UKDA General

Tank & Sump

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:29:15 +0000

I am having to close my tank down and will be selling it, along with the sump and pipework. It was designed for marine use and designed so the sump will accomodate an syphon effect. I have used it for both marine and freshwater to great effect. No chemicals have been used in the tank. It has run very well as a discus display tank for the last 18 months so I can vouch for its use with these fish.

The tank is 50" x 22" (front to back) and 24" tall made of 10mm glass. It has cover glass and a standard marine blue weir in the back left corner to the pipework to sump. It has two support bars if you want to stand a luminaire on the tank. It has some scratches, mainly lower down on the front panel and some on the side. These do not stand out.

The sump is 36" x 18" front to back and 16" tall. It has three main chambers and will hold virtually any equipment you might require. This was all custom made to a high standard and has served me very well. Buyer must come with a large vehicle. Cash on collection. Viewings welcome. NO STAND OR HOOD is included. Only after a �100 ono.

Made My Sump, Now Which Pump

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:39:42 +0000

Hi all,

spent this afternoon making a sump, 48 x 18 x 15, 5 sections (thanks Mark!) and recycled glass from a load of old tanks I have bought for peanuts. The sump and the 4, 4 x 2 x 2 growing on tanks (2 high, 2 wide) above will be just over 2000l. Taking into effect the top tank will be around 1.6m above ground level, what lph sump would people suggest, I am guessing 3000 lph, but with the head, would need a 6000 lph pump. Been looking at oase pumps which have a 5 year guarantee and look pretty good. Now I can go submersible or "dry" meaning I can have more media in my sump as the pump would be outside the sump.

Any thoughts?

cheers

Tim

Eggs

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:57:51 +0000

hi all, i have some discus eggs that have not been fertilised the parent'shaven't eaten them,should i remove them or leave them, i don't want the fertilised eggs to get infected, thanks, chalkie.

What Substrate To Use

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:24:29 +0000

Hey peeps.

What substrate would you recommend i use out of Tetra complete and ECO complete. I've used both and found that ECO complete was dearer. But if you guys reckon ECO complete is better than Tetra complete then ill go for ECO complete.

Unless you guys suggest i use something else that aint gunna cost an arm and a leg to buy. LOL.

Thanks in advance

Discus Cloudy Eye

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:07:12 +0000

I recently bought some discus to add to my existing four fish, they were all added into a new set up which had been running for 2 months beforehand. when i added them most of my fish turned black and it was touch and go. I lost two fish one to fin rot and another was unexplained, now one of my newer fish has a cloudy raised eye although he is now feeding and seems ok. I treated the whole tank with melafix and have wormed them. does anyone have any remedies to help clear this problem?

Anyone Recommend...

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:24:40 +0000

just wondering if you would consider in keeping a black ghost knife fish in with discus i have seen a tank on the internet with them in with the discus??

any ideas?

thanks jay

What Wood?

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:21:00 +0000

Hi all
now all is well in my tank (newest discus settled in after their QT), I would like to add some over head branches into the tanks to copy the flooded forest look,
I don't want to use bog wood or mopani because they are are to large, I want it to be really spindly if that makes sense, and without any of the wood reaching to the bottom of the tank. I know this would mean fastening the wood to the top of the tank which is not a problem.
Any ideas what I could use? I've read that some native trees can be used for this but I need some wisdom on what is safe and how to prepare it.

Brian.

How Best To Convert 5' Reef Tank To Planted Discus

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 21:56:52 +0000

Hi, I currently have a 5'x2'x2' foot with 4' sump (4 section) full marine reef setup, with 2x 250w MH lamps. I am considering changing this over to a planted Discus tank. Mainly because I prefer the look of planted aquariums and also hope to reduce the running cost by using low energy aqua ray lamps and not buying salt.
Any ideas on choice of mechanical and biological filtration options and how best to utilise the sump would be greatly appreciated. Andy

Are They White Butterflies

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:15:06 +0000

Hi Everyone

Been away for a while getting my Discus straight.
Had a few teething problems as you know as Ammonia went through the roof when put them in and took 3 weeks and plenty of water changes and care , then nitrite came through for a week and finally the tank and the Discus settled, without me losing any of them. I was very happy.
As my previous thread one of them went dark. He is still dark but no spotting . He seems to be dark orange among one other aswell. The others are yellow with Snakeskin marking's.I am a bit disappointed as bought these from Chen as 'White Butterflies' but I am sure they ARE NOT.
Please look at the pics I post later and let me know what you think and if anyone has any pictures of their WB's i would be happy to see.
My Discus have not been fed anything with colour in as far as I know except Beefheart from Chen which may have a colour enhancer in, not sure and white worm, but two are orange and the others yellow. NOT what I was wanting, although i do love them all.

Where Do You Guys Get Your Plants From

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:52:39 +0000

Hey peeps.

I've been looking on the post where you've all posted pictures of your tanks and they all look bloody awesome. But where do you all get your plants from? The tall bushy one's im on about. All the plants in my LFS's are small or tall but skinny. Some of the plants you guys have make the tank look so nice. I want plants like them. Do you get them from your LFS's or online? If online can you let me know the website so i can have a look to see what there is.

Thanks in advance.

Fish Tank "optiwhite" Glass To Order

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:19:38 +0000

I leave InLondon W5 but I bring everything to order.

Tank SetPrice 300l of glass 8mm Optiwhite. This glass has changed amount of iron initself this is why it looks like it is not there (after filling in with water).

http://rak-aqua.co.uk/category.php?id_category=49

Below youwill find an example cost of tank:Fish tank 120x50x50 (48�x 20�x 20�) 145-150GBP

Black Cover2x30W 100GBP

CoverT5 200GBP

CoverT8 180GBP

Cabinet noback no doors 100GBP

Cabinet (checkphoto) 150-200GBP

Background3D 120x50 (Rain forest, Amazon, Malawi �.)about 100GBP

http://rak-aqua.co.uk/category.php?id_category=59

We alsosell Tropical fish food (cheaper than on ebay) and ZOOLEK Treatments andmedication (packages containing more than 250ml are concentrate, therefore arevery economical)

My websiterak-aqua.co.uk or rak.aqua@yahoo.co.uk

White Bits In Brown Poo

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:12:50 +0000

hello all i'm a new to this forum and on the beginning will like apology for my writing English its not my first language .....

Lets back to discus i have found partly white poo some times i seen party white and jelly now i got problem don't have aces to microscope .and don't know that a worms(not to sure about that i got them just under two months they young and small 4 to 5,5 inch and they been wormed said supplier they come from Malaysia ) or stress (got reason to think they stress up because we moved home 2 weeks ago,sims that they dont like bright light ) any way if they got worm a dont know English name medication for VINEGAR and NEMATODES if any one know what i should use please please let me know

tank 300l../temp 32../existing 3 months/ with fish almost two / fluval 404 and 205 both bio filters with sponge on inlets /sterile thank

water ro water+(ro right kent salt) + a little tap water ph 6,2/ gh 6/ kh 3/ no2 -0 /no3-8/

fish 12 discus all come together feeding on beef heart mix from Yorkshire Beef heart Producers, fish taking food now but not like before

may thanks for any kine of help
cheers

White Worm?

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:38:43 +0000

just noticed i have little white worms on the front of my glass what are they and how can i get rid of them.

Di Unit

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:47:39 +0000

Hi all,
I use a 3 stage HMA filter at the moment for my daily water changes.
5 micron, ChlorPlus Cartridge, CBR2 Multimedia Cartridge.
Water parameters being trickled into tank:
Ph = 6.7
Nh3 = zero
No2 = zero
No3 = less than 5.0
Gh = 2.2
Kh = 1.0

Tank parameters are all the same with the exception of the Ph which is Ph = 6.2

Would adding a DI Unit be worth while, the only reason I'm considering a DI is to protect against phosphates really.
If it would work, it would mean I could remove the Rowaphos from my external, thus giving me more room for biological filtration.

What do you think?
Would using a DI mean I would have to blend back in to the product water like you have to with RO?

Thanks in advance of your replies,

Brian.

Algae Problem Due To Too Much Light

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:55:27 +0000

Hey peeps.

Need help with a little problem im going to come up against. I am going to be setting my tank up next weekend when i get it and am going to put white sand in it. I will also be getting a few plants. A few months ago i had a problem with my old tank with algae. It was because i was having the light on for 12 hours a day sometimes more. Once i cut the time of having the lights on the algae wasn't a problem anymore.

BUT

Plants need light to grow and stay healthy. So how do i go about having the light on long enough for the plants to grow healthy but not on for too long that i get algae?

Any advice and suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance guys.

New To Here!

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:30:07 +0000

Hi, ive only just joined here should have done sooner really! I currently have a juwel vision 450 with discus and cardinals its still in progress but getting there! few pics of the fish and tank. The pics are a little old not much changed apart from my new addition which is a 7" giant flora will get some pics posted shortly.

7 Various Discus For Sale

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:52:43 +0000

As per my breeding pair ad, I have my other seven discus for sale. They range from 3.5-5.5" in size (body) and all are very healthy and eat like pigs on all types of food. They are two red alenquers, three turq variants, one penang eruption and one red snakesin. I am looking for �25 per fish or �150 for the group which would be the best option rather than to stress the group with selling the odd one or two. Collection is by far the best method and I am just off the M62 in East Yorkshire. Would be willing to meet if not too far or even deliver for a small charge to cover the fuel. Postage could be an option but really not ideal.

Please pm for pics.

Thanks

Breeding Pair Of Discus

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:49:24 +0000

I have a young adult pair of proven breeding discus. They spawn once every 7-10 days and even in a very crowded display tank get them to an early free swimming stage before they get eaten. The male is a stunning red Alenquer and the female is an equally stunning blue diamond. Both are from Chens and have grown on since small. Closure of the tank (due to alterations to the house) mean I am sadly selling all of my discus including these. I'm looking for �120 for the pair ONO. Postage is an option. Please email for pm for pics as I don't know how to upload to this site. Thanks

My Discus N Their New Tank

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:17:48 +0000

tell me what you think of my tank and my dicus

any ideas and comments will be appreiciated

Unfortunately I Am Departing From Discus

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:43:18 +0000

Hey guys and girls.

I regret to inform you that I am having a break from keeping discus. Not my choice, believe me. I came into a bit of financial difficulties and was forced to sell my tank and the discus and move in with my girlfriend to save money. So the tank and fish are gone and i am now living with my girlfriend.

Her Aunty told us that she is throwing out a perfectly good conditioned Fluval Roma 200 with pumps, filters, heaters etc. She's moving house. She asked if we wanted it and we said yes. But only if we dont have discus, i got told. My girlfriend doesn't like the amount of money that i spend on the discus and keeping them. So she said we could have the tank as long as we have no discus and keep normal tropical fish instead. Like red tails, plecs, neons, platys, clown loaches, fighters etc.

BUT I'VE GOT A PLAN.

When the fish start dieing off, which eventually im sure they will, i am not going to replace them like i used to when we used to have tropical fish. Then when we're down to the last 4 or 5 fish, i change the set up and parameters of the water and get some discus. It's bound to work.

So ill still be logging into the forum to gather up tips and ideas that you guys post and eventually i will post my own tank on here once i have got discus again.

Until then.........Au Revoir.......Adios.........Goodbye.

Beefheart

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:27:35 +0000

http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif im thinking about making my own beefheart, just wondering if anyone has any idea's on making a good healthy and well balanced beefheart mix for my fish??

360Litre Is Up And Running

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:01:53 +0000

they look much better in my 360litre abit lost at the moment big change from a 100 litre to a 360litre:P theylle soon get used to it, i have a few other little fish in there that will be comeing out soon. i will be adding some rams and a few sterbai corys and few small size plecs.

i will upload a few pictures when they are all settled in.

i thought they would stay in the corner for the 1st day but they went into the corner for 5-10mins and out thet came

Help Strange Killer Rot Patch On Discus

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:48:57 +0000

one week (last saturday) ago i no i noticed on one of my best 7-8" pigeon bloods a patch of white fur around the back of his eye and a small patch under his mouth, not knowing what to do i decided to give a salt dip this removed the fur leaving what looks like a deep wound, i assumed that the damage was caused by a bristlenose that i spotted harrassing the discus and was going from one fish to another trying to suck the slime coat, the bristlenose was quickly removed to another tank and i thaught i would continue with the salt dips to keep any infection to a minimum while the wound healed. monday afternoon came and i found the discus dead on the bottom of the tank (he had been sulky but ok all morning) i quickly removed him.
a day or so later one of my turks develped two small white patches on each of his sides i set up a hospital tank and placed him in it and started a treatment of octozin and interpet no9 the last dose of no9 went in yesterday and he seems to be perking up now and the only damage seems to be some scale loss
today i find another pigeon blood abot 7-8" sulking in the top corner of the main tank and to my horror i find a patch of what looks to me to be rot having i have removed him from the main tank and had to put him in with the other recovering turk discus as i have no other hospital tank and i have to give the dicus in the main tank priority

dose anyone know what this is i have attached pictures ?
do i treat the main tank with octozin/no9 as a precaution (as this is obviously speading) or is there a better treatment ?

A Brand New D&d Co2 Set For Sale

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:45:59 +0000

A brand new D&D CO2 Set For Planted Fresh Water Tank for sale. I bought this item for my discus tank but have never needed them for use.

For more details please go to My link

Cheers,
Bis

A Brand New V2 Vecton 600 Uv Water Steriliser For Sale

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:35:15 +0000

A brand New V2 Vecton 600 UV Water Steriliser for sale. I bought this item for my discus tank but have never needed them for use.

For more details please follow My link

Aquarium Filter Media For Sale

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:23:25 +0000

Following aquarium filter media for sale

3 X HOBBY CARBON Superaktiv 500g
3 X HOBBY HUMIN Superaktiv 600g
3 X EHEIM TORF Peat pellets 1 Litre
3 X FLUVAL ZEO-CARB 450g

bought these items for my discus tank but has never needed any of them for use. All items are new and sealed.

You can find more details here

Cheers,
Bis

My Discus Today With Pics,

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:46:15 +0000

Hi there,

This is a show of my Discus, I hope you like them,

Pics 13/02/2010

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0038.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0030-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0027-2.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0026.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0023.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0021.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0019-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0017-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0016-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0015.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0014-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0001-3.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0079.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0057.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0055.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/01_2010/DSC_0004.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0040.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj285/Chema_Alcala/02_2010/DSC_0093.jpg[/IMG]

Regards!!!!
Chema

Sump Media And Flow

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 09:56:10 +0000

I'm getting a new tank soon, a 750L with a 4' sump. I have never owned a sump before or for that matter actually seen one working so could I trouble you to fill in some grey areas please?

At the heart of my concerns is flow or more specifically the balance of flow; am I right thinking that if the tank and the throughput of the sump is potentially greater than the throughput of the pump all should function properly? I'm worried that the sump won't be able to transfer water from the in to the out fast enough or that I wont have enough flow through the tank. The tank by the way will be a very low tech planted so nutrient and CO2 circulation are not paramount, the fish needs will dictate this after all it's a Discus tank.
The filter is a 4 compartment affair (standard Aquariums Ltd), I thought about filling the first with coarse foam, the second with bioballs and the third with Alphagrog. Would this be OK or if not what would you recommend? My worry is will all this seriously slow the water flow through the sump or not filter enough.
I have ordered a 1500 - 3000L/h pump is this OK? should I change it for a smaller one or add another? I don't want to drain the sump or under filter the tank (I think I will fit a float switch just in case).
I'm sure once I switch it on all my questions will seem trivial and I needn't have worried but until then.... Thanks

Runts

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:27:31 +0000

my babies are now 1 month old and about an 1inch- 3cm i have only about 50, after watching them for a month i have had a few die normally 1-2 every other day but now their a month old they have stop dieing and i have just notice i only have one runt left and the bigger one are always attacking him i don't think he will last longi have also remembered the ones that where dieing were smaller than the other so they where runts so what i am getting at is the fish cull them self?? survial of the fittest???

sorry if everyone already knew this as this is my first batch just though i'd see if anyone else has come across this =DD

Greetings From The Isle Of Anglesey

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:11:00 +0000

Hello all, my name's Colin and I'm an ........ Whoops wrong forum!

Seriously though, new to discus keeping but not new to fish or planted tanks. Currently the main tank is a 240L but I have a 750L arriving at the end of March with a sump to keep the water sparkly. I'm in the process of plumbing in a HMA filter and drain so I can do a trickle water change overnight using cheap electricity to heat the water. Never had a sump before so will be asking many questions about them most probably although I have found some answers to some of them here already. All good fun!

6 Foot Tank For Sale

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:10:03 +0000

Hi Guys I am moving very soon so am selling my 72"x24"x18" display tank as the new house has no place for it,its only the tank not the cabinet as thats built into the alchove, its 10mm Glass has a few minor scratches on it but nothing serious looking for �100 collection from Alton Hants

Also have a nearly new 5 foot Arcadia Lumineire with 4x 80 watt bulbs in it its new design which cost over �400, I will sell it for �250 ono

Also for sale Fluval FX5 filter �80 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can call me on either 07899980620 or 01420542656

Bulldog...............

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:49:09 +0000

What is the crack with these so called BULLDOG strains of discus, they look so deformed and inbred.
The poor fish look like someone has pinched their mouth in an effort to do what?
May be its me but I thought discus (now there is a big clue here!) were meant to be as near to round as possible? you know like a discus?
If you like these fish thats your prerogative, but with all the fuss about parrot fish and how we should not buy these freaks, shouldn't we take a stand against these poor bulldog discus?

What do you think?

Brian.

Ph Meter

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:37:20 +0000

Hi, I just bought a ph meter from hong kong with two packets of solution and a screw driver. I am told the meter needs to be calabrated using the packets of soution, can some one please tell how to do this. thank you -robert

White Poo

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:12:49 +0000

Hi I have just noticed one of my discus has sulked off on its own, its not eating, its gone slightly dark, its eyes are dark, and it has white segmented poo. The other fish in the tank are fine. could someone help? cheers--robert

Plec For Sale/swap

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:16:24 +0000

Hello everyone,

I am selling a large female plec.

She is about 6 to 7 inches big and is just too big for my tank now

I'd like to get 20 pounds for her or alternatively swap her for a Discus fish if possible.

I live in SE12 Hither Green/Lee (South East London)

Drop me a message or email if you are interested (medran@o2.co.uk)

Thanks

Marc

What Emergency Medication To Alway Have To Hand?

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:26:27 +0000

I have just read a thread where (and this happens to a lot of people it seems) the fish keeper struggled to find / find in time the medication they needed.
In the January sales I went out and put together a selection of products that hopefully would cover most issues, not that I am expecting problems it is for my peace of mind and they welfare of my discus.
I was wondering what other people kept in their fishy first aid kit?

This is what I keep;
Spare Air stone & air-line
UV Filter Fitted inside cabinet ready to use when required only
Aquairum Salt
Myxazin Used when adding QT fish to my main tank and then only on the day of the move
eSHa Hexamita (never had to use)
eSHa 2000 (never had to use)
Metronidazloe (never had to use)

Small Hospital tank Ready to run if ever needed (doubles up as a QT)

Let me know what you think, is there something you would leave out or put in?

Brian.

Rena Air 200 Air Pump

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:43:16 +0000

Hi all,

I'm selling a Rena air 200 Air pump that had been used for hatching BBS, but I no longer have the time to hatch them so this is why I'm selling this unit to ya'll.

http://www.aquarist-classifieds.co.uk/php/detail59_157292.php

Free postage and packaging, how cool is that

Happy shopping,
Kevin

Breeding

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:54:38 +0000

Hello fellow discus fans.

I will give you a short run down of my breeding set up which may help you with my problem.......

I recently set up a new breeding shed with 6x18 breeding tanks,these are constantly run on a reservoir system holding approx 200 gallons,the system flows through a green genie filter back into the reservoir tank which is fed up trough a UV and back into the tanks intenally (water flows into the tank at the bottom of the tank via plastic pipe and flows out from the top via overflow ).

The Breeding pair i have problems with are very young they are laying constantly roughly 50-100 eggs at a time and most of the eggs hatch to wrigglers and then to free swimming ,then the problem starts .the fry do NOT appear to be feeding off of the parants and are always searching the tank walls or bottom for food .....after about 7 days the fry will all be gone...i suppliment with liqui fry food....i have never seen this pair sqabble or fight ,and am at a loss to whats going wrong.

Have any of you fellow breeders any idea what could be going wrong ?

Thanks for taking the time to read this query

steve

Tank Mates

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 10:02:16 +0000

Whats the best tank mates for discus i know of 1 or 2 but i would like a few more

any help will be appreciated

thanks jay

New Pair With Wrigglers, L@@k

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:52:55 +0000

my newly formed pair with wrigglers:

tank is a work in progress, so any advice taken on board regarding fish and plants... thanks

also any ideas on breeds? thanks

Discus Identification

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:03:30 +0000

Hi all,
Few weeks ago I bought 16 Discus for a very very cheap price, and with them I got 2 breeding pairs, which I dont even know what type of Discus are they.
I have to say I did know anything about Discus apart from that they are hard to breed, but since they were very cheap (Some of them are peppered) I got them hoping that they would breed and I say some babies.
Three days ago they spawned and today the eggs hatched, so I will have some Discus babies. However, I dont know the type of Discus the parents are for me to know what kind the babies would be called (Mum and dad are different).
So if there is anyone here could help please just reply to this topic and I will get it.
I have attahced pictures of the two breeding pairs, and they are all numbered, so if you dont mind to state the number of the picture when you are stating the type of Discus.
Many thanks for your help in advanced,
Naz.

Selling My Fish

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:35:17 +0000

I'm closing down by tank and selling my fish. If interested please mail me at gerwyn.gibbs@tiscali.co.uk
Images of the fish can be found here
http://www.pbase.com/gibbsy/discus_for_sale

Fluval G6

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:04:36 +0000

Hi Folks

Just wanted to no if anybody has got or tried the new FLUVAL G6 or G3. I have came into some cash and was thinking about getting 1 for my tank. The only issue is i dont want to spend �300 if a cheaper 1 is going to be as good. I have read all the spec on it and it seems to be the dogs b******s. I just cant find anybody yet who has went and got 1

Regards
stevie

Worming Advice?

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:11:49 +0000

Hi,

New to the forum - I'm just looking for some advice on whether I need to worm my discus. I have ten 2"-3" cobalts and am currently growing them up in a 350l tank. I've had the fish for a couple of months and they look very healthy, eating well and have grown quite noticeably since i got them, the only thing is I have noticed the odd one or two flicking their fins very occasionally - could this be a sign that they need wormed? According to the breeder I bought them from they had been wormed, but they share the tank with a few keyhole cichlids I've had for about a year that have never been wormed. Any advice welcome.

Cheers,

Graham

Juwel Trigon 350

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:43:40 +0000

Hey guys. Unfortunately i am having to sell my discus and tank. The discus are all gone but now need to sell the tank and unit.

It is a Juwel Trigon 350 corner tank with unit. It comes with an aqua one external filter and a juwel internal filter. Heater and undergravel heater cables. UV steriliser. Fire extinguisher with air hoses and regulator for the CO2 set up. Also comes with all the wood, plants annd rocks that are in there at the moment if you want them. Loads more extras like air pump, bags of gravel and little rocks etc.

If your interested please reply or PM me.

Thanks

Home Bred Discus

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:39:58 +0000

Members I am new to the discus world, I have at the moment 12 discus and completing soon a fish house.
My main question is the discus I have are home bred and I keep my discus in 50/50 water tap water ro water ph 7.0
Because they are home bred do I have to breed the discus in soft water (ro water) ph down to 6.5 or would they bred in the water quality they have been
brought up in from juveniles?
Obviously water changes daily would take place etc, I understand discus in the wild live and breed in soft water etc etc,
Could all you successful breeders give me the right advice please.

Discus Young

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:13:55 +0000

hi,my blue turk discus have bred young for the first time of breeding +have about 40-50 fry 17 days old,+feeding on there own, is it ok to seperate now?

Two Pod Filter

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:18:37 +0000

Hi I have just bought a two pod water filter. I use water stright from the tap so i know that one of the filters should be corbon to rid the water of chlorine etc, but what should the other one be? any suggestions would be appreciated. thank you

Juvenile Discus Wanted

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:31:21 +0000

This may sound like a strange request but I'm after 8 2-3" discus for my latest setup. I'd rather buy from a UK breeder - somone in the hobby preferably - and local(ish) to East Anglia. If anyone is interested let me know via the forum. If you let me have your water parameters, I will match them before adding the fish.

Andy.

My New Setup So Far

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:41:40 +0000

Tell Me What You Think

front of glass is abit dirty on the outside aint got round to cleaning it yet but will do

tell me any ideas if you got any of what i else i could do

Green Slime Over Gravel....

