Discus update! The new couple...

[alaskaknucklehead]

It is one of the neatest things I have ever seen, just when I thought my discus couldnt be any cooler, they pull this off!

Last month I watched my 2 largest Discuss pair off. WOW! What a site! Feb 2nd they made thier 1st nest, in the corner of their 55 grow out tank. Gave the family quite a show. Due to the fact this is a "growout tank" they will only be practicing untill I can set them up there own tank. And they need it, they only got a small port. of the first batch fertilized. In 4 days it was all over my male seemed relieved too. Though they do take turns tending, he enjoyed the break. The next batch was laid the 9th, I think the female ate those, either she is just still to young or ??
Just today, the 13th they have made a 3rd attempt...



Here's the best part;

The male is my almost two year old BT, when I ordered the rest from Al at RMD, my wife's only request was one of his RSGSS. Al knew it and hooked her up too, the 2" juvi I was expecting for her was a 4+ incher. Whats the odds our 2 fish would be a couple?!?!

My fish and my spouse's hooked up, and its the most amazing thing Ive seen in my tanks. The way they interact with each other, AWESOME!! The way they take turns tending the nest while the other eats or just patrols like a security gaurd, soooo cooooool! The interaction between them is amazing the way they even quarrel over who should be tending the eggs, only to make-up minutes later.
Seems to be alot less agression twards the other discus this time too. More of a "herding" style chase off, than nipping. I think the other 4 seem to be giving them more space this time, their learning too.

Discus truely are "The Kings of the Aquarium".

Here is a shot of the pair tending the nest.

[wharyat]

Thats all cool How hard is it to keep discus's, I've heard quite difficult.

[alaskaknucklehead]

They are challenging for sure, but well worth the effort. Here is a summary of sorts on my discus husbandry for growing out juvi's:

55gal or larger for a grow-out tank

Dicus need to be kept in groups of 6 or more.

PH- the best ph is a STABLE one.

Feed 4-6 times daily, meaty foods bloodworms/shrimp/omega one flake (do not overfeed)

BB- the best way to keep up with the mess

Daily WC- a 25-35% daily clean up *actually easier than it sounds when you see the mess 6 young discus can make!

Auqaclear HOB filters with a pre-filter sponge, no carbon, rinse prefilter daily

[wharyat]

Wow 25% daily, being freshwater I bet it's a lot easier than salt. For my oscar I just throw in a dozen goldfish a week and topoff the water.

[alaskaknucklehead]

Pretty much, I use a tub to heat/stabalize the water. The discus love WC too... they follow my hand around the tank, I even can pet a few of em when Im in there. When I pour in the FW a few love to try to hang out in the current as I am pouring it!!!

[alaskaknucklehead]

Somthin I noticed latley, been having my hand in my SW tank ALOT, Ive been placing and replacing frags, even re-did my rockwork last night. (arrrghhh!!)

But what Ive noticed is this, my Tang who usally is hid when my hand goes in has been following it around like "what cha got?" So yesterday I fed him by hand and my blennie picked right up on it too. So now when I put my hand in my reeftank my cleanershrimp climbs on, my hepo tang puts himself up next to palm and nips at my finger tips, and my LMB swims just under it!! AWESOME!!!

[alaskaknucklehead]

Oh. I gotta add: If you can, purchase your discus directly from a breeder. PM me if you would like some more info on mine. He has about perfected shipping discus. There is an art to it.

I feel the same way about Discus beeing sold at petstores as dogs and cats. They just dont belong there IMO.

My LFS has animal adoption clinics everyweekend instead of selling kittens and puppies to compulsive people and I am very proud of them for that.