How to Take Care of Discus Fish

Discus fish are cichlids, native to South America. This type of fish is one of the most colorful and popular tropical fish, and is one of the few fish that actively care for and feed their young. They appear to be comparatively intelligent aquarium fish, and their behavior and learning abilities add to their interest. Discus fish can prove to be challenging pets and are not for the complete beginner, but aquarium keepers with a bit of experience usually find them interesting and responsive. The challenges that discus fish present include provision of the right environmental conditions and care.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gallon or larger fish tank or aquarium
  • Heating, lighting and filtration equipment
  • Aquarium gravel, rocks and plants
  • pH meter
  • Ammonia, nitrate and hardness test kits
  • Dried fish food
  • Freeze-dried or live food
  • Gravel cleaner with plastic tubing
  • Bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up an appropriate fresh water tank. A minimum of 18 inches is required for the depth of the tank, with deeper being better. You will need 5 to 10 gallons of water per fish. Because discus should be kept in small shoals of at least four individuals, but preferably 6 to 8, you need at least a 20-gallon tank. However, because of water conditions and other considerations, a 30-gallon or larger tank would be ideal. The tank also requires gravel, rocks and plants, as well as filtration, lighting and heating equipment.

    • 2

      Maintain a water temperature of approximately 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Monitor acidity with a pH meter, widely available from aquarium supply stores; discus fish do best with a pH of 6 to 7.

    • 3

      Monitor ammonia and nitrate levels, which should be as close to zero as possible. If they become higher, conduct larger or more frequent water changes. Conduct weekly tests.

    • 4

      Feed your discus fish a high quality prepared fish food, and supplement with live or freeze-dried food such as blood worms.

    • 5

      Change about 1/10 to 1/3 of the tank water on a weekly basis. Shake the gravel cleaner up and down in the tank to start the water flowing and place the end of the tubing in the bucket. Concentrate on removing debris from the tank along with water. Replace with dechlorinated tap water. The easiest way to dechlorinate tap water is to leave it out in buckets for 24 hours.