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RedTurquoise · 02-12-2003, 10:37 AM

Andy,
How long has the lfs had the discus? If it is only ich that they have, go for it! Ich is the easiest to treat! Setup your tank with a temp of 92F. Acclimitize the discus and do not feed. Start adding salt initially using 1 tablespoon per 10G. Slowly increase over 3 days to 2 tablespoons per 10G. Keep this up for at least one week even if there are no signs of ich!

As far as the water parameters are considered, do not bother with RO unless you are prepared to start right off the bat with the ro mix and continue religiously thereafter. However, it is not nesseccary to do so. Constant water parameters are a must therefore it is absolutely nesseccary to 'age' the water 24 hours.

Now, after the discus have gotten over ich, massive water changes are a must for growth. This means daily if not twice a day water changes are in order. In your case, I would recommend 75-95% water changes.

About feeding, this is were I will cause disagreement. The most important thing you can give your discus after water quality is excellant food. It is the quality not the quanitity! A thing to remember. Therefore, feeding twice a day can be sufficent however a thing to remember again. The discus will not grow as quick nevertheless, the discus will still grow! Feeding lots of food a day is done by the breeders as they need to get their discus sold asap to make some money however for us who plan to grow the discus, growing the discus as quick as possible is not nesseccary. Growth will not be stunted just take a little longer.

An advantage to only feeding twice a day is better water quality can be maintained which is that most important aspect for growing discus.

Anyways, hth! Another thing, Andy! If you do buy them, make it clear to the lfs that if the discus have any other sort of disease, you get refunded. I would only purchase discus that have ich!

02-12-2003, 10:37 AM	#4 (permalink)
RedTurquoise Large Fish Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmonton Posts: 985	Andy, How long has the lfs had the discus? If it is only ich that they have, go for it! Ich is the easiest to treat! Setup your tank with a temp of 92F. Acclimitize the discus and do not feed. Start adding salt initially using 1 tablespoon per 10G. Slowly increase over 3 days to 2 tablespoons per 10G. Keep this up for at least one week even if there are no signs of ich! As far as the water parameters are considered, do not bother with RO unless you are prepared to start right off the bat with the ro mix and continue religiously thereafter. However, it is not nesseccary to do so. Constant water parameters are a must therefore it is absolutely nesseccary to 'age' the water 24 hours. Now, after the discus have gotten over ich, massive water changes are a must for growth. This means daily if not twice a day water changes are in order. In your case, I would recommend 75-95% water changes. About feeding, this is were I will cause disagreement. The most important thing you can give your discus after water quality is excellant food. It is the quality not the quanitity! A thing to remember. Therefore, feeding twice a day can be sufficent however a thing to remember again. The discus will not grow as quick nevertheless, the discus will still grow! Feeding lots of food a day is done by the breeders as they need to get their discus sold asap to make some money however for us who plan to grow the discus, growing the discus as quick as possible is not nesseccary. Growth will not be stunted just take a little longer. An advantage to only feeding twice a day is better water quality can be maintained which is that most important aspect for growing discus. Anyways, hth! Another thing, Andy! If you do buy them, make it clear to the lfs that if the discus have any other sort of disease, you get refunded. I would only purchase discus that have ich! __________________ This hobby is addicting. I want more Discus!!!