Some Secrets with the DISCUS FISH

Photo by Lee Nachtigal

Definitely one of the more attractive and popular freshwater fishes, the discus fish has been a mainstay in many aquariums all around the globe. Although the fish commands a high price, many people have sought its presence because of its beautiful patterns and color, and they are virtually easy to keep. If you have always wanted a discus fish but are afraid that you might just waste them, then here are a couple of discus fish secrets which will allow you to not only keep them healthy but also keep them happy inside your freshwater aquarium.

Discus fish secrets are not really old age secrets that only a few know. Many of these secrets are open secrets and can be easily learned from a multitude of sources. There are many books that can share these secrets with you and this is due to the rising popularity of the discus fish as an aquarium pet. Some people may find keeping discus fish very difficult while some find it easy, but it’s all about discovering these secrets which spell the difference, and one of the biggest secrets is the environment in which the discus fish lives in.

First off, you need to know that the discus fish has a shy character. You should equip your aquarium with different corals or coral-like ornaments that the discus fish can hide in or at least have some privacy. If these are not available, you can buy some potted plants. These are also good places where the fish can spawn. You should also keep your tank in a quiet area in your home away from the noise so as not to startle the fish. Failure to do so will stress out the fish and can cause anxiety which can lead to their early demise.

Speaking of the tank, because the discus fish is quite large as compared to others, you should have a large enough tank to hold them. A 20 to 27-gallon aquarium would do fine. This way, you can have enough space to hold your discus fish and your aquarium ornaments and if you breeding them, future space for their spawn.

Another well-known secret in raising discus fish is providing them with a good diet. A good diet must be a varied diet, which can include some blood worms, beef heart, tetra pieces, and some frozen or fresh brine shrimp. Remember not to overfeed them and to clean any leftover food. If left inside the tank, the food can turn the water and sicken the discus fish.

And with any fish, the water is the most important. This is their habitat; it should be kept clean at all times. With the discus fish, being that they originate from the Amazon River where there is a warm climate, the water inside your tank should simulate the temperature which is around 25-30 degrees Celsius. Anywhere in the middle would just be perfect. You should also monitor the acidic level of the water kept at a pH level of 6 to 6.5.

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