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:29:12 +0000

Hi, I have been having trouble with green slime carpeting the gravel and glass. I have a 4ft tank with a male& female with 12 young approx 2 months old, The tank has very few plants, no CO2 and the light is on for no more than 7 hours a day.
I gave the tank a good clean yesterday and the slime is there again today and it looks awful. The fish seem fine, no obvious signs of stress etc.

how can I get rid of this?
thanks
Mike

Bulging Eyes And Bloated Stomach

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:00:27 +0000

I've got a female that has suddenly developed bulging eyes and a bloated abdomen.

All other fish in the tank are normal.

Anyone got any ideas please?

Discus Health

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:07:29 +0000

Hi,
i have 3 angel, (2 R T, 2 silver sharks), ( 2 com pleco at around 30-40 cm, 1 golden nugget, 1 snowball), (2 yoyo, 2 zebra, 2 clown loach) 1 elephant nose 3 catfish never seen really aqpart from my shark catfish and
i have 3 discus 1 red rainbow at 4"
1 blue turk at 3.5"
and about a week ago brought a half melon at about 3" he dosn't seem very happy at the minute and appears to be being bullied by my red rainbow although not that bad but the worst offender is my golden sevrum he is around 5" he is the dominant fish in my tank and at feeding his aggresive nature defo shows by being first in and having all he wants before any other fish gets a look in he has taken a particular interest in my half melon and wont let him out the planted area
shall i get rid of the sevrum, will the problem rectifie, or get rid of the new half melon

Stunned Discus

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 09:37:33 +0000

Two of my fish have layed eggs in my community tank, a relatively regular occurrence. However the large male is always particularly defensive and seems to target one or two of the other fish while defending the eggs.

This morning however he appears to have swam into the side of the tank and knocked himself out while charging at one of the other fish. I say seems to as i didn't actually see it, although i did notice him warn of a couple of fish rather aggressively earlier on.

He was on his side but is now upright in the corner, i have dropped an air stone next to him to increase the oxygen levels and not sure if there is anything else i can do!

Has anyone else had this happen??

Thanks

James

Discus Ulcer

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:48:53 +0000

Advice needed One of my albino snakeskins developed a lump next to its top crown, I caught the fish and it was leeking a pus like matter so I cleaned the wound with myxazin applied with a cotton bud directly onto the wound. The swelling disappeared but you can see the hole where the infection set in. This was 5 days ago. The wound is still quite red and still is leaking a blood like matter when handled. What would you suggest to treat this wound and to try to seal it. Any suggestions would be appreciated. The wound itself is not bothering the fish, it is not rubbing on any objects. Water gets changed twice daily. All perimeters are fine, pH 6.8

Do Fish Get Colds

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:41:06 +0000

nothing appears wrong with my discus but one look like he has a cold hes all blue but around his mouth and nose it look like its blood shot what is this?

Looking For That Perfect Fish

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:32:36 +0000

Hi all, this isn't so much an out and out question, it is more food for thought that might produce some interesting answers.

It may only be me but I find myself browsing Asian discus breeder's websites looking for the NEXT GREATEST pattern or strain, reading lots of books and magazines wishing I owned the grand champion 2009. This has lead me to dislike some of my own discus from time to time because they didn't match up to these amazing pictures we see.
To be honest I've even considered giving some away just so I could have the space in the tank to go after that NEXT GREATEST fish.
Good news is I didn't, and I'm so glad I've stuck with my first batch of discus (6 fish a year an a half ago, since added three more sensible purchases over the last 6 months).
For the last 6 months I have been at home due to ill health and in that time I have had the opportunity to really spend time watching my fish. The individual behaviour of each of my fish has become a joy to learn and watch, the fish I once considered giving away are now my favorites because they're different.
The Blue Marine that was the runt of the six has grown into a 5" cage fighter, yes he's (don't know the sex for sure!) missing a bit of his fin from all the bullying he had when young and yes he didn't turn out as blue as I would have liked, but the pleasure he brings me when any of the other fish cross his patch is brilliant to watch, they may well be bigger than him but boy does he show them whats what. Then there is my two Checkerboards, and again yes they didn't have that perfect pattern and a bit to much peppering, but for sheer presence in a tank, a 7" discus always looks good. I could go on with more but I won't.

What I'm really trying to get at here is that if we were to stop and take a good look into our own tanks, and really appreciated our own discus for the fish they are, our obsession for the next greatest discus might slow down a bit. Let's take a time out and be happy with what amazing discus we already own.

In the future I intend to get a much larger tank and the discus I first started out with will be the most prized, yes I may add one or two more, they might in your eyes be that perfect discus but my runt of a Blue Marine and my peppered Checkerboards will always be my perfect discus, because they were the ones that taught me how to watch, learn and look after these majestic fish properly.

Does the perfect discus exist? Yes! and it is probable already in your tank?

Looking forward to your responses.

Brian.

Discus

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:20:02 +0000

I�m looking for young discus to buy near Oxford or Swindon

Driftwood! Advice!

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:46:06 +0000

could i use any piece of driftwood thats on a beach, and if yes how long should i soak it for before adding to my tank.

jay

Community Tank

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:35:45 +0000

Hi guys and girls.

At the moment i've got 7 discus and about 20 cardinals. And 3 bristlenose plecs. I really like clown loaches and corys but dont know whether to keep it just a discus tank or turn it into a communal one. (think thats how you spell communal)

What are the pro's and con's with having a communal tank? Does anyone advise against it?

Thanks

Sterilising Nets And Pipes

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:29:55 +0000

Evening all,

what's the best way of sterilising nets / pipes. Just going through the fish house and doing a big clean over everything, including the fish.

I assume PP, but is there anything else?

cheers

Tim

Glass Cleaner In Discus Tank

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:38:11 +0000

hi all im looking for some advice oh what would be good as a glass cleaner in my discus tank which is 450 litre im thinking of cats that dont get to big or what other options are there

How To Cope With A Power Cut

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:22:10 +0000

This normally does not happen in UK. So I was absolutely not prepared for the one that happend yesterday evening and fortunately lasted for only just over an hour. But the prediction was that it could last upto 5 hour for a major fault developed near our residence. So my question is what precaution we normally take to face a longer power cut specially during the winter or even in the summer water temp can go down rapidly even after three hours of power cut.

Will be much helpful to know about what you do and what you think could be done.

Cheers,

Flourite Red

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:43:20 +0000

Hi everyone

Was wondering if it would be ok to use flourite as a substrate in my discus tank ,its just that when i checked what was in it ,it seemed to have a lot of metals in it .....cheers....Mark

What Is T.d.s

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:25:42 +0000

Hi. Please could some one explain what is tds and how it effects the tank water. What is an exceptable tds reading for our water and where do a hma filter come in to the equation? cheers---fantail

Library Access

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:50:44 +0000

Being relatively new and occassional visitor of the forum I'm always inreseted in research - I was wanting to get into the library to look at the topics available there but if I manage to find a link it comes up as access forbidden. Why is this and how if at all can I rectify it/? Was interested in a piece about salt dips in particular
Thanks
Calli/Robynemma

Pt Scalare Nhamunda

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:06:22 +0000

Heiko Bleher in your magazine AQUA Geographia VOL. 24.
a kind pt scalare Nhamunda in the river to come.
can you tell which one it is.
I would like the angelfish in keeping me nhamunda diotoop
Sorry for my bad english

New Set Up 6Ft Tank & 5Ft Sump

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:28:26 +0000

Hi all

I have on order a 6ft tank with 5ft sump on its way. This should hold around 750litres, and according to the equation I can hold 16 discus (?)

I was going for a bare bottom tank but with this amount of water, I was wondering what you would do??

Please let me know.

Thanks
George

Juwel Rio 350

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:27:35 +0000

Hi all,it been 17 years since i last had a tank,malawi cichlids then,purchased the juwel rio 300(350ltrs) tank on friday,going to have my first discus setup,what external filter is best for this tank.Thanks in advance

Making A Sump

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:46:04 +0000

Hi all,

thinking about making a sump. I have the basic idea.

what is the best % of the "system" the sump needs to be, or is it just a minimum (ie. the bigger the better)]

Also, is there a a w x d x h ratio (for surface are?) rule to be kept?

Looking a 4ft tank, ideally 48 x 18 x 18, then making 4 or 5 sections siliconed in with glass etc.

cheers

Tim

Transporting Discus

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:13:03 +0000

Hi everyone,
can anyone give me any tips on the safest and best way to transport large Discus without causing them too much stress?.
Regards Derek

Discus Moving Fry In There Mouth..

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:53:41 +0000

hey there got my second batch of fry started free swimming yesturday i noticed my female is picking off my fry one by one the male is pretecting them best he can but he cant save them all but then i noticed something very unusual that didnt happen when i raised my last 85 young the femal appeared to spit out a mass of babys on the cone.......is she eating them or moving them had eggs ever 2-3 weeks for months since my last batch of babies and they always got eaten as they started to free swim i had all about given up but these are getting on to day 3 of free swimming although the numbers are dwindeling at the minute..............i was going to remove the female but last time i removed the male as i though he was the eater the female left them to die i didnt want that again as this is the longest they have gone in a while..........but the male is faning and looking after them not like his better half..........any thought would be good how long b4 i can remove the perents and the free swimmers will survive.............thanks in advance........

Ammonia And Nitrate Problem

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:10:12 +0000

Can anyone help me. i have had high ammonia and nitrate problems for quite a while now. My PH is very low so the ammonia isnt causing my discus any problems. However having this problem is still very annoying. I am running a Juwel 180 on RO water treated with electro-rite. My temp is at 30.7 C and im running a Fluval FX5. My tank is very planted. OPEN TO ALL SUGGESTIONS

Wrigglers Dropping Off Cone

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:20:08 +0000

Hi,

something is not right with my last 2-3 spawnings with my red turq pair. Quite a good number of their eggs go white (which is unusual for any of my pairs). On wriggling, they seem to just fall away from the cone. After 48 hours they seem to just drop off the cone (as if they are not "sticking") and the parents give up on them and eat them. Cannot be water as 3 other pairs are doing fine in the same water (with eggs / wrigglers / fry now, very few white eggs). I am thinking it may be bacteria related?

any ides please

thanks

Tim

Ehiem Professional 3

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:58:41 +0000

I am contemplating up grading my external filter to either an Ehiem Professional 3 e 2078 or 2076.

Does any one have any experiance of either filters and do you think the 2078 is too much for a 100 gallon aquarium?

I currently have an Rena XP3 running my Rena 350.

Also what is considered the best way to install an un-matured filter to a mature tank? Run both filters in tandom for a few months or put the matured media from the old filter to the new filter?

Many thanks

James

Sick Discus

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:53:10 +0000

Hello
I want your opinion in order to establish a correct diagnostic for my discus fish.
I have a discus fish who is standing aside under an echinodorus plant, and won't eat anymore. He diminished in size, and it seems that his eyes are a bit darker.
It all started a couple month ago, when he (I don't know for sure if it's a male or female) retired with a feamale in this corner. The female layed eggs several times until now and the eggs were eaten each time by this fish which now is sick. The 2 of them defends that territory since then against a third discus (also I don't know if it is male or female yet). I have 3 discus fish in the tank. different types of snails and ottocinclus fish. The tank is medium planted, with a PH = 6.5-7, and Kh ~3, temperature = 30 C (86 F).
Although the female swims in the entire tank, comes out for the food and behaives verry normal, this sick one slowly lost interest for food, and became more and more retired. He was still geting along with the female, and they were both still fighting against the third, when he crossed that part of the tank. This is why I didn't thought at a disaese until recently, when I noticed he is poorer by the day. Now, the third one is more and more offensive, and he mannaged to get him out of his hidding place several times. Even his fiend, the female is sometimes attacking him.
I attached some pictures, to be more specific. In all pictures is the sick fish. The orange fish is "the third fish" and in the last picture you can see the sick fish and the female in their "nest".

[IMG]http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/6813/dscn0195g.th.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7694/dscn0194d.th.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/4889/dscn0191u.th.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/1689/dscn0190p.th.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/1222/dscn0189xp.th.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/5446/dscn0186.th.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6976/dscn0193b.th.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/3136/dscn0196bp.th.jpg[/IMG]

Discus Fry Dying Slowly.....

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:26:33 +0000

hey guys,

seems like im loosing a few fry... some look like there going a bit dark, sort of dirty peppering type thing... and i have lost 3 in the last week... any advice on this...thanks

Slime Algea Aaaarrrrrrr!

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:37:55 +0000

I have a case of reocuring slime algea that i cant seem to shift. I did a complete 3 day blackout a few weeks ago and removed all of it and it seemed to work but it looks like it is coming back again. I have covered one of my bulbs (its a jewell so unfortunatly both bulbs have to stay) and it seems to slow it down. My tap water is rubbish (8.4 ph with high solids) so i am using 80% ro/ 20% filtered tap mix.
I do 10% water change twice a week, have a large interal jewell filter and a large eheim wet/dry filter so water quality is not an issue.
So what do i do to either eliminate it or slow it right down? what is a good bulb colour for a jewell tank that doesnt make algea bloom?
I cant be the only discus keeper to have suffered from this problem.

Sump

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:39:37 +0000

How do you get around not flooding when there is a power cut with a sump. I assume some sort of float valve type thing on the return?

Anyone got any sump drawings?

cheers

Tim

A Favour

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:10:35 +0000

Hi all,

Hope I am OK to post this?

as you have perhaps read, I am currently in the early stages of fish house mk2. Is there anyone who would be kind enough to give me a guided tour of their fish house so I can pick your brains and help me with my learning curve. I am especially interested in plumbing / pipework / air rings and sumps as well as appreciating other peoples fish and systems.

If anyone can help, please PM me, i'd love to hear from you. I am in Sheffield, but don't mind travelling.

many thanks in advance

Tim

Plain Glass Tanks Wanted.

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:54:13 +0000

Hi,

wanted 18" cubes (or 24 x 18 x 15) plain glass tanks, ideally with glass sliders or covers. Want around 10 in total. Condition not too important but must be water tight. Ideally drilled in one top corner, but not a problem if not. Can collect most areas.

Also,

48" or larger sump

Also

30 x 15 x 12/15 plain glass tanks with or without sliders, again condition not too important but must be water tight. Looking for 15.

PM please if you have 1, or 10.

thanks

Tim

Quaranteening My Fish

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:41:18 +0000

Hi guys. I've probably spelt quaranteen completely wrong but hey.

I've been reading over a few of the posts and have noticed a couple of people suggesting quaranteening the fish before introducing them to the tank. Is this a MUST do? Im just worried as i haven't quaranteened any of the fish i've got.

How do you quaranteen them? Do you have to add a solution to the water? Have it at set temp? etc. But then i suppose im fuc*ed anyway as i haven't got a spare tank to put them in.

They all seem to be ok without me putting them in quaranteen but i dont want to carry on doing it incase there's a chance it could do more harm than good.

Which Rocks?

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:07:33 +0000

This article serves to provide a brief introduction to rocks and their properties, and hopefully guide you in your choice of decor for various biotope simulations.

Rock Types

To make a decision about rock selection for aquarium use, it is beneficial to understand the properties of each rock group. The following is a skeletal lesson in geology that will (hopefully) help you understand why some rocks are less suitable for the use in home aquariums than others. Only the characteristics that affect freshwater environments will be discussed.

Rocks are grouped into 3 major types: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Each of these types consists of subgroups. We will start with igneous rocks.

Igneous Rocks

These rocks are formed from molten material (magma): those which contain high amounts of quartz (SiO2) are termed �acidic�; those without quartz are termed �basic�. Rocks with small amounts of quartz are called �intermediate�. Common types of acidic rocks include granite (fig 8 ), rhyolite, pegmatite and obsidian. Intermediate rocks include syenite, diorite, andesite and trachyte. Those that are termed as basic include gabbro, dolerite and basalt.

Generally speaking, these rocks are suitable for use in the aquarium. However they form sharp edges along broken faces, so care should be taken to smooth off any dangerous projections. Obsidian is glass-like and should be treated with extreme care. Basically, igneous rocks are non-porous, however many contain some minerals that are chemically altered to clay after a period of weathering. With the exception of obsidian, some are then capable of �sponging� up chemicals/toxins from their environment and releasing them slowly into the aquarium. Water worn and polished specimens possess little to no absorption properties, and often appear more realistic in an aquatic environment.

Basic rocks often contain higher amounts of iron-based minerals; however their release is too slow to cause a significant shift in the water chemistry. Igneous rocks do not help buffer water, are generally inert and are non-contributors to providing ideal water chemistry for alkaline dwelling cichlids. They provide decorative properties only.

Sedimentary Rocks

Most rocks chosen by aquarists fall into this category. The main feature that brings this great variety of rocks together is that they are deposited in layers or beds that originally are reasonably flat and well organised. Those that are formed from detrital sediments include sandstone, conglomerate, breccia and shale. Sandstones can vary greatly in their chemical composition.

This is due to the fact that the sand is cemented together by various minerals which have been formed in the pore spaces in the rock. The most common �cements� are calcite, iron or quartz. Sandstones, on the whole, are inert in water, although the cement type will dictate their strength and mineral composition.

The most important factor to consider when utilising these rocks is their porosity and often fragile nature. Sandstones bonded with iron will remain stronger over time than those containing calcite: the latter tending to crumble after a period of submersion.

The high porosity of sandstones leads to the containment and release of toxins/chemicals acquired from an aquatic environment. You need to be sure of their source. Conglomerates and breccias are rocks that are formed by �clusters� of larger sized particles. They are cemented in a similar fashion to sandstones.

Shales and mudstones are generally not suitable for aquarium use. They are clay based and often fall apart after a period of submersion.

Limestones are the most commonly used rock group in home aquariums. There are a number of types of limestone, and their properties correspond with the origin of formation. Some are produced by or from organic material (shells, coral or algae), others originate from chemical activity (oolite and dolomite) and the rest are formed from fragments of calcareous material (clastic). Although limestones can be deposited in freshwater, the vast majorities are marine deposits. They are commonly formed in a reasonably clear sea, largely free of mud and sand.

These rocks are usually pale coloured, being grey or even white, the colour though will depend on the amount of detrital material present. They may be brownish when iron minerals are present and almost black if they contain high levels of mud and organic carbon. The percentage of calcium carbonate present differs between types (chalks containing up to 90%) whereas dolomites contain over 15% magnesium carbonates.

Limestones are useful for use in hard-water, alkaline biotope simulations such as Malawi and Tanganyikan. They possess good buffering properties, are relatively easy to come by and provide aesthetically pleasing displays with a little imagination. Limestone will often break and form quite sharp fractures. Make sure that you do not leave hazardous projections that may injure your fish.

Evaporatives and ironstones include salt, gypsum, potash ore marl and ironstones.

Only the ironstones are suitable for aquarium use. As suggested, they often contain the following iron-rich minerals: chamosite, limonite, siderite, hematite and magnetite, and are commonly added to planted aquariums to help supplement iron levels. Iron content should be regularly monitored if ironstone is included in your aquarium.

Metamorphic Rocks

Generally speaking, these rocks are formed from the alteration of igneous and sedimentary rocks through heat and pressure. Examples include hornfels, metaquartzite, marble, slate, phyllite, schist and gneiss. All of these rocks are suitable for use in the aquarium. However, as has already been discussed, their origin will determine the chemical properties that they individually possess.

Of these, marble is the most commonly used metamorphic rock. This rock develops when limestones are intruded by magma, or overrun with lavas. The heat from the molten igneous rock brings about profound changes in the original limestone. Marbles are generally pale coloured rocks of medium to course grain size. The main mineral in marble is calcite; the other metamorphic minerals develop from impurities in the original rock. Due to the thermal alteration of the original limestone, marble is very hard and durable. It is commonly used as a substrate in hard-water Africa aquariums, or as a filter media. It has an excellent buffering capability, and provides a more environmentally friendly alternative to coral products.
General Themes

Water becomes hard by dissolving soluble salts from the rocks or soil over or through which it flows. Some rocks, for example, slate, granite and gneiss, contain little or no soluble material and have a negligible effect. Others, most notably limestone, are quite the opposite. Hence rocks may affect water chemistry: corals and shells are largely calcium carbonate and some gravels often contain fragments of these substances. Hardness free rocks are a pre-requisite of the soft-water aquarium.

A point not often realised is that some rock surfaces are too rough for use as a spawning substrate by many species. Rocks that would be suitable include granite, schist, gneiss, slate and sandstone.

Rock is sold by weight and can be expensive, so you may be tempted to collect your own - but don�t do so unless you are able to identify different types of rocks and spot any contaminants in them.

All rocks must be thoroughly cleaned and scrubbed to remove soil particles and other foreign bodies. Small pieces can be boiled for 10 minutes, but remember to allow them to cool. The amount of rock to be used will depend on the biotope you are trying to replicate, and may range from scattered stones on the floor of a forest stream, to large and complex rock piles representing areas of rapids or a rocky lake shore.

Stones can be used to support raised terraces of substrate material. Never position large rocks on top of the substrate - always bed them in so that substrate slippage or fish excavations cannot undermine them. Always make sure rocky structures are solidly constructed so that they cannot collapse, crushing fishes or crashing through glass; consider sticking them together with silicone sealant for added security and stability.

Never forget that in choosing and arranging rocks you must always keep the fishes� requirements - water chemistry, shelter, swimming space, spawning sites and so on - in mind, and be prepared to forego any ideas which may please your eye, but cause them physical or psychological discomfort. Your aim should be to provide them with a replica of their natural environment in which they will feel at home. They reward you by looking their best.

Rocks Ok To Use?

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:18:50 +0000

Hi guys. Before i buy any i wanted to check they are ok to use in a discus tank. I was thinking of buying some slate and sandstone. I've had sandstone in there before and didn't seem to have any problems but have never had slate in the tank before. Are they both ok for discus set ups?

Thanks in advance.

New Discus Stressed ?

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:02:45 +0000

Hi everyone

I have my new Discus yeh hee !!! I have had them for a week now settling them in and they have nicely but .... in the last 2 days one has gone blackish in colour which I am presuming is stress.
He isnt breathing heavily in fact he seems to be breathing shallower than the other 4. He has now distanced himself away from them hiding in the plant.
He just seems to be staring into nowhere. ( the vacant expression sick Discus seem to get ). I think it is stress the others are fine, not illnmess. Please any siuggestions before I lose him. I HAVE NOT witnessed any bullying myself at all but think that may be it. The others are happily swimming around though watching them for a while 1 seems to be the boss there but the others will kind of have a go back and sometimes swim away from it. ANY HELP GLADLY RECEIVED !!
CHEN was feeding them Beefheart which I bought from him to keep the pure colour of the White Butterfly.. How often should I feed do you think .

Discus Breathing Heavily

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:28:28 +0000

Hey guys, I've had my discus for little over month or so. Since I'vehad them they've been breathing somewhat heavily but generally they'rein great health (except for the smallest one, he doesn't get picked onbut he is skinny and hes not eating at the moment, hasn't for about aweek or so). But they are all really colourful and their fins arealways standing high.

The fish were quarantined for 3 weeks+ before I purchased them, as wellas being wormed etc. There's aeration in the tank, Nitrate 10ppm,Nitrite 0ppm, Ammonia 0ppm, pH 7.4, Temp 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Fullyestablished (year old). I've just ordered some "Suruki Plus" I believeit's called, the wormer. After trying to feed the skinny one on a hugevariety of frozen and dried foods I decided it must be worms, and onthat note I thought that the heavy breathing may be gill flukes? Inwhich case the wormer would sort that out too.

Would anybody agree with this? or have another theory? I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

Is This Normal

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:22:35 +0000

when my pair has layed their egg and done thier stuff the female goes off eating but male cant get enough then when babies hatch female cant stop eating and the males won't eat and has the fry's full time, the females don't wanna know them when they hatch then when the fry are about 5 days old she lays another 200 odd why does she not help the male raise them? is looks like he's under alot of stress looking after them full time and i don't think he has slept in the last 4 days but female won't help him and he's goes dark all the time the fry are on him. do i have a bad pair? they have had 2 spawns now of about 100-200 each time (some got suck up filter ;(((( ) .

when should i take the fry away from the parents? as in the pass i've not seen it but im sure they did it, just before new batch hatch they ate the old batch of fry any tips?

Sick Discus

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:41:53 +0000

hi guys and girls my dad has a 300l tank with a mixture of ro and rain water .he has 6 discus in the tank and all are healthy apart from one which seems to have small white lumps growing on it,s dorsal and tail .i have whached the fish and every now and then it,s seems to shake it seems to be eating ok but i,m worried that the other discus may catch this what is the best thing to do a water change or treatment or turn the temprature up any help would be grateful.

Its Going To Be Too Late! But Just So I Know What It Was!

