An introduction to Discus: Part I - Page 5 - MyFishTank.Net Freshwater Saltwater Aquarium Fish Forum

IDunnoWhy · 04-16-2007, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shorty

i have three discus. can anyone tell me why one of them is so timid and just hides away in the corner all day every day when the others, even the newest bought one is perfectly happy to be swimming around the tank. Would you suggest getting anothr one perhaps?

Well, I'm not a Discus expert by any means, but a couple things come to mind.

First, some discus for whatever reason just tend to be more timid.

Second, it could be you've got a bullying problem, either by one of the other Discus, or another tankmate (assuming there are other fish besides discus). Some night when your bored, sneak out after "lights out" and see whats going on in there, you may find the problem that way.

Cichlid-Man · 04-16-2007, 08:27 PM

It might have some sort of sickness stressing it out as well.

shorty · 04-17-2007, 03:42 PM

yes, it looks like the biggest discus is bullying the timid one... any ideas why he would be picking only on this discus rather than the other one? The other one is smaller and is a newer addition to the tank

IDunnoWhy · 04-20-2007, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shorty

yes, it looks like the biggest discus is bullying the timid one... any ideas why he would be picking only on this discus rather than the other one? The other one is smaller and is a newer addition to the tank

Well as I said I'm not a Discus pro, but I have watched various species and one thing seems to be true throughout, fish bully other fish for reasons that only THAT fish knows

But is it possible you've got 2 males competing for 1 female? Even if the more timid fish backs down, the "Dominant Male" (assuming he is a he) may not want the other male in the tank. Just a thought?

sphed · 05-01-2007, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shorty

yes, it looks like the biggest discus is bullying the timid one... any ideas why he would be picking only on this discus rather than the other one? The other one is smaller and is a newer addition to the tank

Try adding another discus, helps spread the aggression. I started out with one discus, then added another. They would fight like crazy, then i added another one and I havent seen them fight since.

Krystal&Aldo · 01-30-2008, 03:34 AM

Hi all, Just introducing ourselves. We too LOVE Discus. We have 8 discus in a 4ft tank, a few neons, 2 pearl laces, 1 molly, 2 balloon rams and a few tetras.. We recently changed from a 3ft tank, which may i add was a nerve racking experience.. They are all now eating and seem well! Although they are hiding more than we would like.

My advice with bullys is to take out the bully for a night and rearrange the tank a little.. Then when you put bully back in he will feel like the newcomer.. We did this few months ago and it worked a treat!
However, Discus like to mark their territory so you will most always get one or two on a power trip!

ishar · 01-30-2008, 04:00 AM

I am not housing discus nor will I be any time soon at all, but I was still wondering if you really need to keep your trates at 0... like in a planted tank your plants would never have enough nitrogen to grow with...

sphed · 01-30-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishar

I am not housing discus nor will I be any time soon at all, but I was still wondering if you really need to keep your trates at 0... like in a planted tank your plants would never have enough nitrogen to grow with...

for Juveniles yes, adults no. Thats why people recommend only adults should go in plated tanks. Juvi's should be barebottom.

Juvi's need exceptionally clean water to grow or else they will be stunted.

ishar · 01-30-2008, 12:08 PM

oh ok- thanks sphed

MrMojoRisin · 07-01-2009, 03:48 PM

Nice post. Cant wait to start raising Discus again.
I did so in a 55G community tank without issues, doing 40% H2O chgs weekly. I over filtered using under gravel fed into a Fluval canister and two hanging filters.
I also used large natural rocks, plants and gravel.
It is quite rewarding to raise Discus.

04-16-2007, 08:27 PM	#42 (permalink)
Cichlid-Man MFT Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 8,799	It might have some sort of sickness stressing it out as well. __________________

01-30-2008, 04:00 AM	#47 (permalink)
ishar MFT Staff Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hamilton, ON. Posts: 1,477	I am not housing discus nor will I be any time soon at all, but I was still wondering if you really need to keep your trates at 0... like in a planted tank your plants would never have enough nitrogen to grow with... __________________ Old 20G- NOTE there are no pics in this journal anymore 20G Long "The Meadow" Journal ~~~~VOTE FOR MFT HERE~~~~ Ishar's Auctions Ishar's Planted Tank Website

01-30-2008, 12:08 PM	#49 (permalink)
ishar MFT Staff Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hamilton, ON. Posts: 1,477	oh ok- thanks sphed __________________ Old 20G- NOTE there are no pics in this journal anymore 20G Long "The Meadow" Journal ~~~~VOTE FOR MFT HERE~~~~ Ishar's Auctions Ishar's Planted Tank Website

04-17-2007, 03:42 PM	#43 (permalink)
shorty Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: wales, uk Posts: 90	yes, it looks like the biggest discus is bullying the timid one... any ideas why he would be picking only on this discus rather than the other one? The other one is smaller and is a newer addition to the tank

01-30-2008, 03:34 AM	#46 (permalink)
Krystal&Aldo Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Melbourne Posts: 1	Hi all, Just introducing ourselves. We too LOVE Discus. We have 8 discus in a 4ft tank, a few neons, 2 pearl laces, 1 molly, 2 balloon rams and a few tetras.. We recently changed from a 3ft tank, which may i add was a nerve racking experience.. They are all now eating and seem well! Although they are hiding more than we would like. My advice with bullys is to take out the bully for a night and rearrange the tank a little.. Then when you put bully back in he will feel like the newcomer.. We did this few months ago and it worked a treat! However, Discus like to mark their territory so you will most always get one or two on a power trip!

07-01-2009, 03:48 PM	#50 (permalink)
MrMojoRisin Teenie Weenie Fish Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4	Nice post. Cant wait to start raising Discus again. I did so in a 55G community tank without issues, doing 40% H2O chgs weekly. I over filtered using under gravel fed into a Fluval canister and two hanging filters. I also used large natural rocks, plants and gravel. It is quite rewarding to raise Discus.