The discus fish aquarium can be very rewarding and provides fun and satisfaction when the areas of discus fish care are properly planned. Discus fish will recognize and inter act with you. This sets them apart from the tropical fish that just swim, eat and hide. Discus can be observed watching movement on television and they will watch you cross the room. Discus fish are very aware of what goes on around them. Discus fish will quickly endear themselves to you. They will recognize you and eagerly rush to greet you and discus fish will eat out your hand. This personable behavior of discus fish is a main reason hobbyists become so infatuated with them. As you get to know these marvelous creatures and their ways, a full blown love affair will develop.
Discus fish are considered king of all aquarium tropical fish and rightfully so. While discus fish youngsters may eat like pigs at feeding time, this behavior changes as they mature. Mature adult discus fish move deliberately and gracefully unless frightened. Adult discus fish take their time eating, as if to savor the moment. They are looking good and seem to know it. Discus fish exhibit unique parental behavior as they raise their fry (babies) much differently than most tropical fish. Both parents take an active role in raising their young. This page will give you some guidelines in setting up the discus fish aquarium. Within each area there is a wide range of options. Is the aquarium to be a family show tank? Is the discus aquarium to be used for breeding? It is wise to first determine exactly what you want to achieve with your discus aquarium.
It does not have to be a costly venture to properly setup your new discus fish aquarium and provide proper discus care. It will require an investment of time to properly maintain your discus aquarium. You should investigate the parameters of your local tap water. If the tap water in your area is very hard with a high ph, you may want to use softened water to blend with your tap water in order to achieve desirable water for the discus. The softer water will be easier to adjust the ph to the desired range for the discus fish. An excellent method of softening tap water for use in the discus aquarium is the use of a reverse osmosis filter. In many areas of the US local tap water supplies are fine for keeping discus. However, most cities add chloramines to the water to disinfect it. This is a blend of ammonia and chlorine. Both are toxic to discus. They can be removed from the tap water by filtration or use of a dechlorinating water conditioner. Discus are a schooling fish and should be kept in groups. Resist the impulse to add a lone discus to a community tank stocked with various types of fish. A lone discus added to a community setting may survive, but will not be happy. In choosing a stocking density, allow a minimum of 5 gallons per discus.