DISCOVER THE WORLD OF DISCUS
🐠 Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Discus Fish
Discus fish are often called the “king of the aquarium” thanks to their stunning colors and graceful movement. But they require special care. Here’s your complete beginner-to-expert guide!
🌡️ Ideal Water Parameters
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 28°C – 31°C |
| pH | 6.0 – 6.8 |
| Hardness | 1–4 dGH |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 ppm |
| Nitrate | < 20 ppm |
➡️ Do weekly water changes (30–50%) using dechlorinated, warm water.
🧹 Tank Setup & Maintenance
- 🐟 Tank Size: 200L+ for 5–6 discus
- 💨 Filtration: Canister or sponge filter
- 🪴 Decor: Bare bottom or soft sand; live plants like Amazon swords, Java fern
- 💡 Lighting: Soft, dimmed light preferred
Tip: Clean uneaten food daily and vacuum substrate weekly.
🍽️ Feeding Guide
✅ Best Foods:
- Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp
- Beef heart mix (use moderately)
- Premium discus pellets
🕒 Feeding Schedule: 2–3 times daily. Remove leftovers after 10–15 mins to maintain water quality.
👥 Tankmates & Social Life
Discus are peaceful and thrive in groups of 5 or more.
🤝 Good companions:
- Cardinal tetras
- Rummy nose tetras
- Corydoras catfish
🚫 Avoid: Barbs, fast/aggressive fish, or fin-nippers.
💡 Health Watch
| Issue | Signs | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Ich | White spots, rubbing | Heat + aquarium salt |
| HITH | Indents on head | Improve water & diet |
| Parasites | Stringy feces, not eating | Medicated food or dewormers |
Always quarantine new fish for at least 2 weeks.
🐣 Breeding Discus
- 💑 Pairing: Let them pair naturally or buy a bonded pair.
- 🏠 Breeding Tank: 100L, soft water (pH 6.0), 30°C, sponge filter.
- 🐥 Fry Care: Feed baby brine shrimp after 3–5 days post-hatch.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Discus fish are intelligent, sensitive, and rewarding. With the right care and passion, they’ll become the crown jewels of your aquarium.
Need expert help? StradiS Aquatics is your trusted source for premium discus, food, and aquarium gear.