But make sure that they are not too small otherwise they can be eaten.ĭiscus fish are schooling fish and are happy in a large group. You can also pair the discus fish with shrimps and snails like Amano shrimp and nerite snails. Larger fish can inadvertently eat the discus fish while smaller fish can be swallowed. You should also avoid pairing the fish with too large or too small fish. These include angelfish, oscar, jack the ripper, pufferfish, and betta. You can also pair discus fish with Marbled hatchet fish and Sterbai Cory Catfish.ĭiscus fish should not be paired with aggressive fish. Other fish that are ideal for the discus fish include Bolivian Rams, Gouramis, and Pencil Fish. Some of the fish that can be best mates include: Ideal mates for the discus fish are other Amazonian fish. They get along well with the most peaceful and semi-aggressive fish. Ideal Aquarium Mates for Discus Fishĭiscus fish are mostly shy, and will not harass other fish inside the tank. An airstone will prevent a dip in oxygen particularly during the hot summer months.Īdditionally, you should have an air filter inside the aquarium, which will help in maintaining water quality. Recommended plants for the aquarium include java fern, anubias, bacopa, micro swords, and sword plants.Ĭonsider adding air stones to maintain oxygen levels. This will help maintain the water quality and provide the oxygen necessary for the fish. Furthermore, you should place plants to decorate the tank.
Sharp sediments can injure the fish as they forage for food. That’s why the sediment should be soft and smooth. You should consider breaking the flow of water by using vertical wood, but it should be placed in a manner that the discus fish is not injured as they swim inside the tank.ĭiscus fish spend most of the time searching for food at the bottom of the aquarium. Water flow inside the aquarium should ideally be slow. A tall aquarium is recommended to accommodate the unique shape of the fish. A large aquarium will provide adequate space to swim along with other fish. Ideally, you should keep in a 70- to a 100-gallon aquarium. They are schooling fish, so you need to keep at least five of them in the aquarium.
Aquarium Setup for Discus Fishĭiscus fish require at least a 50-gallon aquarium. You should either return the diseased fish or treat the disease using the appropriate treatment option. Never mix a diseased fish with healthy fish. Look for signs of disease such as a white spot, bloated stomach, or lethargy. You should quarantine new discus fish prior to adding with other fish. This will ensure a parasite-free tank for the fish. You should also add a deworming medication before putting the fish inside the aquarium. You must adjust the aquarium water parameters accordingly before introducing the fish. The fish will die if there is a significant difference in the water condition from where you bought the fish.Īnother option is to ask the seller about the water conditions. This is important to avoid shock due to the drastic changes in water conditions. Let it float for about 30 minutes to help the fish acclimatize to the new conditions. When introducing the fish, you should let the bag containing the fish float in water. The technique is also recommended for hard water. Reverse osmosis is necessary if water quality is highly alkaline. Use a de-chlorinator before adding the tap water to the aquarium. You should not add tap water to the aquarium. A quality heater is recommended to keep the water warm when the room temperature is low.Īquarium water should be soft and slightly alkaline with pH levels between 6 and 7. Keeping the fish in cooler waters will increase the risk of disease. The ideal aquarium water temperature for the fish is between 82 degrees F and 88 degrees F (28 C and 31 C). Discus fish ( Symphysodon aequifasciatus) are not recommended as pets for beginners due to the difficult care level.