of 6+ to spread aggression. Breeding pairs may bully others — 300L+ recommended for breeding.

Common Issues

• Hole-in-the-head: Poor water quality + parasites. Treat metronidazole. Fix water.
• Internal parasites: Common in wild-caught. Treat with metronidazole.

Pro Tip: Master your water before buying discus. If you can maintain pristine, warm, soft water with regular changes, they'll thrive.