PURCHASING YOUR FIRST DISCUS

When purchasing your first discus, it is important to note that it is swimming alertly and that the discus is searching for food. This is important especially when the discus is young. An eating discus is a healthy discus. Ask the shop owner to give the discus some food and watch to see if this is indeed the case!

If it is possible to see the color of the excrement - it should be a brown reddish/black shade that indicates a healthy digestive system.
Note if the body color is not too dark (of course depending on the type).

The Discus should be shaped round with open fins, and have a vital appearance if fins are closed (you should check this before the net is put in the water and the discus is not under stress).

Discus swim in groups (except for the time when they want to reproduce, then they split into pairs). Therefore it is advisable to put a minimum of two discus especially if there are already a few discus in the aquarium.

The number of discus in the aquarium is calculated so that each adult/ mature discus has a living space of 30-60 liters of water.

Discus in an aquarium with plants is a fascinating and a beautiful sight, but can be a bit complicated. Discus inherently need warm water; while plants usually thrive in waters that is not warm. The compromise should favor the discus and temperature should be not less than 28'C. It is possible to find suitable plants for warm waters such as the Anubia family.

Discus are very sensitive to changes in pH levels; so if you are using a CO2 system it can be problematic since the carbon dioxide raises the acidity level. If there is an abrupt change in the level of carbon dioxide it would then harm the fish.

The Tetra fish group family such as Rummynoses, Cardinals, Neons, Bleeding Heart Tetras etc. would be good choice for the discus aquarium. As for a cleaning team, Corydoras, Clown Loaches, Golden Nuggets, Upside Down Catfish, Whiptail Catfish and Ancistrus would do a great job and won't be a bother to the discus.

Be aware of the Ottocinclus and the Flying Fox that might find the discus mucous layer a preferable choice for food !

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