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:30:07 +0000

Hi ive been searching everywhere online about illnesses and diseases but cannot find anything like what my fish has right now!, it appeared last night, was worse by lunch today and has since got ten times worse! Im certain shes on her last legs as shes laying at the bottom but is still moving about now and then, but making no movement at all in the meantime. hopefully i have attached a photo of what it looks like right now. This lunch time all there was on the fish was the red swollen puffy looking section at the bottom of the fish but now its all dark and pale with white sections all over, Also theres evidence of fin rot perhaps but im not too sure. I know theres no hope for this fish as something very similar happenned to its mating partner a couple days ago so its obviously a terrible disease and ive really gone wrong somewhere (and im certain i know what it is!) Any help or ideas as to what this actually is would be great, so i know in future

Heavy Breathijg

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:03:17 +0000

Hey guys, I've had my discus for little over month or so. Since I've had them they've been breathing somewhat heavily but generally they're in great health (except for the smallest one, he doesn't get picked on but he is skinny and hes not eating at the moment, hasn't for about a week or so). But they are all really colourful and their fins are always standing high.

The fish were quarantined for 3 weeks+ before I purchased them, as well as being wormed etc. There's aeration in the tank, Nitrate 10ppm, Nitrite 0ppm, Ammonia 0ppm, pH 7.4, Temp 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Fully established (year old). I've just ordered some "Suruki Plus" I believe it's called, the wormer. After trying to feed the skinny one on a huge variety of frozen and dried foods I decided it must be worms, and on that note I thought that the heavy breathing may be gill flukes? In which case the wormer would sort that out too.

anyone have any thoughts, theories? I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

Bio Media

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:39:02 +0000

Hi all

I am in the middle of building a bio filter and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on what type of media might be better than others ..cheers Mark

Poorly Discus

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:27:19 +0000

Hi i wonder if anybody can help me, one of my discus has ghone very thin and has also started lying on the substrate any ideas what it could be?

Breeding Proven Pair Of Wild Discus

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:26:47 +0000

Here i have for sale a Proven Breeding Pair of wild discus, these have bred for me and had free swimming fry around them every time.
i still have 2 tanks full of the babies to be seen.
please pm me for price .
many thanks
mark

Silica Sand

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:03:43 +0000

I used to have play sand in my tank from Argos and spent about 2 - 3 hours rinsing it and cleaning it out. After a month of it being in the tank algae started to grow which i got warned about if i didn't rinse the sand properly. So i then took all the sand out after the algae was still growing back after clearing it about 4 times. I then found out it was probably growing cause i used to have the lights on for about 12 hours a day. Sometimes more.

I've now got the smallest amount of sand in the tank and only have the lights on for about 6 hours a day. 8 at the most. But it still doesn't look the same without sand and plants in there. I've got about 4 pieces of bog wood in there but no sand or plants.

I was going to buy little plant pots to put plants in and weigh them down with something so they're just sitting on the base of the tank. But now i might go for sand again but this time silica sand. Im under the impression that silica sand is perfectly healthy for fish tanks without rinsing and cleaning it out as much as play sand. Is this true? So if i was going to put silica sand in the tank i wouldn't have to rinse it out as much as i did with the play sand? If i was going to put sand in again i wouldn't have to buy plant pots cause i could bury them in the sand.

Plant Pots

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:40:19 +0000

Hey guys.

I am after some small plant pots to go inside my tank to put some plants in. I have just got enough sand dusted over the base of the tank but no way near enough to dig the plants into so they dont float around. My plan is to get some small plant pots, put the plants in them, then put a little bit of gravel in the pots to keep the plant in the pots. If that makes sense. Only problem is, i dont know where to buy small enough pots to put the plants in.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Microscopes

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:07:13 +0000

I am thinking of getting a microscope, something which will give me digital images (so I can put the images on here and ask what they are lol). I cannot spend a fortune, but would like to get the right piece of kit. I was just looking at a bresser with an LCD screen rather than eye pieces, up to X1600 magification for �180 delivered. Is this the sort of thing I would benefit from or are there others which would do a better job for "bug hunting" etc.

cheers

Tim

Hma Filter

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:22:53 +0000

before i buy one let this topic sort it out for me when i buy one im going to fill a barrell up with 100 litres of hma water ready for next days water change then what do i do.
1).put the lid on store in dark corner till next day and then just tip it into my tank

2). add airstone and heater over night without the lid on then add to my tank

3). put lid on put in dark corner for next day then add boiled water to bring to tank temp then add to tank

plz advise because it is a concern to me about getting this right dont want to up set my fish

thnx jon...

Ro Backflush

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:59:30 +0000

hi folks, can someone please explain to me in idiot terms, how to install a backflush system on my ro unit? its a bare bones model, 36gpd. from ultimate aquatics. i've a rough idea but not totaly sure. i've got two taps and two T pieces and some extra tubing. any help would go down a storm!! thanks, ian.

Inspiration Needed!

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:07:56 +0000

Hello!

Right, I'm re arranging my tank, old gravel out, fine black gravel in! I've decided to have all my new and older plants in the corner (highly dence) with 2 big piece of Mopani wood to seperate the plants from the main tank space. I'm putting tetra complete plant substrate in the corner for the plants, with added plant food tablet.

Plants have already been chosen and on their way. I'll have a Co2 system set up in the corner for the 8 hours that the LED GroBeams are on, and oxygen for when the lights are out, sound reasonable? In the open space of tank I wont have much, 6 fair sized blyxa japonica (grassy plant) dotted around the main area.

My main plants are Java ferns and Amazon Sword (bleherii) cause they are easy and nice and the rest are a mix really, but half of which have the red shades included, speckled, large leaf area or are somewhat low growing bushy plants.

That's my current idea but I am forever changing my mind, I have a week to 2 weeks to make a final decision. I love to look at what other people have done with their tanks, especially corner tanks so PLEASE, send me links or photos of your tanks of ones you think are cool, nice etc.

Thanks guys!

As Promised Here Is An Updated Version Of My Rio 125 At Work.

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:33:48 +0000

here it is:

let me know what you guys think

Alex

Pterophyllum Altum Film & Details Of Its Morphology

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:56:33 +0000

Hi Guys,

it is finally done. Natasha has worked a full week after our return from India (although being very sick) to place a compact film together of the real P. altum from our Amazon expeditions of which she made a nice underwater film in a Colombian Laguna, in one of its orginal habitats. In addition I have added orginal habitat photos of its type locality in the Atabapo from this November/December 2009 field trip and also detailed photographs of those morphologic characters which separate P. altum from all other angelfish species. Very easy to understand.

This species - the real P. altum - is destinct and very much though, and all those which have claimed to have bred P. altum so far, have not bred this unique and majesctic species (at least of all of those I have seen around the world, in the internet and in all publications which mentioned it breeding - except for one and that was while he was away and all offspring was lost in 1992 in Canada).

There is a free preview (of 20 seconds) on my home page and one can see the entire video by going to the shop and buy it. It is nearly 10 minutes long and totally comprehensive, including all its mates are mentioned by scientific name in writing, its habitat is well shown, and what he feeds on in nature, as well as its environment in both, the Inirida basin and the blackwater habitat in the Atabapo river. (The latter is its type locality and where I collected it already in the late 1960s and 1970s when I introduced this species for the first time into the hobby.)

Enjoy now, also some other videos � under VIDEOS, which are for free...

always

Heiko Bleher
www.aquapress-bleher.com

Discus Has Cut Open It's Head.

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:34:04 +0000

Hi all, I found a cut on the head of one my fish this morning, it is pretty definite that is a cut and not hole in the head, the fish was fine at lights out last night.
I did hear a loud thud in the tank during the night so I'm confident that is how it happen.

Advice for treatment, five days ago the tank had it's usual womerplus treatment as routine. After a 25% water change today I put in some Myxazin at it's usual dose for sores or infections.
Do you think I should just go ahead with the recommended four day course of Myxazin, or only apply more if I see signs of an infection?

All help gratefully received,

Brian.

Hello To You All

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:11:39 +0000

First of all hello everybody, i`ve been reading quite a few posts this last couple of days and found it very helpful and informative.

I am about to move house and will have to find a new home for my malawi cichlids that are in my 125 gallon rena aquarium. So when all that is done with ill have 1 big empty fish tank to do something with, And im thinking discus. The only problem i have is that i live in a hard water area / very hard water area.
Here are my tap water results ( taken with a nutrafin masters liquid test kit).

phosphate = 2.5 mg/ l
nitrate = 20 - 50 mg/l
nitite = 0
ammonia = 0
iron = 0
ph = 7.5 - 7.8
gh = 11.2
kh = 10
calicum = 140 mg/l

So here comes the questions.....
I need an RO filtter right not HMA ? or both ? Also i see quite a few of you guys have tds meters, can you recommend a good one?

Thanks for taking the time to read this im sure/ i know you get these questions asked all the time.

Thanks spliffy.

Tiger Lotus / Nymphea Maculata

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:53:23 +0000

Hey guys, where the HELL can I buy a fairly large established Nymphea Maculata plant. I've been looking everywhere and I want one SO bad. Any online shops etc would be better, I've checked most shops around the Milton Keynes area.

Fish Room Racking

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:08:23 +0000

hey folks,
Im setting up a new set of racks in my fish room and im considering buying Gorilla rack they are 18w x 48l x 72 h. anyone used these??? they hold a fair amount and look great for putting up, im not the best at diy, my current racks are still standing tho!!! oh and there only 36quid!

cheers jamie

Helllooo From Maltaaa :)

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:59:54 +0000

Hello ppl,

I have formed part of this forum now with the intention of sharing ideas and learing much more.

I am also planning to come to the discus show on the 9th and 10th of October 2010 !.... I would like to thank Mick Minns from here for all the info he is providing me with.

Mat

Penang Eruption Off Colour

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:21:50 +0000

Morning all,

I have a cracking pair of Penang Eruptions. The female is absoluteley spot on and showing early signs of getting ready to spawn. The problem is with the male. Most of the time he is dark in colour (same colour as when fry are attached, not black) but when I go to the tank, feed or water change he goes to his normal bright PE colour, just like his mate. He seems to be producing mucus. The fish is eating well. Water changes are daily (RO+salts, pH 7, ammonoa 0, hardness 150 microsiemens) and all the rest of the fish on the system are fine (4/6 pairs with fry attached to parent at the moment). He just seems off colour and could do with some advice in what to do. Not seen any rubbing, breathing 60-70 bmp, no white poo.

thanks in advance

Tim.

Water Perameters

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:30:27 +0000

HI everyone have just aquiered ph,conductivity and tds meters.my readings are ph 7.7 cond 0.04ms and tds 24 this is straight from the tap .can any one tell me what all this means ,and what i need to do to get water right for keeping discus thanks Mark

Dying Discus

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:54:02 +0000

Hi everyone,

got a problem I have not seen before. It's puzzling me because it is the wrong way around.

I was wondering if anyone else has experienced the same thing.

Situation : Established large tank, been going for 13+ months. Community tank, all parameters stable, all fish and plant stock stable and there have been no introductions or changes for 6 months.

Two discus, been with me for 13 months. One large, one small. Large one bullying the little one so I introduced 3 new discus to stop the excessive domination. It worked a treat, big one stopped bullying the little one immediately and little one came out and started feeding. New discus took 2-3 days to settle in.

However.... day five after introduction of new discus, the original large one fell ill. Symptons : dark brown, listless, slow, settled on bottom of tank and leaning against the glass. Like that for 24 hrs roughly. and died day six.

The original little one fell ill on day six, same symptoms. Now its day seven and its the same, and I fully expect it to be dead by tonight.

The new discus appear to be completely healthy.

It's like something I call "discus plague" but normally it affects new fish, not the established fish. which is why it is puzzling me as it has affected the wrong fish.

I have contacted the fish shop, and he reports no problems. However, it's obvious the new fish have brought something with them.

Has anyone else experienced this sort of thing?

Are My Super Red Malboroughs Pairing Off ?

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:15:25 +0000

Hi everyone, could anyone tell me if these are signs of discus pairing off?
Allways together,smacking there tails against each other,tuging each others lips and quivering there fins.
They are super red malboroughs and are 5 inches diameter.
Derek.

Advice Plz

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:35:07 +0000

hi all
I am new to discus and need some advice, I picked up my first 2 discus a week ago they settled very quickly I have since added 2 more but I am having trouble at feeding time, they wont eat anything that isnt blood worm I know they were fed a varied diet at the shop i got them from and saw them feeding before I bought them but now they will ignore anything else.
Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated thanks

Just A Few Pictures

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:58:17 +0000

I've finally got my camera back, so finally I can post a few pictures of some of my fish.

The yellow crystal is only a juvenile, the rest are 5.5" and 6.0"

All comments appreciated.

Brian,

Eheim 2327 Thermo Wet/dry

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 20:08:53 +0000

Hi all, I've been looking into buying myself a new filter, and the Eheim 2327 really catches my eye.
Is anyone or has anyone using/used one of these filters?
Reviews from real fish keepers are better than the official ones!

Especially interested in how a 180watt in built heater can be rated for a filter that is meant for a 350ltrs tank?

Brian.

Juvenile Trying To Feed.

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:23:01 +0000

The other week I added a 3.5" juvenile Red Turq to my collection.
When the little fellow saw my Cobra Snakeskins he dashed across and tried to graze off of them. They told him where to go pretty quickly!
While watching today I noticed that one of my Checkerboard was looking a lot darker towards the middle & back of it's body, I then noticed the Turq again trying to
graze, strange thing is the Checkerboard was loving it, it kept curving it's body to protect the Turq and was more than happy to let it carry on.

Anyone every heard or seen something like this before?
The Checkerboard is mature but is yet to pair off, any clues???

Brian.

Advise Plz

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:21:12 +0000

my tank size is 350 litres what amount water change is best i do 75 litres twice a week is this enough or not enough should a do more in litres

Water Changes

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:45:24 +0000

i got 2x25 litre drums

i see someone said the other day the heat and put an air stone in the water before adding. can anyone walk me though this as when i do it the water is cloudy by the time i add it to my tank. i dunno why you can just add it after you re-min the water, been doing it for year and never had one die or get sick

New Fish House

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:51:44 +0000

Hi All,

finally got the green light to build a new fish house (well acutually a garage) 28' x 15' x 12' high. Double brick, concrete floor and apex roof with rafters (storage above through loft hatch). So assuming I sell my TVR this spring to make room, what do i put on the floor? (12" concrete base). I can stud the walls and use 6" celotex type insulation, same with the ceiling and then plasterboard it all and paint with waterproof paint. Also, does anyone recomend splitting the room in 2, (ie. growing on section and a breeding section). Final question, does anyone have any basic info on a central system (got individual at the moment with 15 tanks, but want 4 systems for the growing on and then individual for the breeding tanks). Big old project this on, looking to have something like 50 tanks eventually, but looking forwards to the challenge.

Tim

Discus Veg

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:11:45 +0000

Hi there, I thought I would try my disus on my dinner??? Freshly cooked broccoli, with no salt and pepper. and they picked the heads clean.

Last 8 Days Been A Nightmare

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:44:36 +0000

Hi all,
I haven't been able to get to my computer for the last eight days, I broke some ribs while trying to go down a snow covered hill stood upright on a bodyboard!
This is the first time back and have been eagerly reading all the last weeks posts.
So glad I can get upstairs now to use the computer, looking forward to more discussion.

Take care folks,

Brian.

Gas In The Water

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:15:23 +0000

well i was stupid. I had 20 albino pearl diamond youngsters growing well, seven weeks old. some had even managed to get to 2 inches all perfect shaped and healthy and eating like pigs????? My gas heater with the cold weather had run out of gas and filled my fish house with fumes. Lost all my youngsters with the gas. just about lost 2 adult fish who were gasping for air??? Alls well now.
[Always Learning For My Stupidity.

New Tank For Discus Setup

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:51:14 +0000

Hi,

I havent kept discus before but i have a new juwel vision 180 tank which has been setup and running for around a month now. It has T5 lighting and the standard juwel bioflow 3.0 filter and a 300 W Trixie Heater.

The tank isnt cycled yet so i think i am going to add some media from my gold fish tank to speed the process up. Will i need to dose with ammonia doing it this way?

I am getting newly born discus fish in around 3-4 weeks. I have a few plants in the tank, i bought a discus plant collection but only around 5/6 of the plants survived so i am just going to puchase the ones that survived as i dont want a co2 kit. Can you recommend what plants i can get that will survive just on the tropiflora liquid plant food?

What should my water peramters be before i look to add the discus and what temperature? 29oC ?

Also, should i buy some rock/stone? or just lots of plants and a big piece of bogwood?

Thanks,
Danny

Northubrian Water

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:27:21 +0000

A few years back when I first started keeping Discus the water in my area was around the 6.8 ph mark out of the tap with Gh and KH of a similar lowish to middle ground. So it was something I was not to bothered about just checking things periodically with a test strip and getting similar results every time. Until that is last year when I changed my aquarium and as a precaution started to do proper regular daily testing again to make sure that things settled down . I found that for some reason the Ph, Gh and Kh were 7.6, 6 and 8, respectively and virtually the same straight from the tap. Nothing I did including gravel changes would bring the Ph down in the tank. ( RO water for various reasons is not an option). So I just left it at that cursing my luck for the sudden change and carried on with the periodic test strip checks. I was mainly looking out for rises in Ammonia and other nasties and not that bothered with the Gh and Kh. which I find difficult to interpret on the strips anyway. I admit that for the past few months I have been a bit lax even on these checks mainly because other than thinking that some Cardinals and Ramirezis that I bought seemed to be doing very well nothing of note was going on in the tank. However today I have done a full check on my tank water prior to buying a couple of new Discus and whilst the Ph is still around 7.6 theGh and Kh have dropped to 3 and 5. I checked the tap water and lo and behold the Ph is down to 6.8 with Gh and Kh similar to the tank. Allowing for the fact that I did the test straight from the tap and without leaving the sample overnight I still think that that is quite a drop. I even repeated the Ph test with a different make of test kit to be certain. All of the other vital measurements were rock or near bottom by the way.

Is there anybody else who lives in the Northumbrian water area North of the Tyne getting similar results. A telephone call to the company was a complete waste of time as they were just not interested. Any information or advice would be welcome. My water change regime is one third to a half every five to seven days. I use Tetra Aquasafe and a Blackwater solution at very change. I am now wondering if the tank water Ph is going to drop as well or if it would be worthwhile trying to drop it with some peat or similar acidifier.

Which Strain Is Hardiest

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:36:51 +0000

hi all i am new to keeping discus and was hoping someone could suggest which strains of discus are easier to keep so far i know not to get heckle discus. my water is ph 7.

thanks in advance

Hi, I�m The Newbie

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:14:08 +0000

Hi to everybody

my name is Max, I�m the newbie in this forum. I�m a discus fan (private) and a photographer (prof). Both activities are combinable; for my entrance, I would like to introduce to You my little discus-movie "Discus - Mon Amour".

Have fun watching my favourite pets. Comments and annotations are welcome!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHZxdplzQAc

regards
max

Albino Fry With Parents

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:09:51 +0000

Thought id post a vid of me mates albinos that seem to be doing great.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn8bn0Mc5nI

I Got An Assassin Snail Today

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:53:18 +0000

i got this snail in the post 2day from ebay took like 3 weeks what with the weather anyway by then my snail pop. is now around 200-300 lol i got one snail thinking it was make short work of them in a few weeks............................boy was i wrong assassin is the wrong name for this snail as it couldnt even catch a cold. when it does get near another snail its so blind it just runs over it i think ill go get some clown loach

I Hate This Site

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:51:18 +0000

Hello all users and nice meet all...

First sorry, I don't write english very well.
I found this site when I search some discus subspecies words.

I don't undestand why I cant't watch some picture links in wild discus thread.
Why I must register my account and why hell it is so difficult and long.
First I read how simply it is but when I try created my account this stupid forum software ask my real name phone number and adress and almost my Visa number and sexual orientation.

I hate this and more it also ask some stupid questions more how meny char is this word. I understand anybody not want spam post but this forum admin think I am GOD.

Gryphon

Best Treatment For Whitespot

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:06:57 +0000

HI there

I have been trying rather unsuccessfully to introduce some new cardinal tetras to my discus system. The first lot that went into QT all died (entirely my fault) did not observe the fish well enough and found they were all covered in whitespot, treated with Pets @ Home whitespot treatment and they were all dead in 2 hours!

Stripped and cleaned the qt tank and waited on some more cardinals to come in and the filter to re-cycle.

Next lot again ended up with whitespot. 6 out of 11 survived after being treated with a half dose of P@H whitespot treatment. These appeared to be whitespot clear. It was however, pointless adding 6 fish so we decided to buy another 20 cardinals. Out if this 20 only 3 survived. We treated again this time with WS3 at half dose on days 1-5 and 9 with water changes in between.

These fish had been spot free and untreated for 2 weeks so added them to the discus tank and lo and behold the existing cardinals and discus are now starting to show whitespots.

I have raised the temp to 30C but have never treated discus before. What is the best and safest treatment ot use? There are also some corydoras sterbii and an ancistrus plec in the tank.

TIA

Sharon

Help

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:45:03 +0000

Can anybody tell me why 1 of my discus is turning black and keeps on shaking its head ? ? ? ?

Discus Twitching And Rubbing Plants..

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:57:30 +0000

hey guys, i have a 4 1/2 ft x 2ft x 2ft tank,

some of the discus are twitching, and rubbing off some of the plants...

any ideas on the problem? let me know what info you need... thanks

also 1 in particular looks like it is loosing weight, andgoes off on its own a lot... not as greedy as it used to be... thanks

Advice Please!

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:04:14 +0000

Just Wondering If This Sand Will Be Orite For Discus ???

and if you could tell me how many bags i will need to do my tank my tank is 48" long and 14"width the bags come in 9kg?

any idea thanks if you can help..

Pictures Of Aquariums With Sand

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:51:16 +0000

Give Me Some Ideas of what to decorate my 360l tank like..

will be greatfull for all the ideas

not just for me but show everyone else what aquariums you are keeping

so mainly this is a post to show off your tanks

thanks

New Discus

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:18:36 +0000

new discus finally settled in and eatin well

My Pair Had About 100 Fry

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:22:11 +0000

my pair had about 100fry but lost them all to the fliter and other discus =(((( so i have put them in a jewel rio 125 i think their 100-125l is that enough for breeding? since moving them they show no signs of breeding like pecking the cone , shaking and moving together, their doing the opposite in fact their not eating as much now =((( when i put a female in their with them the female go mad but the male dnt care, shoould i put a male in as target fish?

Yes It Is 6Ft Alex

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:11:23 +0000

here the clip of me measuring my tank and yes it is 6ft see.

also can i use a bit of birch wood in my fish tank , found a bit it look like and really good if i attach java moss to it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiPg-S13pUQ

Mou--Tom

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:33:43 +0000

I have posted this for one of our new members who is having a few problems.
Tom is from Poland so make allownces for any misunderstandings please.

Might be better for all if this is in this section Tom.

Tank; 200 litre
filter; fluval 305
sand base, some plants and wood
pH 7.0--ammonia 0--nitrite 0..Gh 5..KH 8
temp 29c
water change every week, 10l RO = 15l tap.
Fish 3 x 7" leopards

problem. 1 fish has gone dark hiding away near the water surface
White stringy faeces
still feeding on beefheart but not dried foods
fish has been like this for 4 days
eye is dull in colour
Wormer used every 3 months.

My New Discus

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:56:37 +0000

it does look abit bare i know but still waitin for my plants to be delivered

Internal Parasites

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 20:37:58 +0000

can anyone tell me the best treatment for internal parasites ive turned the temp up 2 90 dec but ive heared from some where that there is a treatment on the market that is a better than what ive done .. can any1 tell me what is best thing out there or better way to solve the prob

thnx jon..http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/no.gif

Hi There......and My New Discus Tank

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 20:11:08 +0000

Hi there folks,

im new to the forum and would just like to start of by saying Hi.

Ive also taken a few pics of my new set up to show you guys and have done a quick vid too.

Ive always had tropical fish but decided for a change over xmas, so i got rid of most of the fish i had and introduced the discus.

I have had the fish in the tank just over 1 week now and they have settled in really well. They were very nervy at first and always seemed to hide. I changed the scape today though and they seem to like it alot more. Ive added some new drift wood, and taken away some of the plants too.

Currently i have 6 discus, 1x Penang Eruption, 1x Yellow Crystal, 1x Tiger Turk, 1x Red Turk and 2 x Red Checkerboards, along with 4 rumy nose tetra, 2 plecs and 2 corys.

Well here goes with the pics. Let me know your thoughts, id be interested to see what you guys think.

Heres the link to the video too

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lucrZXK490M

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs160.snc3/18733_276787630802_617860802_4969658_6733457_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs140.snc3/18733_276787665802_617860802_4969661_4571256_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs140.snc3/18733_276787655802_617860802_4969660_4498926_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs140.snc3/18733_276787680802_617860802_4969662_4994409_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs160.snc3/18733_276787715802_617860802_4969664_8069346_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs160.snc3/18733_276787720802_617860802_4969665_563183_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs160.snc3/18733_276787745802_617860802_4969667_2706555_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs140.snc3/18733_276787755802_617860802_4969668_7567817_n.jpg

Mysis As A Food For Juveniles?

