Keeping Discus Fish Happy and Healthy

     Keeping Discus fish happy and healthy is really not hard to achieve. It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or a long-time hobbyist, you have to keep on discovering ways on how you can improve your fish's over all condition. The Discus fish is very social and they live in large groups in their native habitat and they have this advanced social behavior that make them one of the few real schooling cichlids. With that said, it is not advisable to keep just one Discus because it will not reach its full potential if we're talking about character. Yes fish have characters too!

     With the advances we have nowadays and with new technology available to improve water quality, it's getting easier in keeping Discus fish no wonder they are very popular among hobbyists and breeders. Discus fish are happier in deep tanks and the more water the tank holds, the more stable the water condition is. Don't put the tank in noisy and busy areas because they tend to shy away. Avoid direct sunlight because this will cause algae growth and excess heat. What about the substrate? Use finer gravel so you can still decorate it with ornaments and silk plants. If you are using the tank for breeding purposes, it's better to leave the bottom bare because it's easier to clean. Since they come from the warm, soft, acidic waters of the Amazon River, it is important to mimic this kind of environment in your home aquarium.

     For maintenance and breeding, the water's pH level should be consistent at 6.5 and temperature has to be around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. You have to change the water at least once a week but for breeding purposes, a minimal water change everyday will not hurt. Frequent water changes tend to have an effect in improving Discus fish's appetite and mating activity. In keeping the Discus fish healthy, the first thing that comes to mind is food. There's a wide variety of food out there and this includes flakes, brine shrimp, bloodworm, granular and freeze dried food. Discus fish should be fed with a variety of vitamin and protein rich diet.