Discus Fish Tank Size
Discus Fish Tank Size
Discus tank question again…?
Ok, so I’ve learned I definitely need a kit that tests amonia, I don’t know why I have two kits and both don’t test amonia???
Magicman, you quoted in my last question, “For Discus however, I would suggest allowing it to run with fish in it for at least 5-6 months after that time to “mature”. This will alow time for anything and everything to completely settle in and become stable.” Could you clarify? Do you mean with Discus fish, or with the fist schools of fish I have now introduced? I am also using ‘Bacto Z’ to help cycle the tank with the bacteria that it needs. “contradictrory oppinions on this observered”. So, 100 gal tank with small shools and catfish cycling, wait for amonia to peak, then drop, nitrites to peak then drop and then nitrates to show up. How long will this take in a tank of my size, Should I wait for this all to happen or water change when one peaks and then the other? Sorry I guess this is a 4 part question, but for me and fish better safe than sorry! Thanks! J
Yes, sorry I wasn’t very clear in my first answer. The above poster is exactly right. The tank should run for several months (5-6 is good) with fish less delicate than Discus so that it does become more mature and more stable. I would also “push” the tank during this time by having more bioload (fish) in the tank than will be there when you introduce your Discus. These fish will then be removed, or at least part of them, before introducing the Discus. Frankly, I would suggest removing all fish from the tank before adding your Discus, then add the other fish back in a few weeks so that no other fish will be there to disturb the Discus as they settle into the new environment.
How long the cycle will tank depends on several factors. Bioload is one, temperature is another key factor. The fewer fish you have in the tank the longer the cycle will take, but the “more gentle” it will be as well. Once the first cycle is done, you will have enough bacteria to support the fissh in the tank. You will then want to add additional fish to the tank (after quarantine of course) to increase the bioload and therefore increase the numbers of bacteria and the number of fish the tank will support. You should do this in stages as each time you add fish, it will cause a minor spike in the ammonia until the bacteria catch up. Once you have the load to more than it will be with the Discus, start counting off a few months of maturing time.
During this time is a great time to add plants and to get used to the water adjustments that will be needed for the Discus. Each time you change water, it will have to be treated to match the pH and hardness of the water in your tank. It will take a little time for you to get the system down so that it works perfectly every single time. That kind of stability is required for good Discus care.
Once you can get your Discus, they should go in another tank first and slowly be adjusted to the water in your 100 gallon. Then remove the extra fish and add the Discus. That way uyou avoid the small spike of adding new fish as you have also removed fish. The Discus would not like the ammonia spike, no mater how small.
As for the water changes, you will need to change water during the cycle process if the ammonia gets dangerous for the fish in the tank. Once you see that the ammonia is dropping without the water changes start watching the nitrites the same way and change water if they get too high for the safety of the fish in the tank. Once they start dropping you’re home free.
I would like to suggest you browse your local book store or amazon for a book or two specifically on Discus. That will be the best investment you will make when it comes to your new fish, I promise.
If I can help more please feel free to email me.
MM
Mid size fish tank in a restaurant (Video shot by Samsung WB5000) Video 3/4