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:14:57 +0000

Is wondering about which foods could be used to help grow on young discus,
obviously baby brine shrimp is in there, but has anyone every used Mysis,
they're very small and on the packet they are listed suitable for discus.
Don't know what nutritional value they have or if they can harbor nasties,

All comments appreciated,

Brian.

Hma Filter Help!

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:33:07 +0000

if i didnt want to connect the hma directly to my mains pipe is there any other way i can use it?

all help will be appreciated

thanks jay if i didnt want to connect the hma directly to my mains pipe is there any other way i can use it?

all help will be appreciated

thanks jay

I'm New Here Today.......

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:48:17 +0000

Hi Everyone,

I'm Alan and have been living with tropical fish since I was a toddler I'm 32 and have only had about 2yrs without them in this time. Sadly I am one of these very unfortunate fish keepers that is only ever aloud to have 1 tank in the house. Fortunately throughout the years I have been lucky to enough to a father in the trade who has worked in the wholesale, retail and now has is own shop (for the 2nd time) sorry no discus other than mine in there though.

So about a year ago i decided to start spreading my collection into his quarentine room and have now hijacked about 14 tanks out there now........http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif

I have always had a very soft spot proper wild discus and altum angels, so whenever I get the chance I always take the risk and buy them (I'm sure I'm not the only one??) I'm keen to learn more about them and have just cycled a a trigon 350 in my living room which will be for 8 AAA Green Tefe, 100 Cardinals and L46 or L173.

I'll start a couple of other threads elsewhere but nice to meet you guys.......

Ro Unit Waste Water Management?

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:07:19 +0000

Hi,
I've posted a question on here already about which RO unit to buy, and as yet still have not made up my mind, but also have another couple of questions.

I've heard that about 90% of water that passes through the RO comes out as waste, but there may be a way of making this water re-useable?
I am on a water meter, so 90% wastage sounds like pouring money down the drain(literally)

Also, does the RO unit have to have water passing through it constantly, so bacteria can not build up in the filters, or can you filter water only when needed etc?

I am planning to have a water butt in the garden filled with RO for the tank, and once its full, it won't need topping up I would thing for about 10 days or so.

Any ideas received with thanks as always.

Matt

one other thing, I was thinking about buying a water softener for the whole house also, as this would also increase the life of the RO cartridges.
Any suggestions of which one to buy and where from etc? screwfix maybe??

Waterlife Ph 6.5 Buffer, Yes Or No ?

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:39:58 +0000

Hi,
Hi all I am looking for ideas how to get good water for my discus from tap.
Is anyone using this product for softens and acidifies tap water ?
My tap water:

Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 20
pH - 7.7
KH 7
GH 16

Waterlife pH 6.5 Buffer
Lowers pH and hardness of tap-water for acid loving fish and plants.

A true buffer, which softens and acidifies tap-water for acidophilic fishes and plants. Once the right amount of 6.5 Buffer has been added a pH of 6.5 will be achieved and maintained. This mechanism makes 6.5 Buffer a safe method of adjusting pH. Phosphate based buffer.

Uses:

*Creating ideal water conditions for acid-loving fishes and plants
*Softening the calcium carbonate/bicarbonate conditions to zero
*When used in conjunction with Tropiflora (plant fertilizer) it makes a perfect combination for vigorous plant growth as well
*Reduces fish waste toxicity
*Reduces harmful bacteria

My Tank Updated

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:54:03 +0000

just added fake plants 2 the back of the tank i think it looks much better what do u think
click on link below n let me know
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRhgvTVQ19A

Hello Heiko, Advice Please

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:49:25 +0000

Hi Heiko
I would really appreciate it if you could give me some advice regarding the natural seeds & fruit that discus eat in the wild, do you think it is possible to replicate this diet with seeds & fruit that can be found easily here in the U.K?
Any suggestions would be greatly received.

Many thanks,

Brian.

Hi

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:25:08 +0000

hi new 2 site and class my self new 2 discus keeping aswell been doin it bout 7 months so any advice will be welcome thnx jon...

Happy New Year

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:04:38 +0000

Happy new year everyone heres hoping for a happy and healthy one for us and all of our fishie companions

Airpump & Manifolds

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:48:35 +0000

Okay, this maybe a dumb question.
I have a powerful Hailea piston driven air pump and I have bought a 18 way s/steel manifold, which has a large open hole at one end.

How do I connect the pump with the manifold ?????

Breeding Pair. R/turqs

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:31:32 +0000

here we have a really healthy good coloured pair of red turqs, bought from devotedly discusin may 09
theyv'e been breeding for about 6 weeks and always produce wrigglers, wouldn't mind a swap for a male heckle,
as im only going to breed from my brilliants and maybe a heckle cross,many thanks, roy.

Happy New Year!

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:56:35 +0000

Happy New Year to everyone out there!!!

From,

Brian (a.k.a SOSBANFACH)

Free Swimmers, Feeding Advice Please

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:42:51 +0000

i got lil swimming fry.... wooo hooo
whats the best to feed them, where do i get it, and when do i start.... lol...

sorry for all the questions...

dad is a blue diamond, mam is albino blue diamond, i think....

fry have been free swimming since this morning, 29th december... thanks for advice

Juvenile Discus For Sale

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:43:03 +0000

Hi all,

juvenile discus for sale I have bred, mainly blue diamonds, 1", 2", 3" and 4" (from different batches). Parent are stunning and really good parent with good shape and colour.

also

Got some 1" red turqs, and 1" marlboro reds. Got leopard snakeskins and penang eruptions available soon.

If interested, give us a call, would rather sell to fellow hobbyists rather than to LFS.

All these have been bred in my fish house and parents are available to view.

Sorry no photographs at the moment, still got camera problems.

I am just off J31, M1, but can deliver for cost of fuel within a reasonable distance.

Best contact is 07968 392859

thanks

Tim

Hello From Belgium !

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:48:57 +0000

Hello everybody,

My name is Julien, I'm 21 years old and I live in Belgium!

I'm a hobbyist since about 10 years and I have a project to make this hobby, my futur work!

I have built a website about discus, where you can find Interviews, events informations, informations about discus breeding, etc... The website is really young so a lot of articles will be post day after day

This is the link: http://djoudiscus.webnode.com

Thanks for reading and see you soon

White Worms Floating About In Tank

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:43:15 +0000

Hi there,

I'm having alot of problems with my discus .Ive lost two small ones and still have 4 larger ones. It started when the rams died. Then one discus went of its food weeks ago then they all went down. There are millions of little white worm things in tank and I'm trying to do water changes every few days to get rid of them but it is impossible.No one seems to be able to help me the fish shop just says use esha hex for discus which ive done but the discus are still not eating and their colour is very dark so I know they are not right yet.Can anybody give me good advise I would really appriaciate that as they are beautiful fish.
If you tell me what medicine to use can you tell me where to get it.
Thanks Deirdre

Getting Really Worried, Sick Discus

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:51:03 +0000

Hi,

Have a worry regarding an adult discus.

It has always been a bit of a runt but not noticably bullied, anyway after sucessfully treating for HITH (First and only case!) it is now thinner (almost emaciated) than ever and noticably dark.

PH = 6
Temp 30 just raised to 31
all other parameters are ok except for Nitrate which I continually have a struggle with (currently approx 60+ which I am aware is too high)

I have recently wormed with Kushuri and am changing as much water as possible with Remineralised RO.

All it seems to do is hang around in the top corner and hardly shows any interest in feeding, I dont want to lose it but I also dont want to prolong any agony or cause further problems for the rest of the perfectly healthy stock.

Unfortunatly I can not quarantine as my spare tank is currently being used to raise a batch of Discus fry.

Any ideas would be gratefully listened to.

Thanks!

Just Decap

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:14:25 +0000

Hi all,

I trust you are all enjoying your Christmas!!

Just a quick question, would there be any disadvantage in feeding my fry with decap (soaked first) exclusiveley, instead of newly hatched bbs? I usually feed bbs at day 3 onwards, then at day 14 or so introduce grated beefheart too.

cheers

tim.

Gert's Rio Nhamunda Biotope

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:58:00 +0000

I am setting up a rio nhamunda biotope

my tank
Dimensions: 321 x 60 x 70 cm (126 x 24 x 28")
Volume: 1348.2 litres, 296.6 UK gallons or 356.2 US gallons

i have 13 Geophagus-sp-aff-altifrons-Nhamunda

there are coming 10 a 12 rio nhamunda discus.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/bak-nu-4.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/_C240016.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/_C240049.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/_C240048.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/_C240045.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/_C240044.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/_C240040.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/_C240029.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/_C240020.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/_C240018.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/_C200006.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/_C200002.jpg
my Rhizophora-Mangrove plants.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/Rhizophora-Mangrove-1.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/Rhizophora-Mangrove.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/gert1961/Rio%20Nhamunda/Rhizophora-Mangrove-2.jpg

Hy All

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 19:25:52 +0000

Hello I'm Gert van Opstal.
I'm from Holland
am 47 years.
I am setting up a rio nhamunda biotope

my tank
Dimensions: 321 x 60 x 70 cm (126 x 24 x 28")
Volume: 1348.2 litres, 296.6 UK gallons or 356.2 US gallons

i have 13 Geophagus-sp-aff-altifrons-Nhamunda

Cichlids Of The Rio Nhamunda

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 19:18:06 +0000

anyone know what type of cichlids are from the rio nhamunda river. I am setting up a biotope of fish from that river.

Greetings Gert van Opstal

Returning To The Scene

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:41:17 +0000

Hi all

Well after a long break of about 8 years I am thinking of coming back, but obviously things have moved on in that time and was wondering what is the best way of setting up?

Has everyone moved over to a sump now or is an external still the way to go? I wish to keep 10-12 adult discus, looking at a 6ft tank bare bottom.

Your help and advice will be much appreciated.

Thanks
George

Merry Christmas

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:45:31 +0000

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE and a prosperous new year for you all x

Cloudy Eye

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:15:42 +0000

Hi everyone,
Been a while since my last login, the changes are looking good.

One of my discus has a cloudy eye, i have used the heat treatment (34 degree) on the guy for 6 days now, and even though initially the cloud has shrunk by 70% after the first 2 days, the remainder is still there and doesn't seem to be shifting.

I try whenever possible not to add any chemicals due to the soft water parameters etc, so can anyone identify what this is?

The fish is in perfect health otherwise, no change in behavior, the water parameters are perfect as usual (PH 6.5, GH 4, Nitrate 5, Phosphate 0)

Many Thanks

Hexamita And Treatment, Please Help

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:14:12 +0000

Posted a photo of one of my Discus a couple of days ago with a small hole near its eye, this has now grown to two small holes (see attached pics).
Brian informed me this might be Hexamita and suggested i get some Metronidazole which i now have in the form of 200mg capsules, could anyone tell me what quantities and how this can be administered. I have looked on the net but there seem to be many conflicting dosages and dosing regimes.
Unfortunately i do not have a separate tank to put the fish in, is it possible to dose a complete tank with all fish ?
As my water parameters seem all well and i do a 50% water change every two days might i assume this could be due to poor diet that this has occurred, i don't have any experience with this disease so any help as to cure and prevention would be very much appreciated.

Many Thanks
Paul

l

Hi Everyone, New Member Here!

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:27:04 +0000

Just wanted to say hi to everyone
Since i know all forum members love pics... here is a couple....

looking forward to sharing some knowledge and learning

anyway to the pics....

[IMG]http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk85/singularity96/neilsfish011.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk85/singularity96/neilsfish014.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk85/singularity96/neilsfish027.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk85/singularity96/IMG_2002.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk85/singularity96/IMG_2092.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk85/singularity96/IMG_2014.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk85/singularity96/IMG_1979.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk85/singularity96/IMG_2038.jpg[/IMG]

Where Can I Buy Wild Discus?

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:26:42 +0000

I live in Bucharest / Romania! I like wild Discus but are very hard to find here! I tried several ways to buy them from abroad, but we did it! May I offer a suggestion? Thanks!

Ciprian

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:14:49 +0000

My name is Ciprian. I live in Romania (Bucharest). Discus grow and multiply by 5 years. We found by chance and I'm glad I did. I like the classic colors (Brown, Turquoise, Green).

Small White Hole Near Eye

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:51:45 +0000

Discus on the left has a small hole near it's left eye, in the light it looks white and i'm not sure if it is an injury or something more sinister.
Is the dominant fish in my tank and is eating and otherwise showing no signs of ill health, have had some issues with a pleco trying to suck on him/her but removed that fish a few days ago.
Water parameters seem all good and all other fish in the tank are ok, any help gratefully received.
Thanks
Paul

Rowaphos Use

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:34:15 +0000

Hi, does anyone out there use Rowaphos?
I intend on using it via a reactor in the new year, but could really do with some in my tank right now.
Can I use it in my external if I place it in a net bag in the last chamber of the filter?

Any help appreciated,

Brian.

Trickle Filters V Canister Filters

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:08:00 +0000

Am about to get a new 2.5 x .7 x .7 tank and am interested on any thoughts on the differences in filters. i have had planted community tanks for about 15 years and last year got hooked on Discus, i have always used Trickle filters in my tanks as i like the way they oxygenate the water and combine aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in one unit.
They do however take up extra room in my tanks as i do not have the sump variety, i also find i use a lot of CO2 as the filters strip it out via the water cascade.
I notice a lot of people on this forum use canister filters and am interested in your thoughts on them and which if any is the better form of filtration ?
Should the water turnover be the same canisters and what effects do power outages have on them ?

Cheers

Paul

Watch Video And Tell Me What You Think Please

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:52:50 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drjPC0H4EJU
2x 48 T8s ( with a possbile of 4x if i wanted)
sits on 5cm steel frame i built a cabinet around it to hide it and the sump
6ft x 2ft x 2ft tank size was told its a 700l tank but after filling i say 500l
100l about in sump tank
2x fluval 300w heater
i got 2 yeast base Co2 kits ( rip off to be honest plants grow on their own without it =D)

4 blue discus are year old roughly
rest are 2 years old

i feed them

live brine shrimp,live river shrimp rarely every 2weeks
frozen prawns chop up
frozen mussels chop up
frozen bloodworm
frozen beefheart mix
tetra prima

i do 50l water changes every other day with RO water but at the mo i have been using tap with 6.5 buffer as its to cold for my ro unit outside =S

i have been told by a member they look like their stunted but since i have got this tank and found some1 to sell me beef heart mix (yorkshire beefheart on google) they really have been getting bigger and 2 have paired off and started laying eggs only problem is as soon as female lays them the male eats them from what i have read this may be cause of the other fish in tank??

at the moment im really jelous of all your nice big discus with fat heads i know mine are problemly stunted but i dnt want to get rid of them as their like part of my famliy now can anyone give me some advice to make them get 6inch+

My Tank

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:01:57 +0000

This is my tank, I have just planted anubias on wood, my little family has assorted discus, couple of cory's & a baby gold spotted plec
I keep them in 50/50 ro & most of these are newish as I lost 4 beauts through Discus disease.......not nice

Maxine

There Getting It Right At Last

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:27:15 +0000

Hello all, this is my first post, i have been reading all of your posts and problems for some time now and have found alot of good info from some of you.

anyway heres my story, I kept all kinds of chiclids for years and bred etc etc I always wanted a go at those swimming plates so i bought 15 assorted fish under 2in off the net, not knowing what the hell i was doing, lost a few of them and learnt from a few BIG mistakes, I now have 8 of the first lot 2 of which have paired off and are making great parents to now 3 batchs of 100 strong little crackers. I got to know this guy whos discus crazy and a very nice lad, picked his brains a bit and got some good tips off him, he sold me a young pair of high bodied red mellons which he didnt want to concentrate on these are a cracking pair, they had been laying every 8days for ages but the male ate the wrigglers, then a few spawans later they got freeswimming but never found the parents i read everything about non darkening etc but i thought just let them get on with it so a few more spawns same lunch for the male etc etc, then the babies stick to them both like superglue! chuffed much? 5days go by i start gettin bbs ready I done a small water change then as soon as the tank fills bang, that big hungry males eats everyone of themm right b4 my eyes. gutted much? Im sure they will get it right..... did the water change cause him to eat the fry????? do any of you stop wc all together while they have fry? or do it very slowly? please advise and a big hello to everyone. im using ro feeding beefheart and prima. wc daily 40%

jamie

Algea Eaters And Discus

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:31:28 +0000

Have recently had to remove a pleco from my tank as it was sucking on my discus and stressing them out. Funny as in another tank i have a large pleco with four discus and it doesn't bother them at all, does anyone have any suggestions of other types of algae eaters that will not follow this same behaviour and our safe to keep with discus. I have added some micro shrimp but would like to have a couple of algae eating fish as well.

Thanks
Paul

Cloudy Water

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:06:57 +0000

Hi folks
Just wanted 2 no if anybody can help me out with the cloudy water issue that i have in my tank. The water has been cloudy from day 1 and has been set up now for about 6 months. I have a juwel trigon 190 with the filter system that comes with it. It has some gravel in it not much and some bogwood. Just would like 2 no way its stayin coludy. Could it be the filter or even the food that is the issue. I have kept fish for years now but this has stumped me as i have never had this problem b4. I even thought that its could be the the beveled glass that was making it look cloudy as this is my first corner tank but maybe am just being silly now lol.

Many thanks
stevie

Ro Unit Which One!

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:56:54 +0000

Hi, I am looking at getting an RO unit.
I dont need it to be big, as its just for my trigon 350 and maybe a couple of breeding cubes in the future, so 50 or 75 GPD would be enough.
Any ideas where to get the best deal, and is there good/bad ones out there to look out for or avoid?
Obviously in the current climate I'm not looking to break the bank so am after a good deal also.
Ebay seem to have some 60GPD for about �70, but maybe you can point me in the direction of a better deal??
Any advice appreciated.

Matt

Red Turq Pair;

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:01:14 +0000

I have had seven lots of Fry develop from these 2, but they disappear after 7-10days......I tried removing the Male, but the Free-swimmers must have been ate by the Female.......I'll try removing her next time, as I'm determined to get them to survive............They are quite a mature Pair, spawning for the previous owner several times.

I feed the Parents Tetra Prima/Frozen Foods and Occasional White-worms. I was also adding a bit of Baby Brineshrimp for the Fry (+ de-capsulated eggs; Artemia Revolution; NT Labs)......not many of them were feeding from the Body of Parent (s).

>> Any tips or Methods would be greatly appreciated.

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/Pair7.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/Paircorner.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/Maleredturq.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/Maleguarding2.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/Pair5.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/Pairface.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/PairTube1.jpg[/IMG]

New Tank

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:24:25 +0000

Hi everyone santa came early here and I now have a new tank up and running its a juwel trigon 350 and heres what I have done so far...........
deciding on wood placement and one back wall painted black

wood sealed to bottom to try and prevent dirt traps

plant base layer in and background fully painted

next layer in

half planted

the fellas in and exploring

well there it is for now will post more pics as the plants grow and sort themselves out a bit
I had big plans for a sump and auto top up for this tank but time hasnt been on my side being so close to christmas so decided to just reuse my two externals I already had running on the old tank plus the juwel box but in the new year when we have a bit more time it may well get stripped down again and drilled!!
all comments or criticism welcomed

Sarah

Ro Water System

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:10:55 +0000

Hi

New to all this forum and could do with some assistance/advice:

1. Can I use raim water in the RO system
2. Once I have the water from the system (assume Tap water) how long can I store it?
3. When do I re-mineralise it....when it comes from the RO unit or when I put it in the tank?

Mank thanks
http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/detective2.gif

Any Idea What Kind Of Discus

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:44:28 +0000

I have just got 2 Discus to add to my little lot but no idea what sort this one is. any ideas

My Stomach Turned

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:49:24 +0000

My stomach really turned right after reading this on another forum...

Beware of really, and I mean really, shocking images.

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showpost.php?p=593850&postcount=27

Your First Time

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:30:33 +0000

Hi Guys
Just wondering if you all remember the moment you've seen/bought/received your first discus?
Mine arrived yesterday, and seeing them swimming and exploring tank together, I instantly fell in love with them. Same thing happened to me years ago with plecos and now with discus. I guess no other fish will exist for me since now on.
Best of luck everyone

New Pair

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:21:42 +0000

collected these today and already they have a batch of eggs !

http://i50.tinypic.com/16lh92v.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/2vip1ra.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/jqhj7n.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/iqebgw.jpg

White Silica Sand

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:45:26 +0000

Hey guys. Long time no chat.

If i was to buy white silica aquarium sand, how much will i have to rinse and wash it out before introducing it to my tank?

Ill tell ya what the problem is. I bought play sand from argos and washed and rinsed it out over and over and over again. I put a bag and a half of sand in the tank but before i did, i rinsed it out for about 2 hours non stop. So i preseumed that would be enought. It has been in there about a month now and all was going fine but now there is a horrible green coat forming over the sand. I think it was Ivan that warned me about BSA. Think thats what its called. The algae that forms from play sand.

Co2 Diffuser

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:16:16 +0000

Hi all can anyone give me any info on what kind of diffuser to use on a 100 gallon +tank,,as most of the diffusers i can see on ebay and the likes are only rated to about 40 or 50 galns.Am planing on having tank quite heavily planted so any ideas appreciated ....cheers ...Mark

Hi, I Too Am New To Posting To This Forum

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:46:45 +0000

Hi'

We just want to learn about Discus.

We have a Planted Tank with a couple of Discus, as well as Angels. Also we have a grow- out tank with 3 Red Striated Discus.

Although I had Discus 40 years ago, I never bred, or had multiple tanks, nor do we want to at this stage of life.

A big help to us has been Jack Wattley Discus. In this country Jack is considered the "Father of Discus". His breeding facilities are 20 miles away, and we are not only customers but friends. We get our California Black Worms by the pound from Wattley's, and know we are lucky to be able to feed the fish live food.

Some of the areas we are interested in (and lacking) are diseases and Limiting Growth Hormones, as well as staying current with new techniques.

We are members of several forums on planted tanks, and Discus.

Breeding But Still Aggressive To Each Other Discus!

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 22:58:50 +0000

Hi,

We have a turquise and a brilliant that have been agressive towards each other from day 1. Recently what we now know to be the female laid eggs. This occured twice beofre the brilliant fertilised them. The thing is generally they dont seem to like each other but the bullying has been pretty equal between them and we put a third in to help (of which we have now removed along with the smaller fish as they were eating wrigglers). The problem is they fight terribly over who is looking after them and as soon as they hatched into wrigglers it got worse with one moving them to a different spot then the other moving them to another. Then all of a sudden she lost interest and did n't seem to like them on her, the fighting got worse so the poor little buugers were being thrown all over the tank. We spent ages putting them back to her but she has no interest and instaed has laid eggs again. During this time there are still some babies of which the male is slightly interested in, however the fighting has started again. We have now seperated the male from the female via a tank divider but he seems very agitateed, but we can't afford a third tank, I hate to see this can anyone help, much appreciated!?

Second Hand Equiptment

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:13:51 +0000

I"ve the chance of a bow front tank,hood,lights,external filter,a complete set up.It has been set up for Malawi cichlids since new.I"m aware of the big difference in PH between them and discus,is it possible to use this equiptment for discus after a good clean and renewing the filter materials. Alex.

L046 Zebra Plec

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:57:00 +0000

Hi folks can anybody tell me if it would be ok 2 keep a zebra plec in my discus tank ? I like the look of the little fellas and was thinkin about getting 1 or maybe 2 if santa is good 2 me

Thinking About Giving Up The Hobby For A While :(

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:08:23 +0000

As above really, I kept the usual community fish for about 6 months before trying my hand with discuss. I never had any real success with them I thought it was down to equipment, tank ect before realising it was just my lack of experience.

Anyway all that was about 12 months ago and I have been keeping happy healthy discuss in my Rio 400 ever since but due to the fact I will probably be leaving the country early next year for work and wouldn't want to leave someone else to care for my fish I feel maybe now is the time to pack it in until my situation changes.

So my real question is where would the best place be to advertise my entire set up and does any have any tips or suggestions on selling it all?

Cheers for any help you can give,

Leon

Discus In The Wild

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:23:18 +0000

Hi Heiko

I am interested in maybe going to see discus in their natural environment and was wondering if you could give me any advice on this?

I'm particularly interested in where to go and how to get there. Are there any company's out there that organize this type of thing?

Best Regards

Kevin

rare Proven Wild Breeding Pair Of Apistogramma Elizabethae Rio Uaup�

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:02:24 +0000

I have a rare Proven Wild breeding pair of Apistogramma elizabethae rio Uaupés for sale as well as a spare male. very stunning fish.

Described here:http://www.aquahobby.com/zeco/especie_g.php?gen=Apistogramma&esp=elizabethae

i bought these fish for a breeding project of mine around 6 months ago. already have had 4 good size batches from them but need the tank space for other breeding projects/grow outs.

I bought them For £250 6 months ago as a special order with my lfs. but for a quick sale looking for £150 for all 3.

