How do we prepare the water in a tank suitable for Discus and  what food is the best? I had some discus fish, but when I changed the water in the tank, they died. I think it’s because of less Oxygen and the condition of the water such as temp, PH count, and acidity… how do i prepare water and stuff? And, how do I keep the tank clean because in a week or two, water gets greenish..

Reply:

Water:

• Clean
• Good aeration
• No Chlorine
• Temperature 26 to 30 degree C
• pH 5.5 to 7

Food: Live food, fish burger, dry food (Tetrabit)

Fish died after water changed:

• Chlorine that kills your fish
• Add in Chlorine conditioner

Water turns green:

• Sunlight cultivates algae, water becomes green
• Control the light
• Water change 20% everyday

I just bought 6 (2.5″) Discus, it’s been a week & they seem to be afraid by hiding at the edge of the tank behind the filter, so it’s quite difficult for me to enjoy the show & feed them.
Do you have any tips how to make them feel comfortable in their new home ? I feed them with beef heart, even I try some bloodworm they are still afraid.
My tank is 100x50x35 cm, and only Discus inside no other fish.

Reply:
They are definitely not happy. If your discus is always hiding, staying in a corner, easily frighten and not going for food when feeding, most likely they are not happy with its surroundings.

You need to find out the reasons and help them:
1. Positioning of aquarium. Vibrations caused by people opening and closing doors, walking up and down the stairs make the fish jumpy and slow to settle down. Put the fish tank in a light traffic area.
2. Fish does not like shadows. It will frighten them. Setup an overhead lighting on the aquarium. The fish will feel better. You can see them better but they cannot see you. All aquarium shops have lighting on their show tanks. The fish are not scared with all the people looking at them.

My discus fish occasionally decides the swim very rapidly to the top of the tank and then darts around furiously, ripping up gravel and plants in a frenzied fit for about 10 seconds. It is quite disturbing. After the fit it breathes heavily for 15 min and then just remains still for a day. Would you know what it is from?

Reply:
Fish tank tips for discus fish.
If your discus is always hiding, staying in a corner, easily frighten and not going for food when feeding, most likely they are not happy with its surroundings.

You need to find out the reasons and help them:
1. Positioning of aquarium. Vibrations caused by people opening and closing doors, walking up and down the stairs make the fish jumpy and slow to settle down. Put the fish tank in a light traffic area.
2. Fish does not like shadows. It will frighten them. Setup an overhead lighting on the aquarium. The fish will feel better. You can see them better but they cannot see you. All aquarium shops have lighting on their show tanks. The fish are not scared with all the people looking at them.

1. Are these discus generally afraid of human presence?
2. Well,my fish do feed well. I mean they eat alot. That’s the only time the would come out from hiding. Doesn’t this shows that they are healthy?
3. I have place them in a place of very little human traffic. They do swim around but go into hiding when I approach them.
4. Aren’t they exposed to human all the time at the shops. Are they very different in behaviour compare to other fish?

Reply:
1. They do afraid of the strangers. They welcome their master (The feeder).
2. If they eat, they should be healthy.
3. Fish does not like shadows. That will frighten them. Previously I have suggested having an overhead lighting on the tank.
4. All aquarium shops have lighting on their show tanks. The fish are not scared. When they are frightened, they hide at the corner. This is a normal and natural behavior.

I am a biginner and have a few discus. The fish would just stay stationery in one spot for a long time and does not swim around. Other than this, it looks healthy. Is this normal?

Reply:
1. Fish stay stationery at one corner is not normal.
2. Healthy fish would swim around. Knocking at the glass and ask for food.
3. Though they are not sick but they are already stressed. This will lead to many problems.
4. I think they are probably due to the environmental problem. They are scared.
5. If you can’t locate the tank in a quiet place, add an overhead lighting on the tank. The fish will feel easy. You can see the fish but she can’t you. They will feel safe.

Why do my fish go into hiding when I approach the tank? Those in the shop are not afraid of people. In fact the would swim to you for food. I read in an article once that we should provide them with any hiding place.Is this true?
Also, my fish would not eat pellets but only frozan bloodworms. I find this a little incovenience. How long can they last without food just in case?

Reply:
You are facing environmental problems.For example:You told us you like keeping fish in bare tank.You don’t provide them with hiding place.My fish go into hiding when I approach them.
All these above show your fish don’t feel secured. They are not happy where they stay. They are afraid. All activities around the tank will frighten them.