Ways to Setup Your Discus Aquarium
Having your own Discus fish aquarium is a fun and very rewarding experience.
However before setting one up it is important to understand that discus are very sensitive to their environment, thus correct aquarium setup is very important.
Not setting their aquarium up properly is one of the most common mistakes people make when caring for Discus fish.
Discus fish are a favorite pet for many hobbyists due to their active behavior.
In fact, they are one of the most liked aquatic pets by both adults and kids.
Unlike other boring, shy tropical fish, Discus fish can interact with their owner.
They have the capability to recognize its owner and interact with them, once the owner gets near the aquarium the discus fish will rush to greet them.
These fish likes to observe their environment and what's going on around them, and even sometimes watch TV.
Setting up your Discus fish aquarium A Discus aquarium is not difficult to set up.
There are many step-by-step guides available online that you can use as a reference.
When choosing a Discus aquarium, make sure you choose a big, spacious aquarium.
Never put your Discus fish in a fish bowl.
Since these fish are very active, you might want them to be able to move around a little better.
They need more room so make sure you buy an large enough aquarium for these fish.
The minimum size aquarium is about 55 gallons, this is enough for up to 6 Discus.
A typical habitat for Discus or for that matter, any type of tropical fish is warm, slightly acidic water, plants of different variety, diverse rocks and caves.
If possible, mimic this environment so that your Discus will live happily in its aquarium.
Adjust the PH of your water so it is the same softness as their natural water (PH 6-7).
Also, make sure the water is free of toxins and chemicals.
Many areas in the United States add various levels of chloramines in their water.
Water for a Discus aquarium should have low levels of chloramines (ammonia and chlorine).
Test and treat the water first before putting it in your aquarium.
Regulate the temperature in the aquarium as well.
The ideal temperature for a Discus is 84 - 86 F (or 26 to 31 C).
You can opt to beautify your Discus aquarium with plants or just leave it bare bottom.
Some owners prefer bare bottom.
A bare bottom Discus tank is easier to clean, since there is no gravel, you don't have to worry about removing uneaten food caught in the stones.
It also prevents your fish from hiding in rocks and plants.
If you are breeding Discus fish, you might want to go with a bare bottom aquarium; this is the most common choice for breeder as it is easier to maintain optimal conditions for the fish, without worrying about the plants.
A bare bottom aquarium only has air stone or power head, which allows circulation.
A sponge filter is also installed for biological filtration.
This is a cheaper setup compared to a planted Discus tank.
However, your Discus fish aquarium will not look as attractive.
At the end of the day, Discus care does not have to be expensive.
You can start investing in a bare bottom Discus tank first.
Then, start adding in simple accessories, rocks, toys and plants in the future, just remember to have some decorations or plants so that your discus has a place to hide, this is extremely important in keeping your discus happy.
However before setting one up it is important to understand that discus are very sensitive to their environment, thus correct aquarium setup is very important.
Not setting their aquarium up properly is one of the most common mistakes people make when caring for Discus fish.
Discus fish are a favorite pet for many hobbyists due to their active behavior.
In fact, they are one of the most liked aquatic pets by both adults and kids.
Unlike other boring, shy tropical fish, Discus fish can interact with their owner.
They have the capability to recognize its owner and interact with them, once the owner gets near the aquarium the discus fish will rush to greet them.
These fish likes to observe their environment and what's going on around them, and even sometimes watch TV.
Setting up your Discus fish aquarium A Discus aquarium is not difficult to set up.
There are many step-by-step guides available online that you can use as a reference.
When choosing a Discus aquarium, make sure you choose a big, spacious aquarium.
Never put your Discus fish in a fish bowl.
Since these fish are very active, you might want them to be able to move around a little better.
They need more room so make sure you buy an large enough aquarium for these fish.
The minimum size aquarium is about 55 gallons, this is enough for up to 6 Discus.
A typical habitat for Discus or for that matter, any type of tropical fish is warm, slightly acidic water, plants of different variety, diverse rocks and caves.
If possible, mimic this environment so that your Discus will live happily in its aquarium.
Adjust the PH of your water so it is the same softness as their natural water (PH 6-7).
Also, make sure the water is free of toxins and chemicals.
Many areas in the United States add various levels of chloramines in their water.
Water for a Discus aquarium should have low levels of chloramines (ammonia and chlorine).
Test and treat the water first before putting it in your aquarium.
Regulate the temperature in the aquarium as well.
The ideal temperature for a Discus is 84 - 86 F (or 26 to 31 C).
You can opt to beautify your Discus aquarium with plants or just leave it bare bottom.
Some owners prefer bare bottom.
A bare bottom Discus tank is easier to clean, since there is no gravel, you don't have to worry about removing uneaten food caught in the stones.
It also prevents your fish from hiding in rocks and plants.
If you are breeding Discus fish, you might want to go with a bare bottom aquarium; this is the most common choice for breeder as it is easier to maintain optimal conditions for the fish, without worrying about the plants.
A bare bottom aquarium only has air stone or power head, which allows circulation.
A sponge filter is also installed for biological filtration.
This is a cheaper setup compared to a planted Discus tank.
However, your Discus fish aquarium will not look as attractive.
At the end of the day, Discus care does not have to be expensive.
You can start investing in a bare bottom Discus tank first.
Then, start adding in simple accessories, rocks, toys and plants in the future, just remember to have some decorations or plants so that your discus has a place to hide, this is extremely important in keeping your discus happy.
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