Collection prefferd but delivery can be arranged with a reputable transport company for next day delivery.

All questions welcome.@ thereddevil99999@hotmail.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEoLp8x6tGA

Thanks For Looking guys!
Alex

Female Discus Twitching....& Worming Young Fry?

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:27:18 +0000

Hi, I have a breeding pair in a 4ft set up and they have approx 20 fry with them about 1" in size. There are no other fish in there. recently the female has started to `twitch` the young rarely feed on her now as they are feeding independently and the male is fine. all fish are feeding fine.
I did read one post about a small electric shock in one tank but this is not the case,I think its a parasite but can I treat the tank with the young in there ? also can someone give me advice on worming the young?

thanks in advance

Seeing Discus In The Wild

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:43:56 +0000

Was wondering if anyone out there had any experience of seeing Discus in the wild?

Are there any company's out there that organise such trips?

Returning To Hobby

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:46:51 +0000

Hi everybody, I"m returning to the hobby after 15 years,at the time I managed to grow on and keep discus to the stage of pairing off and spawning.never managed to raise any fry.I"m planning to set up a fluval vicenza 260 l. show tank with discus,a shoal of corys and a few L No plecs.I"ve a couple questions about the vicenza I"m not sure about,as the base is pre drilled for the external filter,does the return from the filter still enter the tank through a spray bar on the surface.Also I believe the vicenza is not fitted with condensation covers,how does this affect the flourescent tubes and fittings,any other problems with the condensation going directly to the hood.Since deciding to return to dicus keeping this forum has been a fantastic help,wish it was about twenty years ago. Alexr

Proper Ph 6.5

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:16:10 +0000

Hi All
I live in Fife Scotland we have good water ph 7.5 GH6 KH I forget but not high
I had a go at Discus last year got some fry to a few weeks then got eaten but never
Had a good hatch rate.... After a few atempts I got fedup with the efort for no reward thing.
and gave my Discus to a few friends who in return gave me some good Angels to breed have had
a few reasonable spawns but very sporadic I mix my water 75% HMA and 25% RO and this is the Question
now I also ad Proper PH 6.5 to get the PH right I think this is what is killing my eggs. I could be WRONG

Anyone use it in breeding tanks to share their thoughts would be helpful The fish do seam happy in the water at 7.5 but from what I read the Discus need 6.5 PH. Next I have just orderd a TDS meter and until last night did not know what TDS was for so any advice on how to use that would be great as I have some Discus young adults just starting to pair up and I wat to make sure the water is right for them

how can I get PH down without PH buffer?

any help will be greatly recived
I bet your wishing you had sat down with a book now
Regards to All
stuart

New Stock

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:49:55 +0000

ok guys some new stock available :

L46 zebra plecs 5-6cm true wild stock reduced to sell - 120 pound
http://i48.tinypic.com/ap8k28.jpg
L134 Pleco 2-2.5cm true wild stock - 30 pound
http://i48.tinypic.com/mhxd20.jpg
CORYDORAS Trilineatus XL TRUE WILD STOCK. GROUP OF 5 - 12 pound
http://i49.tinypic.com/18hlrq.jpg
Geophagus steindachneri GROUP OF 5. TRUE WILD STOCK - 15 pound STUNNING FISH!
http://i45.tinypic.com/2s17ms4.jpg
L190 PANAQUE Pleco wild stock - 2-3" - 10 pound
http://i47.tinypic.com/2aipjbt.jpg
VERY RARE!! L25 Pseudacanthicus Scarlet Pleco - true wild stock - 3" - 99pound
http://i49.tinypic.com/2wej2uv.jpg
L273 Pseudacanthicus Titanicus Pleco - true wild stock - 3" - 99 pound
http://i49.tinypic.com/m804r8.jpg
L330 Watermelon Pleco - 7-8" - 45 pound
http://i45.tinypic.com/34qjitd.jpg
L235 Pseudolithoxus Anthrax Pleco - true wild stock - 5" - 18pound
http://i46.tinypic.com/20qe7ur.jpg
DISCUS, WILD GREEN DISCUS 6"!!, FROM THE TEFE AREA - 65pound
http://i47.tinypic.com/zvc32f.jpg

fish listed above there is only a small amount for sale and are advertised elsewhere ! if intrested pm me !
not your fish ?
pm me your dreamfish !

Colenquas!

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:48:44 +0000

Hi,

Thought I would post up some pictures of my discus after my first time experience of breeding. The male is a bright blue Cobalt, and the female is a red alenqua. The babies are really nice looking, im quite fond of them. Have quite a few in a large tank now, i am just growing them on. Im doing my best for the space available to me anyway. Let me know what you think.

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G_Man/DSC_0018.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G_Man/DSC_0009.jpg[/IMG]

and the pair....ignore the wallpaper and the mess...

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/G_Man/DSC_0023.jpg[/IMG]

thanks

Graeme

Hi All I Have 2 X Tds And Temperature Combi's Brand New Never Been

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:03:55 +0000

Hi All i have 2 x TDS and temperature combi's Brand new Never been used £10 each. and for £2 will post.

look just like this one: http://www.sunrisetr...es/80309TDS.jpg

Email if your interested or otherwise drop me a p.m and i will get back to you.

Thanks

Alex

Manacapuru Angels

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:50:09 +0000

Hello Guys,

First of all great forum!

Has anybody seen Manacapuru angels in UK shops recently? What is the price like?

I know a breeder in Poland who sells Manacapuru at 3 pounds each and Peruvians at 2 pounds per fish but I am reluctant in importing them such a long way.

Cheers

Artur

Champion Line Discus Lss, Imperial Red, Pigeon Ss

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:24:54 +0000

I live in London and I have to sell,

Discus lovebeef heart but they also eat dry food (mainly I use tropical) and granulated(tetra).Leopard SS– 4”-5” ----------- 40

Leopard SS– 3” ----------- 25

ImperialRed - 4” ----------- 20

ImperialRed – 3” ----------- 15

Pigeon SS 4"-4,5" ----------- 25

Leopard 3" ----------- 20

This yearfive of my fish started in British Discus Show and they were awarded:

Leopard SS– 1^st place class spotted and prettiest fish of the exhibition

Leopard SS– 5th place class spotted

ImperialRed – 2^nd place class solid

ImperialRed – 11th place class solid

It showswhat kind of fish I like and which I deal with

When buyingfish always remember about the quarantine:

Tw-10,pH-6.5-7, temp. 29° and add sea salt 2 spoons for 100 liters. The saltcalms fish and is antibacterial. Quarantine should last 3-7 days.

What Minerals?

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:56:08 +0000

What minerals are you guys using and could you recommend something to me? I used to use Pro Marin Discus minerals but A they don't offer any ph buffer (as far as I know) and B I used to find they did not disolve very well, left bits floating in the water and left residue around the tank (this might be improved now). I have been using dechlorinated tap water lately to remineralise and buffer my RO water but it's not ideal as nitrates in my tap water are high. Any info/recomendations on this would be great, something simple, easily obtainable and cheap would be preferable

Leopard Skin Discus 6 Inches From Chensdiscus �65

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:08:49 +0000

For more information, go to

http://www.aquarist-classifieds.co.uk/php/detail49_151726.php

Kevin

Tds Reading For Tank Water

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:50:55 +0000

What TDS reading should I be aiming for in the tank water? Doing water changes of 40% twice a week with RO water with some dechlorinated tap water. Checking GH and KH weekly. I have a TDS meter I use to check the water coming out the RO filter, currently coming out at 6 ppm. The tank water today is 90ppm is that OK? Should I not worry and just look at GH and KH? I did try and search old posts but couldn't find much on this.

Fairly New

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:02:41 +0000

Hi I have been keeping Discus now for about six months (never go back to normal tropicals again). However I have the following fish and do not have any idea what type they are . Can anyone help identify please.

R/o Water

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:27:41 +0000

hi have had discus for 6 months now in 6x2x2 tank heated to 28.5 also have aqua pro 4 external filter and small pond pump to pond fishmate 1500 external filter with filter floss inside then quater of tank has undergravel filter with stones ontop go to powerhead wich also has a pipe comming of it to long weir box filter on top there is 2 heaters inside both 300watts was using api proper ph 6.5 for water change,but have bought r/o unit 100gallons a day and want to know what to add to this water? and if there is anything i am doing or can improve or change ps have 12discus and neon tetras and corydorus can any give advice?.

Why Did This Spate Of Deaths Occur?

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:09:15 +0000

I had completely emptied, cleaned, re-set up anfd filled my Juwel 240 tank about 4 weeks ago to prepare for having another try at keeping Discus. The water was either HMA or RO water . The tank received new plants and a strata of "play" sand.
Having checked the water for PH, Nitrate, Nitrite and Ammonia, I re-introduced my other fish to the tank a couple of days ago (they had been in another tank), and I also bought some more fish to supplement them so that hopefully they would all help the setting up of the filter bacteria.
Within 48 hous I have lost about 12 of the fish.!! NONE exhibited ANY distress signals, but when I have turned on the lights- there were many dead.
I ammediately checked my water again.
The PH seemed higher at about 7.6!. Ammonia was present and so were nitrates.
How did this happen in such a short time?
Last night I changed more than half the water for new RO water and all seems fine in water quality now. PH about 7, no Nitrates or Nitrite nor any Ammonia.
Totally confused!!

Trigon 350 Filter Mod

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:55:25 +0000

I'm considering changing my current filter arrangement - Fluval internal and Eheim 2028 running completely independently of each other.

Change would be to use the Fluval internal box as a hiding place for 2 x Eheim(2028 and 2075) intakes and 2 x heaters. The internal box cannot be removed (I did try before the tank was commissioned).

Any inputs greatly appreciated.

Four Fish Showing Signs.....

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:16:09 +0000

Four of my seven fish are showing signs of getting ready to breed, loads of surface cleaning going on, egg / milt tubes protruding.
Problem is the blue diamond has chosen the return pipe as theirs on end of the tank, a checkerboard and a snakeskin have chosen the left side of the tank behind a large piece of bog wood ( not together though! ), the fourth fish another checkerboard is constantly going back and forth to all three sites and joining in.
Is this normal?
I would be very happy to breed any combination of my fish, but right now all thats happening is fighting cause by said checkerboard's constant travelling from site to site!
Help??????????????

Brian.

Eheim Intake Pipe Sponge

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:11:10 +0000

Was wondering if anyone had any experience of fitting a sponge to an Eheim intake pipe to act as a prefilter?

What Food For White Fish?

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:12:53 +0000

Hi all,

bought a pair of white diamonds from Chens, great fish. Want to keep them white, so don't want to feed coloured food such as prima. What does anyone suggest?

cheers

Tim

5 X L400 Hypancistrus Sp

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:03:50 +0000

hey guys!
here if you know got some nice plecs for sale!

5 x L400 Hypancistrus sp stunning fish and really hard to get hold of !

3 x 3" and 2 x massive adult pair that are male and female thought i would ask you as you know alot of people !

50 each can post but would prefer collection !

Platinum Angel Fish

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:01:33 +0000

here are some of the Platinum angel fish that i am growing on.
i have about 50 of these and will be for sale in time.

mark

Some Of My Growing Fish For Breeding

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:42:04 +0000

here are some pics of my fish that i am growing on for pairing up. blue turks and spotted leopard and blue diamond.

mark

Cost Of Running A Fish House

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:26:31 +0000

hi ya all

as alot will know i have built a fish house and spent alot of money on doing this.
my problem at the moment is it seems that this is costing me alot in elec per week.
i am on a token key and right now I'm putting in about £35 aweek.
this really does seem to have gone up since i have been keeping so many tanks.
when i had my first setup i had 9x 24"x15"x12 tanks in my bedroom all with 100w heaters in.
having since built my fish house i now have 5x18"x18"x18" breeding tanks and 7x48"x18"x18" tanks running.
the breeding tanks are running on a 200w heater in the sump and the 7 tanks are running on 3x 300w heaters and then 1x 300W heater in another tank on its own.
can any one please advise why it is that when i was running 9x 100W heaters it was only costing about £20 to £25 aweek and now in a well built fish house its at least £35 aweek.
this really is getting me abit down as it seems like so much pay out right now for not alot back, the last thing i want to do is pack it all in as i have loved building the fish house and love breeding discus.

many thanks for any good advise
mark

Diferent Strain Diferent Colour?

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:28:01 +0000

Hi all, i have an interesting question.

does the colour of the eggs laid, 'come out' different colours depending on strain of the fe-male?

i have 3 pairs in my tank.

2 are mixed pidegoens And the other is a snakeskin pidgeon male and a fe-male red turk.

now on the mixed pidgeons the eggs come out a light tan in color where as on the pidgoen & red turk ( the turk the female) the eggs come out red.

is this normal? both have sucesfull hatching. so its not a problem, just a mystery.

and what other colours if any are there?

Alex

Eggs, And Loads Of 'em!

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:36:09 +0000

I posted a question about my discus on the health forum but now know whay my fish had gone dark and sick looking!!!
She was up the duff!!!!
Problem I have is I'm not sure which one is laying- they may both be females?
Have tried to get photo's with spawning tube of both for a more expert opinion!!
Have tried to take some pics, but they have laid at the back of the tank, so getting a pic in focus with correct lighting is hard.(any tips-camera is a panasonic DMC-TZ5)

Matt

New Angelfish

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:43:57 +0000

got some new angels today i ordered them in !
they are leapord blue viel tails and also gold redface viel tails dont know if this is right but yea i ordered 16 of each so have 32 new angels to pair up with some of my batch

sorry about bad quality pics !

http://i48.tinypic.com/4r2d15.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/ofxd9f.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/107q537.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/anih01.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/ap8wnm.jpg%5Bimg%5D%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i46.tinypic.com/25fhgnq.jpg

there now in qt for a few weeks !

Tds Meters

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:29:20 +0000

I have just bought a TDS Meter from e-bay - it came with a screwdriver - for calibration -
I have no idea how to do this or what calibration Fluid to use.
Can anyone enlighten me please ?
regards

Robmoor

Titles

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:34:52 +0000

Hi could someone tell what the titles mean that appear after some people's names, ie, discus marshal--under marshal etc? Thank you

Help! Air Pump Help Needed

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:45:01 +0000

I have six 18*18*18" cubes hopefully to use eventually as breeding tanks and want to use sponge filtration in them - tried sump & hated it for all sorts of reasons - What sort of air pump would be capable of powering all six tanks adequately ie brand Lpm or Lph cost etc - piston pump, pond pump anything - just want to do this right
Would appreciate all and any advice and hope its not too dumb a question
cheers
robyne

Want To Swap My Discus 8Inch, To To Small

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:28:33 +0000

I have discus fish, he is male 8 inch big...... want to swap to so small one. Pls HELP. I do not want to be sadist. He is too big for my tank!
I live in Derby mu tel is 07704436667

Acrylic Tank And Juwell Stands

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:49:54 +0000

WTS Acrylic tank 4x2x2 feet 1 year old �400
Also metal stands for stacking juwell 240 and another for juwell 300 �100 each
Surplus to requirements
Collection from Brentwood

Any Ideas What This Is?

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:28:11 +0000

A couple of days ago I posted about some white worm like things coming from the flank of my red turk.These have now disappeared after water changes, but now the fish is still very dark, behaving weirdly( ramming the tank with his mouth as if trying to escape) and now has what looks like white poo coming from his/her bum.Seems more kind of tube like?
Have managed to take some quite good close up pics for a change.
Any ideas??
Added kusuri wormer plus about 2 weeks ago, and have since changed about 40% of the water, so dont want to o/d on the wormer stuff.May do another 20% water change with a half dose????

Help-I dont want to lose this fish, he looks great when in form.

Matt

My Breeding Setup Is Almost Complete!

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:59:40 +0000

I have just painted all the tanks ( just to recap: i have got a 20" cube, 2 x 14"W by 15"Hx 24"L, 1 X 12"W x 12"H x 24" L tanks) i know they are not massive but the idea is that when they are big enough the ones that i will be keeping will go into the main tank.

i have painted the outside of the tanks in a colour by dulux called mineral mist and it has turned out really great! Its a mix between a really light blue and white.

I have also rigged up an air manifold for my sponge filters. i have 2 sponge filters in each apart from the cube which has a 580L one in. this is driven by the aip pump i bought its called aqua oxy 1000 by oase and its an eco pump running of 15w. and it pumps 1000LPH. So far its more than enough but i do have one more sponge to intall which will be here along with a breeding cone by the end of the week.

i will be doing the finishing touches in the way of trim on the stand and facia tommorow then i will be painting it to match my wall paint color so it blends in a little better a little later this week or the start of next.

Any questions of hints most welcome!

A previous video of the cube just to recap: It has changes somewhat, i swapped the two sponges that are in there with a bigger one.

a picture of the layout. the cube above with the two 14"W by 15"Hx 24"L tanks side by side below:

a room lights off pic:

a pic of the other smaller tank below the two side by side:

a video of it all in relation to my main tank. I apologise for the quality i tried to add a shot of a few of my main tank fish including a mixed pair with fry:

as i said any and all comments/ help welcome

Alex

Seeds And Fruit In The Diet

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:39:13 +0000

Hi Heiko,
I've read in many publications that seasonal seeds and fruit falling into the water make up a large part of the Discus' natural diet. Do you think we can replicate this food source with seeds and fruit that are readily available in the U.K?
If yes, what varieties do you think would be suitable for use?

Many thanks,

Brian.

Ring Leopard And Friends;

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:54:10 +0000

Just got some Juviniles from Chen's on Saturday and made a Short Video and took a few Pic's after they had settled in.

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/ringlandothers.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/ringlandycrystal.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/Newguys.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/newguysnov21.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/ringlyellowc.jpg[/IMG]

Video link; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCQJrlEMpY4

Fin Twitching And Skittish Behaviour

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:08:57 +0000

Dont know if my fish have a problem or not but over the last few days i have seen some very erratic behaviour.
Have noticed a lot of fin twiching as though they have an irritant on the skin, they have NOT been rubbing themselves on objects but occasionally during the twitching they dart of as if trying to escape something often bumping into objects in the tank and damaging themselves. On a couple of occasions this has led to lying on the bottom of the tank or in the corner exhausted.
After a short time they are fine, back up and swimming around and all seem to be eating OK, overall they do seem to be more skittish than normal and a lot more withdrawn although i cannot see any physical signs of anything on them apart from damage where they have hurt themselves from hitting things.
Would love to have some feedback as it is doing my head in trying to figure out what is happening.
Tank Parameters
6 large discus, 2 small, numerous tetras, diano's ect
550 liter
Co 2 Injection
Trickle filter @ 600 LPH
PH 7.0
KH 7
GH 8
Ammonia/ nitrate/ phosphate are at low or very low levels

Many thanks for any help

Trang

Bog Wood

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:31:19 +0000

Hi, I have a piece of bogwood in my tank, and it looks like there is fungus growing on it. This bogwood was sterilised with bleach prior to being put into a new tank, there is no fish in the tank as yet, and i was wondering if this ( fungus ? ) would harm the fish.

Thanks would be grateful for any replys---robert

Tiny Water-Born Bugs? What Are They? Are They Harmful To Discus?

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:27:54 +0000

Hi

New around here - but been fish-keeping for over 20 years and keeping Discus for 5 years or more...

Currently, just have one tank on the go. (My 4 breeding tanks are dormant due lack of time!) The current tank is a 600 litre tank with a planted Amazon habitat; CO2 injection; undergravel heating + aux 300W heaters all controlled via Dennerle controllers. Use RO water, with weekly 25% water changes - last 2cm of the top-up is output direct from HMA without RO filtration - so as to try and maintain some essential mineral content - also helps stabilise the pH which otherwise slowly tends to drift towards pH5.9 over time.

pH 6.5, temperature 29.9C, zero nitrate, zero nitrite, zero ammonia.

Anyway, I've noticed some tiny little bugs gliding around on the glass in the surface film when I do the water changes. They are much closer to the size of a pin prick than a pin head and look white in colour. My main concern is that they might be parasitic to the fish. Does anyone have any idea what they are?

(They were possibly introduced whaen I fed live daphnia taken from a garden water but...)

Any ideas on how to get rid of them?

Thanks

Chris

Beefheart - Home Made Or Bought?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:26:22 +0000

Hi Guys,
Have had a search on here for beefheart recipes and all are very interesting, and I am tempted to have a go.
Up to now I have bought my beefheart mix from chens, and my discus love it, but as you are aware its quite pricey(about �8 for 250g), for what is, i'm sure very cheap ingredients.
Now, like I say, the recipes are interesting some having prawns some having salmon etc, abd I wondered how much these costs in general? the beefheart itself has got to be next to nothing from a butchers I would think???
Obviously I realise its a messy, smelly and possible ground for divorce from the missus if I do have a go, but if it saves a huge amount, personally I'm prepared to get the solicitor on standby and give it a crack

What are your thoughts?

What cost would you say a 250g slab of home made is?

Thanks for replies in advance.

Matt

Oxydator

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:07:34 +0000

Hi guys,
I dont really know why, but i purchased an oxydator from e bay in the week. Its a Dr K Sochting and consists of a clay type tube with a ball on top and plastic sealed cup inside. Supposidly you fill it with hydrogen peroxide, which when mixed with water turns to oxygen, releasing bubbles into the tank. What i would like to know is what strength hydrogen peroxide is best, i have 6%, does anyone use one and what is the real purpose ? Are they safe to put in a discus tank. Hope someone can help.

My Fish

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:32:13 +0000

At last, my tank is getting as intended.Thanks to markf1fan I have some gorgeous discus now, and all are feeding from my hand, the babies growing every day!!
Sorry for the poor quality pics, (any tips on getting better photo's?)
p.s. the trap at the rear of the tankhouses a very naughty male ram

Enjoy

Matt

Blue Green Algea

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:31:59 +0000

Recently returned from working overseas for 6 months to find my tank covered in blue green algea(Cyanobacteria), fish and all water parameters were OK if not excellant so i went about a water change and vacuming the substrate everyday. Took out all the plants and washed them and reduced the light, after two weeks it still kept coming back as bad as ever and after reading a few posts i decided through frustration to dose the tank with an antibiotic called Erythromycin.
Added 2.5mg per liter every two days over a week with daily water changes, totally eradicated the Algea and 3 weeks since have no sign of any return.
I have been doing daily water changes since until my filter bacteria recover but over all it didn't seem to have any effect on my fish or plants and seem to have worked really well.
Wondering if anyone has had similar problems and what you did to eradicate it, i think mine was introduced through new plant additions.
Anyone know of any way to pre-emptively treat new plants for this before adding them to the tank ?
Cheers
Paul

Heater

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:49:25 +0000

Hi all,

does anyone know if you can buy non glass aquarium heaters (stainless idiot proof ones for me would be great)- keep breaking mine in my water butts, the cables are not long enough and run dry, and am scared to death of getting a shock. Alex mentioned yesterday about getting a pool heater which is a good idea, but will have to change my setup to do that, but he got me thinking about other options too.

Suggestions please, feel a right donut breaking the heaters, bought cheap ones, "unbreakabe" expensive ones, and still manage to break them, or they just pack up, gone through 6 this year!!

thanks

Tim

Juwel Rekord 120 With Black Cabinet

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:04:48 +0000

Okay, tired of people procrasinating time on aquarist-classifieds so I decided to give it a shot to genuine members of UKDA

http://www.aquarist-...il59_111475.php

The reason for sale is so I could invest on a 100GPD RO unit, yes I do want to breed discus

PS: I am located in SE22 (Dulwich) London.

Have fun,
Kevin

Katapang Almond Leaves

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:53:15 +0000

Does anyone out there use Katapang almond leaves?

I'm interested in the benefits adding them would achieve. Also how do you add them to your tank?

Heard oak leaves can be used instead, not sure though?

Grateful for any advice,

Brian.

Making Homemade Discus Food

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:42:23 +0000

can anyone give me some tips on discus food recipies, i live in thailand and have 2 tanks and a very clean pond all with Discus.
Unfortunatly here the only food comercially available is frozen bloodworm, while my fish are all happy and healthy i feel they could be a whole lot better with a more varied diet.
Would love to here of some recipies for some Discus food mixes.
Thanks
Trang

Ro Water

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:49:08 +0000

I am looking for a DIY RO water remineralising mix receipe. I currently use Kent RO Right to re-mineralise my RO water but wondered if anybody is using their own DIY re-mineralising mix as a way of saving money?

Dead Discus

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:57:21 +0000

hi guys i,m knew to this forum and knew to having discus and my first try has,nt gone well to be honest. i have 200 litre tank with a external pump i think it,s an aquis 1250 the tank had RO water i had 6 discus in the tank and gave two to my dad so i could replace them i bought 1 from birmingham simon and 1 from chens . i got the fish home gave them forty minutes in the bag then put the fish in they all looked fine 2 days later one of them was dead at the bottum of the tank the rest followed within the next 6 days they all died . all of the fish showed similar problems in which they all hung around at the top of the tank .my question is can anyone tell what might of gone wrong and how can stop it from happening again any help would be appriciated

Thinking Of Selling

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:33:58 +0000

I'm hoping to get a caravan next year and may have to sell my fish. I only have a dozen, in a six foot tank, including two breeding pair, a pair of yellow and whites and a pair of golden melons, both supplied by Chens. Both these fish have brought eggs to fry on several occasions. Don't really know what to do but if anyone is interested please leave a message.

