| Discus fish prefer large tall tanks and I would | | | | can buy some online, after that put some in mesh |
| recommend a minimum of 55 gallons (200L). As for | | | | bag (cut off panty hose also works) and place it in |
| the setup, it entirely depends on the purpose. If for | | | | the compartment where the filter pad sits so water |
| breeding, it is best for the tank to be bare bottom, | | | | can flow through it. If you would rather not deal with |
| meaning without any gravel. However, if you want a | | | | peat moss, blackwater extract contains natural humic |
| show tank then it is best to emulate the natural | | | | and tannic acids that simulates water conditions of |
| habitat of the Discus fish by provide hiding places, | | | | the Amazon River basin created by soil, peat moss |
| open swimming areas, driftwood, fully planted | | | | and decaying vegetation. It makes for better water |
| aquascape and some floating plants to diffuse the | | | | chemistry, encourages spawning, aids the hatching |
| light. A heavily planted tank may also need CO2 | | | | process and tints the water a light brownish yellow |
| injection for the plants to do well; in an upcoming | | | | color just like the Amazon River, which is rather cool |
| post we'll be showing you how you can make a CO2 | | | | looking. |
| unit yourself out of household items. | | | | Discus fish are delicate and rather intolerant of poor |
| Discus fish flourish in water with conditions similar to | | | | water quality, thus regular partial water changes must |
| their natural habitat, however many Discus fish are | | | | be made and maintaining proper filtration at all times |
| raised in captivity and tolerant of a higher range of | | | | is essential in Discus fish care. I do 30% water |
| water conditions. While not ideal, most Discus fish can | | | | changes once a week, but I have a fully planted |
| tolerate water with a pH of 5.0-7.5, water hardness | | | | tank, some would argue more or less. A fully planted |
| of 0-8 dH and temperatures of 77-86°F | | | | tank once established will aid in this as ammonia, |
| (25-30°C). Peat moss can be a great way to | | | | nitrite and nitrate are among the nutrients that plants |
| naturally lower the pH of your aquarium, which I | | | | use, they help the beneficial bacteria keep levels in |
| personally use in my planted freshwater Angelfish | | | | check and if something happens to your beneficial |
| tank. You can buy some from any garden center for | | | | bacteria there is a buffer present to minimize the |
| rather cheap, if they happen to not have any you | | | | problem. |