Can't Enter Controls

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:10:39 +0000

Trying to access controls. Can't get into any of the options afetr entering help. Tried from 2 locations.

Ro Water

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:15:48 +0000

I am considering the possibilty of keeping Discus in a 1000 litre tank. Is RO water essential? Although I have an RO unit, I am not keen on the idea of wasting 800 gallons of water per week to produce 100 gallons per water change.

New To Discus

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:12:59 +0000

Hello, I am a new member. I have 6 years experience with Marines. My tank is now empty as the costs of keeping a 1000 litre Marine Tank have become prohibitive. I am here to research the possibilty of keeping Discus in my 1000 litre tank.

Problems With 3 Discus In 7 Discus 250Litre Tank.

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:28:39 +0000

Hi,

Have had a 250 litre tank running for over two years, well planted, CO2 injection, EI regime for the plants, and stocked with 7 discus and a shoal of Cardinals.

The last discus went in a year ago.

Up until a couple of months ago, everything was absolutely fine, with no issues in the tank at all as far as I could see.

However, now 3 of the discus seem to have clearly fallen into a 'second division' within the tank, being thoroughly out-competed for food. The remaining fish are in excellent condition, so I am sure this is simply a case of a pecking order that has left 3 of the fish at a disadvantage.

They have gradually lost condition, and are now thin. I do not have the facilties to set up another tank, and fear that if they remain where they are, the inevitable will happen.

I was wondering if there was anyone in my area who could offer them a new home and a second chance in a tank of their own? I live in the Ipswich area, and would be prepared to bag them up and deliver them within a reasonable distance. I would also be happy for someone to collect them from me. There would be no charge for the fish, I simply want to offer them a happier tank.

Beef & Turkey Heart.

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:50:23 +0000

could anyone tell me the best way to present beef & turkey hearts'' and what basic things to mix with them plus should you cook the hearts look forward to some help being a( newbe)

Hello Heiko, Can You Help?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:57:30 +0000

I was just wondering, do you know of any appistogramma that can go in with discus that live in a hareem?

i know it may not be bio topical but i was interested in getting some to put in there with my discus. the temp is 29 celcius.

Alex

Discus Babies;...........

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:30:34 +0000

As an early Xmas present, I just acquired 14 Young Red Turq's and also a Mature Pair from a Local keeper who was running out of space.... the Young are feeding well and the Pair have just laid 300+ eggs on 15th Nov.

Link; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd2lZtroUo8

For The Love Of Lydia

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:28:16 +0000

heys guys sorry i dont mean to advertise etc but this is a fund raiser of a little girl that sadly passed on the 13th of july this year !
all details can be ready here.

http://ownz.deviantart.com/art/For-The-Love-Of-Lydia-143786172

thankyou

I D Please

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:19:59 +0000

hi everyone hopefully these pics will make it better for you

Home Bred Discus

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:21:33 +0000

Hi all,

Does anyone know where I can buy home bred Discus in the Kent/Essex/Sussex area? I used to buy all my fish from Barry at Southeastern but he no longer sells fish.

Cheers, Steve

My New Pair Of Breeding Checkerboards Discus

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:54:24 +0000

just picked these up tonight (tuesday )

went to bristol to pick them up on the train
breeding pair of checkerboards discus these have spawned recently but ate the eggs

so will see what happens if they breed again for me

these are keeped in 50/50 ro water and tap water

here's some photo's of them

male 6 to 6.5ins long

[IMG]http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb270/seanie112/male65ins.jpg

the female is 5 to 5.5ins long

[IMG]http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb270/seanie112/female55ins-1.jpg

10mins after putting them in tank
[IMG]http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb270/seanie112/100_1947.jpg

[IMG]http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb270/seanie112/100_1951.jpg

[IMG]http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb270/seanie112/100_1948.jpg

[IMG]http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb270/seanie112/100_1950.jpg

my tanks will look better when i get my hoods made and i have change my light bulbs to the discus tubes

little update taken out the uv internal filter and the plants just the heater and spanwing cone and sponge filter in the tank now
its saturday now

these have been cleaning the spawning cone for the past 2days and showing off with each other
never breed discus before

let us know wot you think

More Bljue Diamond Discus For Sale

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:31:54 +0000

Hi All,

got another batch of blue diamonds for sale, eating well on prima and beefheart. From 1" upwards.

From �5

Please call if interested, just off J31 M1, South Sheffield

07968 392859

thanks

Tim

Filter Cartridge Replacements

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:11:57 +0000

Does anyone know whether R.O.Man are still in business ? as we don't seem to be able to get through to them. Maybe they've changed the name ?
RSVP thanks

Robmoor

Discus Tank Mate

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:28:24 +0000

what you guys have as discus tank mates ?
i have true heros severus with my discus and they are fine with them that fine i have over 300 3" babies

http://i37.tinypic.com/10xu1om.gif

just sold some of these on another discus forum also another batch is in mothers mouth

Breeding Tank Stand

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:06:10 +0000

my new breeding tank stand i made 2day

How Long Till I Can Introduce Discus To Tank?

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:16:02 +0000

Hi,
Have set up my Juwel 240 and filled it 3 weeks ago with a mix of tapwater(filtered through a DDA filter) and RO water.
Tank is planted, filtering through the Juwel filter and an Eheim External filter and has a stabilised temperature (from 2 heaters) of 30c.
I have added liquid bacteria accelerant and am now just waiting for the water to mature enough.
What is the consensus on timescale, and should I put in some of my other fish (cardinals, black neons etc) in at an earlier stage to trial water ?

Breeding Tanks

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:42:52 +0000

ive just had a stand made for breeding tanks i can get 9 24in buy 18in wide buy 18in high or i can get 12 24in buy 14in wide and 18in high what would members get

Clown Loaces N Discus

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:24:30 +0000

Hi am looking to introduce discus into a 6x2x2ft tank with 4 clown loaches about 5" long , any thoughts on the matter appreciated .also any advice on definate do's or dont's on keeping discus appreciated as i've never kept them before ...thanks ..

Tds And Temperature Meter

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:54:54 +0000

Hi All i have 2 x TDS and temperature combi's Brand new Never been used £16.99 each. which i will include postage.

look just like this one: http://www.sunrisetropicals.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/80309TDS.jpg

i accidently orderd 3 when i was only after one and didnt realise until they turned up so im letting them go for what i paid so im not trying to scam anyone or anyhting. worth £26.99 in shops.

Email me @ thereddevil99999@hotmail.com if your interested or otherwise drop me a p.m and i will get back to you.

Thanks

Alex

Hello I'm New

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:50:25 +0000

Hi ,

My name is Andrew and I live in Bristol and I thought I would say hello to everyone!

Right down to business ! I have a 220 litre two foot cube (Aqua One 650s cube) which is very deep
> and wide hence the two foot bit ! I am so confused I want to keep
> interesting fish not just standard tropicals and was thinking of Discus
> due to its unusual depth and width and wondered what you experienced
> Discus keepers thought??? I get such conflicting advice such as must be a minimum of 4 foot others say not.
>
> I was going to keep Malawi cichlids but they like a longer tank and are
> not bothered by a deeper tank. If you think it is a good idea how many
> Discus should I keep and what substrates/decor do they like? I am aware of
> their love of soft water and low PH. This is a link to my tank:-
>
> http://www.aquaone.c...uience_cube.php
>
> Also if I can keep Discus the other problem I have living in Bristol is my
> water is very hard 8.3 how do I bring it down if applicable. At this stage I do not intend to breed Discus so wondered if the PH is so important?Also what other tank mates could I keep with Discus as I assume I would not get may Discus in a two foot cube tank?
>
> Be honest with me if this is a rubbish idea then please tell me!
>
> Thanks in anticipation.
>
> Andrew
>
>
>http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/gossip.gif
>

Fluidised Sand Reactor

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:46:43 +0000

I've thought about how much that Eheim thermo wet / dry filter is going to cost me and would like to know if adding a fluidised sand reactor to my existing Fluval 305 would be just if not more beneficial to my 260ltr tank.

Can anyone recommend one that would be straight forward to install, and what media to place inside ( just the sand or sand + cartridges )

Thanks,

Brian.

Water Parameters

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:44:39 +0000

Hi,
Just done a water change,and although fish are all healthy thought I would check my parameters.

My TDS is 135 and Ph is 7.2, which I know is ok, but was amazed to read my GH is at a tad under 4 and KH is no more than 1.5!!!

nitrate/nitrite both zero.

Like I say, fish are happy(eating well out of my fingers) so I'm not too worried, but is there a way of increasing the KH a bit?

I also added kusuri wormer in this change, and Tropic Marin Pro Discus minerals(maybe more of this needed?)

What your opinion???

Qestion About Lighting For New Fish

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:18:24 +0000

Hi, sorry if this issue has been discussed elsewhere, but could use some advice from you good people for a forum newbie.

Have introduced a proven pair to a 180 l tank kept bare except for a cone and plastic plant for cover, who have been in for about 10 days now. I'm using 2x39w t5s which the plan was to set to go on between 5pm till 12.
The fish have not been quick to settle in, almost always 'hiding' in the corner around the base of the plastic plant when the lights are on. Naturally I have kept a close eye on water parameters and been diligent with water changes and having kept discus for several years (though never tried breeding before) am fairly confident there isn't a problem in this respect.

However I did assume that the t5s would be mild enough not to upset the fish, given they never seemed to bother the previous inhabitants, but as soon as the lights turn off the fish become far bolder, free swimming, almost feeding from the hand and pecking and cleaning the cone.

So after rambling on for a bit, the main point of my question, am i right to assume the nervousness is likely due to lighting, and what is my best course of action? Should I keep what I have and just wait and see if they get used to it, or should I change for dimmer tubes permanently? Bearing in mind I want to provide optimum spawning conditions whilst still be able to actually see their beautiful colours what lighting would you recommend for me?

My Fish Room

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:46:49 +0000

here is some pics of my fish room ive made from sratch its not finshed yet its 16 buy 6 and its going to be used for raising young fish on the breeding tanks are going in the house

Bog Wood

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:06:59 +0000

i am getting 16 3in discus next week to grow on in my 6,2,2 house tank. they may be moved or split at a later date. the question is the tank is full of bogwood and there is a good number of small l numbers in the tank would it be best to remove the bogwood or keep it in the tank

My New Tank

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:41:00 +0000

Hi all,here is a couple of pics of my new tank that i set up in august,its a juwel rio300,im waiting to get my discus after xmas.[IMG]http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/laragirl_2009/DSC00051.jpg[/IMG]. [IMG]http://i779.photobucket.com/albums/yy79/laragirl_2009/DSC00050.jpg[/IMG].

A Few Questions

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:36:34 +0000

Hi

I joined the site a few weeks back to get as much information as possible before buying my 1st Discus. I have kept a planted tank before but this will be my Discus. I have spent the last few weeks reading all I can the more I read the more questions I have. I have been reading up on the water I will need but not sure what I will need to get it right.

My tap water is very soft information from the water board.
Hardness Clarke 1.75
PH 7.3
total hardness 10 mg ca\l

What do i need to buy to get the water right?

Digital Ph meter (I have got liquid tests?)
TDS meter or is this the same as the Conductivity of 81.2 uS/cm at 20oC?
HMA or RO?

Sorry for all the questions but I seem to be going around in circles and want to get things right the 1st time.

Thanks

Lee

How To Tell The Sex?

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:03:52 +0000

Hi all. Dont know if im asking in the right part of the forum but i'll ask anyway.

How do you tell the sex of discus? I dont know if i've got males or females. I've got pidgeon bloods, white diamonds, blue diamonds and super reds.

Strains....

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:51:41 +0000

can anyone have a go at the strains of these 2 discus ?

the redspoted one is the female and the full red is a male i just want to try get what strains they are and what the babies may look like when they are older?
sorry for bad pics all i can get!

http://i33.tinypic.com/27y303o.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/1jonec.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/maa0x1.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/34t299h.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/125288y.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/6on52e.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/97vhpg.jpg

cheers

Boost Your Filter's Capperbilities

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:06:04 +0000

If you use an external filter and want a really CHEAP and effective boost to your biological filtration try this out;

I used a Fluval 305 filter which has three trays for biological filtration, in the bottom tray was the usual Pre-Filter inert solid ceramic rings, in the second tray goes the Biomax ceramic rings.

Now for the best bit, pop down to Wilkersons and buy two packs of plastic oven scourers ( 5 in each pack ) total cost �1.18, clean them in a bucket of old tank water then place as many as you can into the third tray, I managed to get 8 in total into the tray.

In less than five days the clarity of my water had that little extra sparkle, and my parameters improved by 15% ( doesn't sound much, but makes a hell of a difference! ).

Added bonus, it's left me with two fantastic glass cleaners.

Hope this helps someone else,

Brian.

Corys

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:34:36 +0000

wanted to swap for young discus or related equitment i have over 200 corys most are wild they need to go togeter cant split them up here is some of what i have
Barbatus
elegans
julies
blacks
Schwartzi i think
the is a lot more types of corys but 4got names i bought these for my fish house but have other plans i will not split so they will make someone a nice breeding set up
ps these are not young fish most are adult and breeding finding eggs every day

Non Albino Discus Of Lucky Tropical Fish Farm

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:14:37 +0000

Some more ,,,,,

Discus Of Lucky Tropical Fish Farm

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:02:32 +0000

just like to share some of my current discus stock of my farm,

Latest Albino Strain Of Lucky Tropical Fish Farm,malaysia

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:56:15 +0000

To all member of UKDA,,,,,,,

Have You Heard....

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:45:41 +0000

.....about the bloke with the fish house and his next door neighbour had a fireworks display close to a nuclear bomb going off last night.....

Yes it was me (the fish house, not the fireworks)

freaking fireworks - was sat in my fish house for 4 hours last night with the radio on trying to distract the fish whilst 2 pairs were laying and almost jumping out of the water. Not just a few rockets and banging things, flippin' industrial grade stuff!!

I have 4" of insulation and it still sounded like WW3!!!!!

aahhhhhhh!!!

rant over - feel much better now!!

Tim

New Pair

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:08:28 +0000

i have a new breeding pair what was totally out the blue and they have 2 day old fry now and doing well so fingers crossed if they dont eat from the parrents whats best food to raise them on i have 3 brine shrimp hatchers going at the moment for angelfish babies so there is always BBS!

Snails Friend Of Foe

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:57:45 +0000

I have a few snails in the tank, heck knows where they came from as I havent added any plants for over a month http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif so as the question says apart from irritating me are they friend or foe to discus .

Fish Stay At The Top Of Tank

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:28:34 +0000

Hey guys. My mates got a problem in his tank but we dont know what it is. He came home to a dead discus today and all the other discus are constantly at the top of the tank. We checked the water and the ammonia, nitrate and nitrite are spot on. His PH is 7.2. He got told by LFS that when the fish stay at the top of the tank, it means high ammonia. But the test said it was ok.

Anyone have any idea whats wrong with them or what possibly killed his fish? There was no marks or spots on the dead fish either.

Thanks in advance.

Royal Snake Skin

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:30:51 +0000

Does anyone out there have a picture of a adult Royal Snake Skin, depending on the final adult pattern I'm considering trying to pair one with a Red Cobra Snake Skin.

Pictures would really be appreciated!!!

Many thanks.

Sosban fach yn berwi ar y t�n, Sosban fawr yn berwi ar y llawr, A'r gath wedi sgrapo Joni bach.

Breeding Cycle

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:34:04 +0000

Guys,

Bit of a question for you.

Have just started breeding discus, my first pair went into the breeding tank 3 weeks ago after successfully pairing off and subsequently produced eggs, unfortunately they did this at night and ignored the breeding cone instead laying the eggs all over the intake of the external filter.
As this happened sooner than expected it was a bit of a surprise to me and unfortunately the filter was still on this meant only 16 survived. However these are doing well, have been hatched for just over a week now are still feeding from the parents and are looking good.

I was of the opinion that the parents would not breed again until separated from there young yet when I returned from work today I was surprised to see that they had bred again (this time on the heater) is this normal for them to breed again so soon?????

Although I am pleased I have to say I am somewhat surprised!!!!

Angels Adults And Juniors....

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:35:19 +0000

.....Just sharing a few Photo's of my Angels (various types) and some of the Youngsters.......

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Tropical%20Fish/SpecialAngel.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Tropical%20Fish/P1000310.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Tropical%20Fish/P1000213.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Tropical%20Fish/LargeAngelfish-1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Tropical%20Fish/angel8-1.jpg[/IMG]

Youngsters;
[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Tropical%20Fish/ANGELROCK.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Tropical%20Fish/ANGELSYOUNG.jpg[/IMG]

Fuval Exturnal Pipe Work Problem

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:08:27 +0000

I have a fuval 305 plumbed direct into the bottom of the tank, filtered water passes through V300 U.V on the return.
The problem I have is with these ribbed pipes, they're a pain in the backside to clean properly!
Does anyone know of an alternative pipe that would fit the fuval 305 connection?

H.i.t.h

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:27:04 +0000

Good morning guys,

Late last night i noticed one of my discus has got h.i.t.h,well im assuming its that as it has the white puss stuff coming out of the little holes/dimples in its face.

My water changing regime has went skew whiff lately and their has been an addition of 25 penguin tetras that were q/t'd for 2 weeks. which has been the only change.

Whats my first port of call guys? im assuming i would be better treating the whole tank, now that its got to this stage?
Im doing a 40% w/c at this very moment, and ive not long bought new carts for my hma filter (fitted a new 5 micron pre-filter and a taloc)which i dont suspect to be an issue as ive only done about 2000 litres of water change at the very most.

HTH

cheers
paul

Pic's Of My Aquarium....

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:52:01 +0000

Just took a few Pic's of my Set-up recently and thought I'd share;

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/Discusgroup1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/FULLVIEW1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/BACK2BACK.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/YCrystal.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj223/Clipboards/Discus/Redturqinplants.jpg[/IMG]

Aquarium Glass

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:32:17 +0000

Where can I buy some glass plates to custom built a breeding tank.

What Age Do Discus Start Breeding?

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:55:06 +0000

My seven discus have just past their first birthday, most of them are around 4-5" in diameter, with the pecking order still not resolved at meal times?
When should I expect signs of pairing off to begin?
I have successfully bread other fish in the past and I'm excited to take on the challenge. Most of the books I've read contradict each other.
Tank = 260ltr P.H 6.7 70ltr water change every forth day (H.M.A) trickled straight into tank.

T5

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:24:20 +0000

Anyone got a couple of T5 controllers they are looking to shift? They need to fit a 5' tank.

Discus Suppliers

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:40:04 +0000

hi guys,
has anyone had fish from simon at midland discus,that is the asian discus supplier,not midlamds discus who supply stendkers,i am looking to buy some asian breds,and saw he has a new shipment in for november,any info appreciated.
thanks again.

What Filter

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:24:28 +0000

Hi all, Im just about to buy a 260 litre tank and am unsure what filter to buy. although not new to keeping discus, its been along time since I last kept them and memories of messy filter cleaning in the lounge are still with me. Has anyone got any advice?
cheers Craig.

Wart Type Lump

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:40:09 +0000

Hi all i have noticed one of my discus has a small clump of wart type white lumps on its bottom fin or flanks dont no what they are called the two long thin things hanging down lol.it's right on where it joins to the body do you know what this could be he/she is feeding ok and no other problems will try and get a photo of it thanks all.

Discus And Shrimps

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:09:57 +0000

Hi Guys

My first post here, Im thinking about setting up a planted discus tank in a trigon 350

Question is: Once I get the plants in I intend to add a few shrimp to add to the biological load and get things moving whilst the plants mature.

If/When I do add discus will they eat shrimp?

Are they seen as food? Will the avergae sized discus be able to eat/catch a shrimp?

Many thanks!!!

Best Lighting For Planted Tank

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:25:35 +0000

Hey guys. Need some help.
I've got a Juwel Trigon 350 corner tank and have had it running since Saturday. I have got a discus plant collection which i have posted on another thread in the planted tank section. Because i've got a proper plant collection, i want decent light to help them grow. I have also got CO2 running through the tank too. What tubes do you guys suggest i get and where do i get them from. One's that will fit into a Juwel Trigon 350 light fixings.
Thanks in advance.
Sweet.

Fao Nick Mc

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:22:09 +0000

Happy birthday dude.

cheers
paul

Where Can I Find Info On How To Set Up Biotopes?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:04:34 +0000

hi there heiko i have looked on your website and for the life of me i canot find a page when there is a list of the fish and plants in a specific river etc is there any where where yo can direct me to have a look?

thats in english?

Alex

Number Of Fry

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:31:38 +0000

Just out of curiosity, what is the most number of free swimming fry anyone has had?

I had a pair of blue diamonds who had 285 fry which was amazing to see, but got a pair of checkerboard pigeons with over 350 - just like a massive swarm around mum and dad - never seen anything like it before.

Yes I am probably sad - take a digital photo, print it out to A4 and then cross them off on the picture to count - I know, I need to get out more!!!

Does anyone have a photo with a massive batch of fry, would love to see one if you have?

cheers

Tim

2 Filters For Sale - Fluval 405 And Tetratec Ex1200

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:06:13 +0000

Hello everyone,

I am selling a Tetratec EX 1200 complete with Filter material.

Its about 6 months old and perfect working condition.

The second filter I am selling is a Fluval 405 without filter material (sponges included but not the biomaterial) also in perfect working condition and three months old.

I am selling these as I upgraded to a 480 liter tank and replaced my filters with a stronger Eheim 3E filter.

Please make an offer for both/one of them.

Pickup only as I dont trust the post system at the moment...

I live in SE12 Hither Green/Lee (South East London)

Thanks

Marc

Discus Worming

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:20:16 +0000

should i worm a pair of blue cobalds they have spawned twice first time they ate eggs as they were laying second time they got to wrigglers now they are cleaning the cone again and i dont no if i should worm them

Head Down Girl

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:54:27 +0000

Fish Metronidazole WHERE CAN I BUY UK

Our girl is sick

Hello, I New With Video

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:19:14 +0000

hi, guys I'm new here and I want that you guys see my video discus and talk about it:

Dd Ro System

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:30:56 +0000

Hi Guys,

I will start by saying, yes, I'm dumb !!!!

Can anyone give me step by step information on setting up a DD RO system, I am only connecting to House Tap/Fawcett. I am not
using a booster pump or tapping into a water pipe line.

Thanks.

Kev.

Discus Tank

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:41:46 +0000

HI FELLOW DISCUS LOVERS
NEED A BIT OF HELP WITH A CHIP ON BASE OF TANK,I BOUGHT A 5ft wide x 3 ft high x 1.5 ft deep ALL GLASS TANK AND IT WEIGHS A TON,SOME FRIENDS CAME TO HELP ME MOVE INTO THE HOUSE AND SADLY WHEN TURNING IT ON A METAL LADDER IT TOOK A 1 inch x .5 inch CHIP OUT THE BOTTOM EDGE,THE TANK HAS A DOUBLE LAYER GLASS BASE,THE INNER IS SLIGHTLY SMALLER AND FITS INSIDE WITH THE OUTTER OVER THE FULL SIZE OF TANK,IM THINKING OF USING ISOPON WHICH THEY USE ON CARSTO PATCH IT UP DO YOU THINK THIS WILL BE STRONG ENOGH TO HOLD THE WEIGHT OF WATER (ABOUT 140 GALS),ONCE I HAVE FIXED IT IM GOING TO HAVE A METAL FRAME BUILT SO THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK SITS IN AND FITS NICE AND SNUG
I CANT REALLY AFFORD TO HAVE A NEW GLASS BOTTOM FITTED PLUS IT WOULD BE A NIGHTMARE GETTING IT TO A GLASS SHOP,MANY THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE REGARDS IAN

Windows 7

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:33:53 +0000

Hi folks I am about to put windows 7 on my pc (yes I know I am mad) hopefully it will go ok and I have a pc tommorrow, if not help in advance lol.

Hello

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:20:15 +0000

Hi

I'm Lee just joined to get all the information I can. Never kept Discus before I have kept tropicals in a planted tank for about 7 years and learned the hard way. At the moment I have a juwel vision 180 that I would like to keep Discus in. It's fitted with a rocky juwel 3d background which hides the filter which I would like to keep it. Will the standard juwel filter be upto the job?

Uv

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:26:25 +0000

Hi there thinking about a uv system, whats the benefits of them.

Do I actually need one ???

Loads Of Eggs! Help!

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:25:34 +0000

Whilst doing a water change on my tanks I noticed my pair of rams getting quite aggresive toward my hand.On closer inspection I found a large clutch of wggs attatched to some bogwood at the rear of the tank.
To say I'm well chuffed is an understatement, but now I need to think how to raise them.
I have a 80 ltr tank in my garage doing nothing.Should I get this going or will the parents be strong enough to hold off any predators?What food should I prepare, or is the fine bits of beefheart(clody stuff) that come off the main bits be enough with other frozen/ flake food going in.
In the tank is 20 cardinals, 3, 5" discus and 4 panda cory's.(350ltr tank)
Do I need to get some artemia on the go????

Will get a pic of the hatching site up this afternoon hopefully.

Matt

Hello All

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:19:33 +0000

hello all im new to discus i have 5 at the moment one is a breeding pair of snake skins a blue diamond / penang eruption and a checkerboard.
i also breed angelfish / severums / bristlenose plecs and bronze corys jsut wanted to say hi !

Blue Diamonds For Sale

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:44:13 +0000

Hi,

have a good number for young blue diamonds for sale, 1.5" to 3.5", from �8 to �15.

I have bred them myself, and parents are with more fry now.

Eating very well, beefheart, prima and flake.

Any questions, send a PM

Can deliver for cost of fuel within 100 miles of Sheffield

thanks

Tim

Cheap Homemade Filter

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:03:33 +0000

Hi i had this idea for a filter several years ago and made a little tutorial film for you tube. I use this for my Angel breeding tanks and im sure it would be fine for Discus. Although many paople prefer their sponge filters this has the advantage of being able to carry out mechanical, chemical and biological filtration. It works just like a box filter and you can use any size pop bottle giving you the chance to ad up to 2 .5 litres of media in the largest pop bottle. you can check it out on you tube on this link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rj1Glx5anfM
i have lots of angel fish clips on their as well if anyone is interested type in my user name to get my vids its dinger454 subscribe to my channel to see any updates of angel vids

Ring Leopard Pair For Sale

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:52:20 +0000

Owing to an unforeseen change in my work circumstances, I reluctantly have to part with my proven Ring Leopard Pair.

They were purchased from Chen's and are high quality fish. Their colours are simply stunning and they are always very calm and a devoted pair.

They have regularly raised to free-swimming fry stage but I didn't have the space to raise the offspring any further. These fish are 'ready to go' for the serious breeder!

Price �125.00 cash on collection from Farnborough, Hampshire. No Offers!

Any questions, please pm me.

Some Of The Tanks I Have Set Up At Work.....

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:49:30 +0000

In the next two videos i have either helped set up and set up the tanks on display at my workplace.

the first is a Juwel vision 260 that has been set up as a planted display tank that i helped out on.

is has mainly Crypts, anubias and java fern as its main plants but then it has also got vallis and a red tiger lotus aswell.

the fish in it are cardinal tetra, neon tetra, rummy nose tetra, royal twig catfish, clown plec, clown loach, red line torpedo barb and an assortment of corries.

hope you like?
vision260:

the second tank is a rio 125 that was set up by me and is using the tetra complete substrate then a layer of natural quatz on top. it has a co2 canister attached pumping out 1 bubble every 3 - 4 seconds. it is dosed with easy carbo daily ( 7mls) and flourish once to twice a week. ( 5mls)

the plants include giant vallis, ludwidea repenns red, java fern, assortement of crypts, hemianthis, hair grass... and a few others that i cannot remeber lol yeah i know i put um in there........ but i still cant remeber.......

the fish are cardinal tetras, royal dwarf gourami, armano shrimp, otocinclus, bronze corry, julli corry and false bandit corry.

again enjoy.... or not?

rio 125:

These are the newish dennele tanks that i will be giving a helping hand in the layout........

hope you like?

Alex

Forgot To Introduce Myself On Here...

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:04:54 +0000

hey everyone, just wanted to say hello, from sunny south wales....

thanks for the advice so far..

Just A Question

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:19:07 +0000

i am only asking ,but does john dempsie ever have fish for sale? i hope david lim is not looking to be a rich man from uk sales of his fish
bigtam.

Poorly Discus

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:08:46 +0000

Hi all,

still having trouble with my female eruption, last week was looking a little off colour (darker than usual) and looking down. Kept large water changes to see if things improved and lowered the water level to 2 x fish height. Been away for business for 1 night and come back and she is nose to floor vertical, although not quite as black. She is in a 2' breeding tank, bare bottom and very regular water changes, 30% per day. All I have treated with is no9 for now.

Any suggestions please?

cheers

Tim.

Breeder

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:19:32 +0000

Hi everybody

Dose anybody no of any local breeders in the central scotland area as i have no transport. A dont no why but i dont like the sound of getting a del. Please email me at steviduk@hotmail.com

Many thanks
stevie

Is A Water Change Needed

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:10:39 +0000

Hi all just a bit of advice needed.I did my first 20% water change today i have been testing the water all through the week, every other day just to get to grips with it all,ammonia is 0 nitrite is 0 and nitrate is below 5 its been like that all week really i have done a 20% water change and added plant food and had my first go at mixing up the water ,took me an hour and a half! Lol but i was wrighting all my notes and testing everything next time i will be faster.Thing is this did i need to do it with them readings or could it have gone 2 weeks say as there was not much nitrate in the water,

Sudden Death

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:55:56 +0000

Hi all,

Can anyone tell me if they have experienced this before.

My Female pidgeon bllod has again spawned today at about 1700 hr's tonight. All looked well with both parents tending to the egg's as normal. I left them to it while I had my tea, came back about 20 mins later and the female was leaning against the cone on the bottom of the tank looking very poorly. I put her straight into a bucket with clean water and by this time she was already gone.

My other two pairs are fine and the male is still busy tending to the egg's.

Thanks, Chris.

Dam Fluval !

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:33:23 +0000

Can I some help please, I am running my tank with a fluval 405 however the flow is really slow, to be honest I could wee faster !! I have changed the media rinced the sponges etc & its still the same. Any suggestions as I cant really afford to but a new one at the moment & this one is only around 2 year & I have only used its soildily for a few months.

Thoughts please

Looking For A Breeding Pair

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:51:42 +0000

Hi, i'm pretty much a newbie to this forum, but thought it would be the best place to seek advice on this. Can anyone make any suggestions on where I could aquire a nice proven pair of well-ish matched discus? In particular I'm after a SS variety. I'm not new to the fish and have kept them for several years but have never had the fortune to own a spawing pair. I'm not looking to start any commercial operation I just want a new challenge to my fishkeeping hobby.

I have tried speaking to a few of suppliers (won't mention names) but have found communication difficult as I suspect they have their prefered customers who naturally get 1st dibs on everything, and am relctant to go down the ebay route.
Any help people can give me on this would be great, I'm in Manchester so looking for somewhere close or someone who will ship and I'm happy to pay a fair price for the right fish.
Many thanks

New Tank

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:46:58 +0000

Hi folks
I have a new juwel trigon 190 set up with plants in it. It has be running now for a few weeks. I want 2 put some discus in it and wanted to no if 6 would be to many for it

Discus Wanted

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:01:08 +0000

Hi everybody

I am lookin for some 4" leopard snakeskin / spotted snakeskin or red spotted. A am in central scotland and do not have transport.
these fish wld have to be del. If anybody can tell me the best place to find thes that would be great. Please contact me by email at
steviduk@hotmail.com

Thanks

steven

Facebook And Similar Type Sites

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:31:56 +0000

So Guys who uses these type of sites and can we use them to promote UKDA. There is a Discus group been set up on Facebook by Dougall. Good idea to Join it.

-----Mick-----

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:43:49 +0000

would putting another carbon block after the existing crbon block help reduce the chlorine etc or am i best getting a chlor plus?????

Alex

Tds In Fish Shops!

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:56:04 +0000

I checked the TDS of the water in my last couple of fish purchases(Cardinals) and am amazed to see the TDS meter reading in one around the 500 mark, and today from pets at home(nice big cardinals 5 for �9) the TDS was reading over 800!!!!!!

Here I am spending months trying to get my water right for discus etc only to find healthy cardinals neons etc living in this!!!

Whats the reasoning? P.h. is the same as tap, but even tap water has a tds of about 300.

Any ideas??

Matt

Dechlorinating

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:01:44 +0000

Morning everyone,

quick question, what is the best way to dechlorinate tap water (apart from using products such as prime etc?)

I store the water in a 600l water store, heated and air stones for 24 hours before use - would the chlorine have "gone" in this time anyway??

I am using dechlorinated tap for my fry tanks and am going through prime quickly and is rather expensive (500ml / month - lots of tanks!)

If this is the best way I will stick with it, just wondered if there was an alternative?

Was thining about an in line "CBR" filter in a spare RO housing I have into my water store (600l). My breeding cubes I am using RO and TMC discus salts currently.

thanks

Tim.

Possible White Spot?

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:47:06 +0000

Ok, About 5 days ago I got a shoal(10) of Cardinals, and a couple of rams, and although I floated the bags for 40 mins, and slowly added tank water to the bags over an hour, before releasing them, they seem to all slowly be getting Ich, or white spot.I have noticed this over the last couple of days, and they are not totally 'covered', just a few dots on the fins.My past experiences with rams neons etc and white spot is they get covered very quickly before dying, so maybe this isnt white spot???
This is the first time I have kept these fish in 'correct' water, i.e. not tap.(kh4 gh 5) but did a check on the bag water and was amazed the TDS was in the 450 mark!!! My tanks water has a TDS of 140.
Was this maybe too big a shock for them, and if after this description you think it could be Ich, how would you treat it, bearing in mind I have 3 four inch Discus in there also that are looking really well.
All fish are eating well by the way.

Thanks for any advice in advance.

Matt

Newbie

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:57:51 +0000

hi there.

i am new to this forum but have heard alot about it.

i went to the show on the weekend and enjoyed it very much.

i bought a few new fish which are doing very well.

i am looking forward to speaking to other discus fanatics and hope to learn a few new things

many thanks in advance

rick.k

Help, Advice Needed On Hma/ro/tap

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:46:36 +0000

HI EVERYONE, NEED SOME ADVICE ON WATER FILTERS..

I AM LOOKING TO BUY ONE FOR MY DISCUS TANKS, I AM FAIRLY NEW TO THE WHOLE THING, AND HOVE NOT GOT A CLUE WHICH TO GO FOR, HMA OR REVERSE OSMOSIS...

ALSO I AM UNSURE ABOUT, 2 STAGE, 3 STAGE, 4 STAGE ETC......

MY TAP WATER IS,

PH 7.6

GH= 50 MG/L

KH= 30 MG/L

PHOSPAHTES ARE OFF THE CHART, 5+

WHICH FILTER IF ANY WOULD YOU RECOMEND, BASED ON THESE RESULS?

I CURRENTLY USE THIS TAP WATER WITH, PRIME, FOR CHLORINE ETC... AND A BUFFER FOR PH...

ANY INFO IS APPRECIATED... THANKS

my tanks water is currently at:

ph 6.8
nitrite 0
ammonia 0
nitrate 5-10
phospate over 5.0 mg/l

Advice On Tank Cleaning

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:31:43 +0000

Having bought a new tank into which I will transfer my "community" fish, I will be completely stripping my Juwel 240 in order to start from scratch to prepare it for Discus.
As the tank has a fair amount of algae on some of the glass and rear decor, is there any advice on what to use to get the tank absolutely clean without introducing poisonous chemicals?

New Set-Up

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:20:42 +0000

I am thinking of setting up a discus tank, but do not have much space,( probably ca 120 x 50 x 60 cm ) at best, as it has to go into a recess where a former fire place has been taken out. I would like to keep 4-5 adult fish, with some community species- corydoras/brochis/ tetras etc.

What's the minimum size/capacity for a 4 fish set-up? Once established, how many other fish wil I be able to keep...thinking 8/10 cardinals/6 other tetra species; 5-6 marbled hatchet fish, two cory species..

All advice and guidance gratefully received.

Thanks,

Plants In Play Sand?which Ones?

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:10:57 +0000

Ok, as I've stated on a previous post, I have already broken one rule I had which was to only keep Discus and no other species, having bought some cardinals, rams and cory's.
Now, I wasn't going to get plants due to finding the cleaning of algae a hassle etc,but sure enough, I now think the tanks really needs some greenery.
I would like some broad leaf plants(maybe amazon sword etc) But my substrate is play sand, and feel it is too compact for the roots to get any oxygen etc.
Any ideas, or have any of you got nice plants in fine sand substrate?I would rather avoid Co2 etc, this looks way too fiddly, (never used Co2 in tanks before)

Regards

Matt

Need A Bit Of Advice With Water Change

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:30:52 +0000

Hi all i need a bit of your expert advice.in my tank i use 70 ltrs of ro water and 40 ltrs of ro waste water so when i do a 20% water change what do i mix.http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif

Hi All I'm A Fresh Newbi

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:23:39 +0000

Hi all just joined and this is my first post.Got my new discus fish yesterday i think they are leopard discus but would be good if you could confirm this for me.All is well with them they started feeding today they taken a while to come out of hiding lol,They are bigger than i was going to get but when i seen them i just had to have them i paid �120 for them they should have been �180 so not bad anyway hope you like them here are some pics and a small video not very good as they only come out for a bit then get shy.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/e5cort/Photo019.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/e5cort/Photo020.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/e5cort/Photo018.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/e5cort/Photo015.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/e5cort/th_Video018.jpg

Our New Addition

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:22:04 +0000

Good morning all,

Well id just like to start by saying the wife had a baby girl yesterday, weighing a tiny 4lb9.5 oz and we have decided to call her demi.
She is small due to the lack of amnio fluids throughout the preg, and the placenta was always a worry as it was almost blocking the birth canal, so on thursday at our anti natal clinic, they decided friday was the time to take her out due to the mega lack of amniotic fluids.

Both baby and the wife are doing well, baby is feeding not to bad now, now that they have got her a suitable teet to get hold of, and her blood sugars were a bit worrying also, but so far seem to be getting a bit more stable.

Seems as if its been a right long haul, ( well i guess 9 months is!!!!), but from the start we had problems - we had an amniocentesis due to a high risk of something called edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) which turned out to be ok.
And for the last 3-4 weeks we have been at a/n every mon/wed/fri to have a heart monitor trace done, which have all been sound, - i feel i could write a book with this story!! lol

I must say the teams at the hospital do an astounding job in most cases(apart from the contradictions here there and everywhere!!!!) but alls fine!
The section went really well, especially with the placenta problem we had, but i must say the team that done the section did not f~*k about, and man, when they started to open her up, the wife got pulled and yanked about silly, - (alot worse than what ive been watching on sky!!) i didnt pass out which i did expect to.

I will post a couple of photos when i can get decent ones, as my phone is quite rank at taking photos.

sorry for not being about alot lately as we have been really busy the last few weeks especially, and touch wood the baby keeps her sleeping habits when she comes home(as shes slept nearly ALL the time in hozzy) and she doesnt cry either woooooooohoooooo!!!
so i guess all i can say is even though its been quite a tortorous its has been totally made up with the arrival, and yes i did bubble a little, but i would highly reccomend everyone to start getting jiggy and procreate as its the bets thing ever!!
(im sorry if my writing is all f*~t up, - its simply cos i am!!!)

will keep yer all posted!!!

regards

paul

Hello From Belgium!

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 06:16:23 +0000

hey everybody!
i'm new from a couple of minits ago.
i'm from belgium and i'm 14 years old.
i have from wednesday 4 discus.
2 red turquoise, one snakeskin and one blue cobalt.
it is a gift from a friend, and i gonna take care about them.
my aquarium has 375 liters.
the blue cobalt discus is pritty lean, so i think he.she don't will be full growth.

the discus eat good, so i have a good vision on it.

greeetz

Gup

Wanted

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:42:17 +0000

hi im looking for two young solid white discus but would need delivery as im in scotland been keeping discus for about three year but dont seem to be having much luck with this search cheers angie

New Tank

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:21:44 +0000

Hi folks i am wondering if anybody can help me. My last tank that i had was a discus tank but i have not had any fish for a few years untill now. I have just got a juwel trigon 190 and hope to have discus in it after a month or 2.

The problem that i have is my last tank was just planted with no bogwood which ment that my water was very clean and clear. I have set up my new tank with plants and bogwood this time and now i have a brown tinge in the water. If my ph and everything else is ok will it matter about the colour of my water.

please contact me by e-mail - steviduk@hotmail.com

Many thanks
steven

Help Identification

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:49:50 +0000

Hello

I would like to have an opinion regarding the identification on this nematode.

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8620/nematodo.jpg

It moves like a snail (gets smaller and streches), the green spots that we can see, looked eggs.
fecal sample picked in the botton of one of my aquariums.
I saw 4 of them and a couple of smaller ones.

Thanks in advance.

Silica Sand For Planted Tank?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:07:17 +0000

Hi guys and girls.

I got told that its not a good idea to have silica sand in a planted tank because of the roots.

Is this true? Cause when i set my tank up again, i wanted to paint the back black, and have white silica sand in. But also pack it out with plants and wood.

Filter Sos

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:35:30 +0000

Hey everyone,

Stupid question but does anyone that's coming to the fish show on saturday got a spare lock clip for an Eheim Filter Professionell IIIe 2078?

I am urgently looking for one thanks to DPD playing soccer with my delivery

I ordered the filter 2 weeks ago and it finally turned up today with a broken lock clip...

The company I bought it of is going to send a spare one but said it will take atleast another 2 weeks as they got neither a spare lock nor an eheim filter left to replace it and got to order it from Germany.

Say something about bad luck LOL!

Let me know... I'd pay for it or send a replacement once I get my replacement!

White Stringy Poo

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:32:06 +0000

Hi all. Some of the discus in mates tank have got white, stringy poo.
Does this mean parasite?
What is it and whats the best thing to do to now?

Thanks in advance peeps.

Looking Down

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:25:52 +0000

Morning all,

I am very slightly concerned with one of my female eruption's. She has started looking down (only slightly, perhaps 20 degrees) for the last 24 hours. She layed a few eggs (only 12 month old fish so still learning!) on Friday, but her tube is sticking out slightly. She went dark, but I assumed this was due to the breeding, not black, perhaps about 50% dark. She is eating OK (not like a pig, but still comes for food each time I go in the fish house). Her partner suddenly died last week, no apparent reason, just came in the fish house and he was nose to floor vertical, I had seen him 2 hours before and was fine with no signs of distress or illness.

I am doing daily water changes, 80% RO, 20% dechlorinated tap, giving pH 7, TDS 100. Feeding beefheart / prima and occasional chopped mussels / prawns.

I lowered the water last night to 6" whilst doing a water change and left it low for a few hours to see if she would swim "level" and she did. I topped the tank up last night and she was swimming fine. This morning, slightly head down (less than yesterday). Obviously if this is something more serious I want to catch it quickly, so any ideas please?

thanks

Tim.

My Fish Are Ill

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:08:18 +0000

You have received a new message via the Contact System.
--------------------------------
Hi I have lost two fish in two days they fish that died appeared healthy the first died when I fed them he swam over to the food and just keeled over the second was a female that was showing signs of breeding the day before didnt see her go as I was out when she died
I have carried out two large water changes and added a polyfilter in case something was in the water after 24hrs the polyfilters light brown
no new fish have been added for a year although quite a few have been removed as the discus have grown
they are in a juwel 260l tank heavily planted with a plant substrate topped off with sand and has been running for two years it has two fluval 305 filters
I have added some new plants recently but they were quarantined in a fish free tank for a month before adding.
the discus have been in the tank for 18mnths and one of them had hole in the head a month after buying which cleared up with octozin and no9 have had no signs of it since and have not medicated the tank since then
the remaining fish all seem healthy feeding well no signs of stress clear fins clear eyes normal poo
Thanks in advance for any help
Sarah

Temperature: 30
GH: 7
KH: 3
pH: 6.8
Microsiemens : Not Available
Aquarium Volume: 260
What fish are in the aquarium?: 6 discus,2 bristlenose ,3 chain loach ,2 panda corys
6 black phantom tetras
Medications: none
Symptoms:
* One or more discus have died in the last 14 days
Microscope:
* No
--------------------------------
Name: sarah
Email: sarahmalone@hotmail.co.uk
Subject: 999
IP Address: 90.204.152.31

View message in HTML: http://www.forum.ukd...do=message&id=3

Pair Fighting Over Fry

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:42:28 +0000

Hi all

Just joined the forum recently and really looking for some helpful advice?

I bought a pair of discus around 2 months ago and I now have around 200 free swimmers. The pair had both been letting the fry feed from them without fighting, then on the 4th day of free swimming I came in from work to find them at opposite ends of the tank but both had fry feeding from them. The male started getting aggresive and chasing the female into corner and really giving her a whacking.

Can I take out the female and leave the fry with the male? If I do this will I be able to reintroduce the pair and keep them breeding?

Any help would be great

Thanks

ricardo83

Pair Fighting Over Fry

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:42:11 +0000

Dennerle Thermostat And Heating Cable

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:25:16 +0000

Dennerle Thermostat and Heating Cable currently for sale on ebay.....

Dennerle Thermostat And Heating Cable

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:23:41 +0000

Just noticed a dennerle Thermostat and Heating Cable on ebay if anyone is looking....

Tankmates For Discus

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:01:16 +0000

Hi Guys/Gals

Now my tank is up and running with 3 1-1/2 in leopard skins I realise in order to help clean algae/uneaten beefheart I'm gonna need some bottom feeders..
I would really like something along the lines of golden nugget plecs, but not sure if they could handle the 29 deg temps, and the soft ro water(kh/gh 3-4)
I also love panda cory's, are these suitable??
Any other suggestions of interesting hopefully colourfull scavengers to help with this problem.
I also wish to bear in mind if the discus should lay eggs some time in the distant future, they wont be eaten/the discus will fend off these new arrivals.
Any ideas?What tankmates do your discus have?
Matt
p.s. also why cant I view all topics on the forum???

Sudden Death

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:17:50 +0000

Hi Everyone one of my discus died for no apparent reason today and I was wondering what to do
I went to feed them as usual and he swam over to the food and just keeled over and died immediately not a mark on him no sign of ill health over the last few days been eating well although he was a crap shape and hadnt grown as much as the other fish.
I tested the water straight away and everything tested fine ammonia/nitrite 0 nitrate<5 pH 6.8 kh3 gh 7
I immediately did a 50% water change and added polyfilters to the filters just in case somethings got in the water
so far all other fish look fine bright eyes feeding well normal poo etc
Do you think he might have just been an iffy fish or should I be worried about the others??
Thanks in advance for any suggestions

Sarah

Hello Members Of Ukda

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:15:10 +0000

Hey everyone,
Just like to say hello to all members and staffs at UKDA If your just wondering "do you keep discus" then the answer would be yes, and I buy my discus from chensdiscus; I prefer to go there instead of delivery since its nice to take a view at his tanks.etc Anyways, will be around here at UKDA and other discus forums as frequently as possible.

Kevin

Fertilization

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:13:53 +0000

hi guys,
when eggs are being laid how quickly does the male have to cover them to make sure they are fertilized,i have a couple of pairs that go about it in different ways.one pair basically both do runs one after the other,the other pair-the female lays quite a number of eggs then the male seems to then take interest and does his thing.both have had batches of equal fertilization rates 50% fertilized 50% unfertilized.i would assume the quicker the better,but could anyone give a timescale when it is just too long a wait.
thanks
james

http://forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/images/thanks.png

Filter

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:31:37 +0000

hi all back again after an illness wont boar you with the details i was wondering what you gyes thought about wet / dry external filters for my discus ? : ive been looking at the ethem ones hope you are all well and still discus mad angie

Ph Buffering

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:01:59 +0000

hi im looking to find out how to get my ph down im at 7.6 at mo using 3 can hma system can you help
thnx ady

Fighting Breeding Pair.

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:29:28 +0000

My pair, which has successfully bred four or five batches of young have, when I have removed the fry from them, began fighting. It is mainly the male fish who bullys the female, at first she seemed to cower away but now she seems a little more flirty. I did divide them for a few days to try to give her a rest and when removing the divide their behaviour seemed to calm down a little. But since then it has got back to how it was but she seems to be more flirty but he doesn't seem to want any of it.

Is it just that they need a rest away from each other? This behaviour has only happened this time of removing the babies and last time. The other times they seemed fine. The constant bullying has started to take its toll on the female as she has lost a few scales from the male pecking her.

Quick question about babies....around what size will they begin to properly colour up? The biggest is around 2.5 inches at the minute and has begun showing signs of colour. Also, is it normal for their breathing to be faster than an adult discus?

Thanks in advance.

Graeme

Eheim 2217

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:51:20 +0000

Hi. Anyone got anything bad to say about the Eheim 2217 external filter. Thinking of getting one for my Juwel Trigon.

Advice On New Set Up

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:37:56 +0000

Hey guys and girls.

I moving house so that means having to move the tank too. Im in the process of finding a home for the discus at the mo until the tank is all set up and settled properly for a good month or so.

But im in two sorts of mind at the mo. When i set it up again, i dont know whether to go for a planted tank with some eco complete substrate, wood and some nice pieces of sandstone or go for a clear tank with no gravel, plants, wood etc. Or go half and half.

I know if i go for a clear tank, it'll be better as in i could clear out the un-eaten food and crap, and there will be nothing in there that could affect the water as much but then a planted tank looks nicer and more natural.

If i go for a planted tank, i am going to paint the tank black, but if i leave it clear, i will paint it white.

Please leave tips and advice to help me decide wich road to go down. At the moment im at 50/50.

It is a Juwel Trigon 350 corner tank.

Thanks in advance.

Sweet

Substrate For A Rio 240 Discus Tank

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:03:10 +0000

As per an earlier post , I am intending to "gut" my Rio 240 and start again , this time with Discus after a 2-3 year sabbatical. (My other fish will be re-housed in a new Rio Rekord 110 liter tank)
I currently have gravel but wish to go with whatever is the consensus on the "best" substrate for discus.
The tank has the original Rio filter plus an Eheim 2026 External.
What is the main recommendation, and how much do I need to give the appropriate depth. I do wish to have some plants.

blood worms for tropical fish / discus

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:04:04 +0000

Hi, i have frozen blood worms for sale. �2.50 or 5 for �10. collection only from barnet. ...View the full article

Lighting

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:27:50 +0000

I have a 5ftwide x 18in high x 12in deep planted tank. How many lights should I use to light it.At the moment I have 2 tubes

Wanted - Proven Male Penang Eruption

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:42:55 +0000

As title please, wanted proven male Penang eruption asap. Please call with details. Location not important. Thanks. Tim 07968 392859 ...View the full article

Max Amount Of Filters In Tank?

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:46:01 +0000

At the moment i've got an aqua-one external filter and an undergravel filter running. But the undergravel filter only covers a small section at the back of the tank. I've got the internal Juwel filter that came with the tank still sitting in the cupboard. Will it do any harm if i was to run this filter aswell as the other two? Is there a max amount of filters you can run in a tank.

The tank is a Juwel Trigon 350.

Sweet

Discus Appraisal...

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:37:33 +0000

Hi All,

Didn't mean to be rude, just thought I'd grab your attention!!

I'd really love to hear what you think about these fish, both good and bad. What do you think is right/wrong with them, which do you like the most? These are from a variety of sources and vary in purchase price also. I am interested to see if spending more really does mean a better fish. I would also be interested to hear which sex you think these fish are, whenever I try to buy a particular sex, I seem to always find out I'm wrong a few months later!

They are mine btw, I'm just curious as to what a more experienced eye can tell me. The goal is to try and learn to distinguish easily the differences myself, and build a collection of great fish in the coming years. A case of out with the old and in with the new.

Thankyou all, Bodie

[IMG]http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/9964/img1477.th.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7672/img1496b.th.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3240/img1464p.th.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/2628/img1515.th.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/7964/img1466y.th.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4859/img1574.th.jpg[/IMG]

Is This A Male Or Female?

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Good evening all,

could I have peoples view please wether this erruption is a male or female?

sorry for the poor picture quality

thanks

Tim

Male Of Breeding Pair Not Feeding

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:10:46 +0000

I have a lovely pair of Ring Leopards which have raised wrigglers to free-swimming fry stage. They are a very peaceful, attentive and devoted pair, and herein lies a problem. The male stopped feeding about two weeks ago and shows no interest in food whatsoever. The only thing on his mind is breeding and looking after the eggs/fry. The female is fine and eats greedily.

Although the male has stopped feeding, he looks in the peak of health with great colour and no sign of slowing down at all.

How worried should I be about him not feeding? Should I stop the pair breeding? What's the best policy. Thanks for any help.

Advice Please On Leaving Discus Whilst I Travel

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:05:16 +0000

After a gap since I last kept Discus, I am very keen to try again from scratch with my Juwel 240 tank. It has the original Juwel filter plus a top of the line Eheim external.
However, due to the fact that I travel fairly frequently (for a week or less), and there is nobody else to feed the fish, am I "out of my mind" to think that I can keep Discus successfully.
All constructive comments very welcome.
Thanks in advance

Colbalts 2 - 2.5" From �8.75

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:23:34 +0000

Just out of quaranteen.Feeding very heavily on bloodworm and beefheartand are all very good shapes. There are some high body colbolts available ...View the full article

My Fish Are Ill

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:27:30 +0000

You have received a new message via the Contact System.
--------------------------------
there you go dougall lol

Alex

Temperature: 28
GH: 5
KH: 2
pH: 7.0-7.5
Microsiemens : ?
Aquarium Volume: 1000 ish
What fish?: discus
Medications: esha exit
Symptoms:
* Discus is covered in 'white salt'
--------------------------------
Name: Alex B-D
Email: thereddevil99999@hotmail.com
Subject: My fish are ill
IP Address: 81.158.182.211

View message in HTML: http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/index.php?app=contact&do=message&id=1

Amano Feeds His Altums

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:58:27 +0000

A Ukda List Of Useful Links.

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:48:47 +0000

http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/index.php?app=links

Please Find a selection of Useful and informative links to further sites helping you learn and improve your knowledge and understanding involving this amazing hobby of ours.

Please feel free to add any links that you know or may have found, that may not be listed but, you have found helped you in anyway that could also help others.

Thanks

Alex @ UKDA

discus for sale in scotland (kirkcaldy)

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:16:48 +0000

hi i have 3 discus for sale2 blue diamond and 1 malboro red1 blue & 1 malboro 3"another blue 2,5"�25 for all ...View the full article

full jewell discus setup inc. Fish �230

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:16:09 +0000

Comes with everything inc heater,tetra tec aps air pump cost 35 quid, water, filter, gravel, bogwood, frozen food, prima, gravel cleaner absolutely ev ...View the full article

Heating

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:44:56 +0000

Hi Guys

I have a question, I have a 180 ltr tank with a pair of Yellow sunrises in that i am trying to breed. I have read that if you change ten per cent of the water every day and up the temp by 2 degrees until i reach 88 then drop it back down again they should breed. My thermoter goes up to 32 but the temp in the tank only reaches about 29/30 when at full. Do i need to put another heater in the tank or is it fine the way it is.

Many Thanks

ALBINO PLATINIUM BLUE DIAMOND "AAA" grade 5&quot

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:43:43 +0000

Albino Platinium Blue Diamond "AAA" grade 5" Body size "not including the tail" �120. The pictures are the actual Discus ...View the full article

Ello! Help Plz

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:26:09 +0000

hi there everyone....

I'm jamie, 31, live in norfolk... but don't worry, not married to a relative!

I've been keeping cichlids since i was 8.... when i got a severum, a blue acara and a port acara....

i've never kept discus but i'm about to set up a 240 litre tank and am seriously considering making it a discus tank. oddly, even though i've kept south and central americans, dwarf cichlids and rift valley fish... i've always been put off discus by many of the age old myths about them.... imagine my shock reading PFK today to find that they mostly live in neutral water...!!!

anyway... glad to be here.

can anyone point e in the direction of some good, modern, reading material either on or offline for me to get up to speed on what these wee beasties are going to need?

Thanks,

J

RING SUPER ERUPTIONS 5 inches Boby size � 69.95

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:09:48 +0000

We have a limited number of these Ring Super Eruptions. They are 5" Body size "not including the tail" at only �69.95. These are the actual photo ...View the full article

MILLENNIUM GOLD 5-6 inches Body size �64.95

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:00:14 +0000

Millennium Gold Discus 5-6" Body size "not including the tail" only �64.95. These are the actual photos of the Discus and not "library pictures". ...View the full article

RED PANDAS inches AA inches grade 4 inches Body size only �51.95

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:45:07 +0000

Red Pandas "AA" grade 4" body size " not including the tail" at only �51.95 while stocks last. They will be out of quarantine early next week. ...View the full article

Green Coating Forming In Tank

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:04:02 +0000

I set my mum's little fish tank up 3 weeks ago and there is a green coating forming over the gravel and over the rock in the tank.
It's a little Elite 35 tank she's got with the stingray internal filter. I cleaned the gravel out properly before putting in tank and cleaned stingray filter before plugging in. But this green stuff keeps forming over the gravel and rock.
Any ideas of what it is? Could it be the hardness of her water causing this?

Another thing it seems to be alot worst on the side with the fake, plastic plant. There's hardly any green on the side of the real plants.

Hope this post makes sense and someone can suggest whats wrong.

Sweet.

( MIDLAND DISCUS ) NEW SHIPMENT OF THE BEST DISCUS AROUND

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:53:09 +0000

We are pleased to anounce that we have a large shipment of some of the best Discus available from Malaysia! These have been in quarantine for well ov ...View the full article

Eggs Turn White

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:31:39 +0000

Hello,
After having a little previous sucess being able to get fry free swimming and feeding from the female[only she turns black] only for the fry to be eaten by other fish. The same pair are now some months later spawning again. To prevent the fry being eaten I have in place a very fine mesh divider seperating the pair from other fish in my 4 foot tank. The problem I have is that the eggs do not appear to have been fertilised by the male as they turn white after about 24 -30 hrs,they then are eaten by the male. I have tried leaving them to "get on with it", however I am considering replacing the male with another very similar male who has also shown an interest in the female when they were all together. Could the current male now be "shooting blanks" so to speak as nothing else has changed within the tank ? Thanks in advance for any assistance / advise......Wayne

White Spots On Fins

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:25:32 +0000

Hi peeps. My mates been keeping discus the same amount of time as me (which isn't long) and has got all of his discus from the same places as me and at the same time. He says that he can see white spots on the fins of a few of them. It started with one discus, and he said that he saw it rubbing up against the plants quite alot and against the other discus in the tank. Now a few more have got these white spots. Someone's told him that they've got itch.

Is this true? If it is, what is itch, is it deadly and how can he get rid of it.

And this isn't like a doctors story where you go into the doctors with a problem and you say its your mate thats's got the problem. It genuinely is his fish. Mine are fine. LOL

Discus For Sale

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:10:27 +0000

I have four Discus 2 Blue Turquoise 1 female x 6" and 1 male 4" plus 1 male melon sunrise X4" the mellon and the female turq are pairin ...View the full article

wanted nice discus

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:17:34 +0000

now that i have sold the large pairs i want some nice ones i can grow on let me know what you have.i still have one large pair of super red melons,the ...View the full article

3 x Discus

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:58:20 +0000

Discus for sale one at 2.5" one at 4" and one at 5" �35 for all three ...View the full article

Newbie

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:46:37 +0000

Just to say hello.

Just started keeping Discus had tropical fish on and off for 20 years. Really excited about it. I have four Super Red Marlboroughs, 2 Red Alenquer and a pair of Yellow Sunrise. I am hoping the pair of Yellow Sunrise will breed.

Many Thanks

Hi

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:26:41 +0000

Hi, just joined the site and thought i'd say hi and give a small brief on my experiences with keeping discus, as alot of strange things have happened for me, as im still only a beginner and still have alot to learn about keeing discus. I got my first 2 discus last christmas (treated myself as a present!) from a great shop on the outskirts of southampton, which in my opinion, after learning about discus and trying to find shops that sell them, i found this shop was one of the best ive been too, and i've visited quite a few times now. Anyhow, i bought 2 very young discus one is a blue turk and the other i believe to be a pidgeon blood, both have turned out to be very colourful. I had a 180l Tank at the time with a selection of other tankmates including, angelfish, various tetra, gouramis, tiger barbs, i had quite a selection (from when i bought my very first tropical fish without knowing anything at all about fishkeeping, and never wanted to get rid of them.) The tank was full with 75% RO and 25% normal tap water, as at the time i figured doing this would create a KH of 2-4, it wasnt til months down the line that i discovered this discus mineral stuff you could treat pure RO with. Back then i was buying RO in 25l containers, one at a time from a Marine shop in Taunton, which is about a 45minute drive away, so as you can imagine water changes werent very frequent at all! My fish were very happy, over time i experimented with gravel substrate then changed my mind to sand, then wanted a 3D background and always wanted to try something new every week, i always used to have problems with the water going cloudy when doing water changes, from disturbing sand/gravel, and it used to stress me out like crazy!!..............then i witnessed my discus breeding! Baring in mind i knew i wasnt the best discus keeper, based on very infrequent water changes, and that their diet wasnt as good as it could be, i was very shocked. After reading various books months before buying the fish i knew how it all worked and what to expect to happen etc, they had laid the eggs on my power head, and were guarding them from all the other tankmates, then as soon as i got the little wrigglers, i knew they were somehow surviving so i planned to remove the other fish later on after work as i still had a small tank ready to go. Next thing i knew all the babies were gone so i assumed theyd been eaten, either by the parents or the other fish. I removed the other fish anyway in hoping that they might spawn again, and they did, i never had a succesful spawn, they would normally live for about 4 days and the parents would eat them, and this would happen easily twice a week and i would estimate they went through this process about 30 times!!! In the end i had my first successful breed, they lived for about 5 days with the parents, (i think i may have done this too early but....) i then swapped the fry with the fish in my other smaller tank, which was being filtered by to bio-foam filters. I didnt know where to find hatched brineshrimp so i was feeding them very finely chopped bloodworm and mixing it with beefheart flakes. I had about 40-50 of them, and started losing 1-2 a day then i started losing more and more every day until, in the end i had just one left. This one fish lived for about 4 weeks longer than the others, i really dont know how, but i tried my hardest to get it to survive. Eventually i lost it, which was very sad, its amazing how attached you become to these tiny fish, i hope that form this whole experience, i will be able to do better next time if they ever spawn again.
At the moment the discus are back with there old tankmates (being only 4 tetras and an angel now) and they havnt spawned again at all. Although i then discovered my angel was female as even more strange things happened and all of the sudden my male discus lost all interest in its mate and paid all attention to the angel, and they tried breeding! Both of them chasing off my female discus and always fighting with her, it was mad!!! this has stopped now thank god.

Today i have had one of my best friends round for a few days now, who is a bit of a pro with marine fish, helping me set up my new 5ft tank which is about 350l. I have my water in, which is on 4kh at the moment and the ph is about 7.5 which im aiming to bring down.......somehow...maybe with wood, or peat (any suggestions would be good). tomorrow i get paid and will be hopefully buying alot of wood, rocks, and plants, ready to get the tank sorted for my fish to go in later this week. So i may be found hovering around the planted tanks section looking for advice, as this is totally new to me and need to know a few things. I've seen a few shop shelf chemicals for feeding plants, but i know you should ideally introduce CO2, which im also new too, so if anyone has any suggestiong or wants to know more please let me know

Thanks
David

SOLID BLUE SNAKESKINS 4.5 & 5.5 - 6 INCH @WYCOMBE DISCUS

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:16:10 +0000

QUALITY BLUE SNAKESKINS �50 - �70 FULLY WORMED AND FEEDING WELL, VIEWINGS WELCOMED, FREE PICK UP OR SPECIAL COURIER FOR �25 PLUS VAT PER BOX TO UK MAI ...View the full article

BRILLIANT BLUE COLBOT TURQS @Wycombe Discus �65..

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:07:44 +0000

Stunning 5.5 inch fish fully wormed and ready to go, pick up is free at the fish house or special courier for �25 plus vat for more info call Jake ...View the full article

Golden Albinos 4.5 inch @Wycombe Discus.

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:57:08 +0000

GRADE A GOLDEN ALBINOS STUNNING FISH FOR ONLY �60, FREE PICK UP AVAILABLE OR SPECIAL COURIER FOR ONLY �25 PLUS VAT.MORE INFO CALL JAKE ON 07930 231 ...View the full article

DISCUS FOR SALE

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:06:24 +0000

DIRECT FROM THE BREEDER. RED TURKS - FROM 2" TO 6" BROWN - ADULTS ONLY. SNAKESKINS - FROM 2" TO 7" PIDGEON BLOOD - YOUNG GUARANTEED BREE ...View the full article

discus white dragon

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:39:20 +0000

white dragon discus mint condition 3 to 4 inch collection only email 4 price and info thanx ...View the full article

Two Yellow Crystal Discus

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:51:08 +0000

I have for sale two Yellow Crystal Discus 5/5.5inch in size 120.00 pound these are the real deal yellow not orange or ever fed Primaany questions pl ...View the full article

Menus

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:09:01 +0000

I have now tidied up the menus in order to remove clutter.

If you need any help please use the pm system or the contact button. If you use the contact button please ensure you include your user name.

thanks

WANTED DISCUS

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:33:18 +0000

wanting some discus any size or kind but would prefer adults and must be on the cheap side let me no what you have i can collect in northeast area of ...View the full article

discus tank set up

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:17:51 +0000

includes 4ft fluval tank,405 fluval external filter lighting air pumps.everything you need to keep discus.10 discus included 5in to 8in.including 2 pa ...View the full article

Plants Ok For Discus?

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:17:51 +0000

Hi. I found a nice plant collection i would like to get for my discus tank but dont know if any of them are ok for discus. Here is a list of the plants that are in the collection, are they ok for the discus?
Another thing, they come with lead weights, is this ok for a discus tank as someone told me never to put lead in the tank.

5 x Aponogetum Crispus (Mid/Background 15-60 cm Good substrate nutrition)
10 x Echinodorus Tennellus (Foreground 4-8cm Undemanding)
5 x Cabomba Furcata (Red Cabomba) (Background 80cm Good light and CO2)
5 x Vallisneria Spiralis (Background 25-60cm Easy growing)
5 x Vallisneria Torta (Midground 40-120cm Oxygenator)
5 x Hygrophilia Polysperma (Mid/Background 25-40cm Easy growing)
5 x Cryptocoryne Wendii (Foreground 10cm Good substrate nutrition)
5 x Rotella Macandra (Background 15-30cm Good light and CO2)
3 x Echinodorus Paniculatus (Background 10-50cm Undemanding)
5 x Ceratopteris Thalictroides (Background 15-40cm Good Oxygenator)
5 x Ludwigia Mullertii (Background 20-40cm Fast Growing)

SWEET

Hi All!

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:17:28 +0000

http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/dribble.gifHi everybody!
I just signed up, so be nice... http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/tongue1.gif

Im a total fish nut, in particular a Discus nut, so thought Id sign up! http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/wolverine.gif

Im in the middle of restocking my Discus tank, after a couple of my old girls passed on, so Im currently looking for some more unusual Discus to restock with... any ideas?

I currently have to w/c blue, and a red pigeon blood, the pair are around 4 years old, the pigeon blood, around 6-8months.
They are in a 5x2x2 tank, so plenty of room, matured for around 3years, lots of bog wood, lots of plants, so a perfect home in the waiting http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/clown.gif

Any ways, Hi everybody, hope I get on with you and the forum!! http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/gossip.gif

What Plants To Grow

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:46:24 +0000

Advice please: I would like some surface planting for shade & to gernal enahnce the look of the tank anyone any suggestions where to start & what to look for, I have 3 large Discus in the tank

thanks

Discus Loss Of Balance

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:13:36 +0000

Hi had disus about 6 months ago lose balance and ended swimming in circles like loop the loop annd then died. Now have another with a loss of balance . the fish is abour 2 years old now and in same tank for 1 year and all other fish ok . any ideas to help please ian

Juwel Trigon 350

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:23:41 +0000

Has anyone got a juwel trigon 350 corner tank?

I've got my discus in one and i think the lighting is very poor in them. In certain places in the tank, the colours dont show up on the discus cause the lighting in that area is so poor. They look dull and dark colours. But in the well lit areas of the tank they look beautifull.

If anyone has got this tank, what bulbs are you using?

Or is it a good idea to have dark areas of the tank for the discus?

young discus

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:07:52 +0000

do anyone have any young discus for sale in the portsmouth or havant area.or any cheapish breeding pairs ...View the full article

Discus Re-Mineral

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:12:53 +0000

right i use tropic remineral and to be honest i think its exspensive when u have a 500 litre tank with the amount of water changes i use are merlin system and when your useing a flat scoop of mineral per 25 litre it soon goes is there any other re-mineral products about i did find a re-mineral product but i think it was on a web page based in europe (1000g �14.00) i will find it later and post on ere but if u have any ideas suggestions in the mean time just reply.
many thanx
ged

Water Pump Hailea Hx-6550 And Hx-6520, Aquarium Pump For Sale

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:46:59 +0000

Hailea HX-6550 - 5550 litre/hour. Top quality water pump from Hailea.
This is model number HX-6550 and is capable of pumping 5550 litres of water per hour.
Size : 202x158x225mm
Weight : 4.6kg
Calibre : 24.5mm

- The shaft is made from a high quality aluminium ceramic which will never rust or wear out.
- Maximum jet 4.0 metres.
- The outer casing is made from top quality ABS particles which will also never wear out.
- Ideal for salt water and fresh water.
-These pumps are designed for continuous use.
- The pump is mounted on four strong suckers so it can be fixed solidly and will not damage a liner.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160365329243&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Freeswimmers Or Not?

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:58:01 +0000

hi guys,i have had a couple of batches get to the freeswimming stage,but swimming is not what they do,when they detatch they seen to flutter down to the botton of the tank sort of squirm around for a while hop about occasionally and generally move around on the bottom.but swim no,any advice on this would be welcome.
james

discus breeding

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:20:31 +0000

discus breeding setup for sale 4 of 36x18x18 tanks1 of 36x18x15 sump inc media bioballs etc1 of vecton uv and new spare bulb4 of heuy hung typ ...View the full article

breeding pair of discus

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:10:13 +0000

I have a pair of 6 inch pigeon bloods which are a breeding pair for a �100 or will swap for a few smaller discus. ...View the full article

BREEDING PAIR RED GOLDEN DIAMONDS ONLY �100

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:13:56 +0000

PROVEN YOUNG PAIR OF RED GOLDEN DIAMONDS BOUGHT TWO MONTHS AGO FROM DAVID LAI, THEY HAVE PRODUCED FRY BUT NOT RAISED THEM. I NEED TO MAKE ROOM FOR SOM ...View the full article

Internal Parasites

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 01:15:51 +0000

My tank conditions are; Temp 85degF, pH6.3, Hardness 52mg/l as CaCO3, NH3 0.6mg/l (@ pH6.3 this will be in less toxic NH4�+ form), NO2 not measurable (<0.1mg/l), NO3 <5mg/l. I have only biological support tubes and peat in my filter. I do a 30% water change with a 4:1 mixture of RO water : pre-conditioned tap water on a 2 week cycle. When I do my water change I add a squirt of black-water extract. I have live plants and wood in the tank. I have a 200L tank with 3 medium corydoras melanistius, 2 baby small veriety bristlenose cats, 8 medium cardinal tetras and 4 x 2.5 � 3.5 inch young Discus.

My Discus appear healthy and have good colour. They are always willing to eat. The only problem is that every now and then, the fins on my fish twitch and perhaps the ventral fins do this more than others. This does not happen constantly but perhaps on an hourly basis. Is this a sign of internal parasites?

If this is a sign of infestation, can you give me a run-down on WormerPlus? Is it safe and does it work?

Last question, is a 200L tank too small for 4 Discus?

Hope your fish are well

Frank Judge

I Show You My Discus From Spain

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:58:39 +0000

I�m new at this forum and I�m from Spain, I live in Madrid city. I want to show you my discus. I want to learn about your way to keep this fishes that i love. I was very upset because in my tanks there where the discus plague ( I don�t know how do you say it in English) the illness that no one wants to their discus. Now I had bought 7 discus and I want to show you them. Nice to be a member of that comunity. I hope that they will like you.
There are 3 discus bigger than the other because I bought them one month an a half ago and they where in 2", now they�re bigger than before. 2 are SS solid blue, 1 checkerboard turquoise.
The new discus arrived yesterdar and there are 4: 1 leopard skin, 1 brilliant turquoise, 1 red turquoise and 1 LSS.

Nice to post here.

yellow master and super red melon

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:10:48 +0000

new stock yellow master 5"-6" inches in sizesuper red melons 4" inches in sizefeeding well on all foods.in hma water temp 30c p ...View the full article

3" tiger checkerboard discus

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:35:49 +0000

tiger checkerboard discus 3" inches in size� 22.95 each. i have 3 availablefeeding well on all foods. in hma water temp 30c ph 7if you have ...View the full article

2" inches tiger checkerboard discus

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:26:57 +0000

tiger checkerboard discus 2" inches in size �16.95 each. i have 5 availableall feeding well on all foods in hma water temp 30c ph 7if you h ...View the full article

10 x Wild Heckel Discus for Sale

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:05:38 +0000

10 x Wild Heckel Discus for Sale.Healthy active Heckels approx 5�, lovely colours, eating a variety of foods including frozen foods, Blackworms an ...View the full article

discus x3 juwel 180 tank in beech with beech cabinet �230.00

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:11:36 +0000

three discus one pure white one diamond blue one red and white blue is male red and white female not sure about the white one comes with juwel tank an ...View the full article

Orange Sand Media

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:19:04 +0000

Hi all. I've been getting ideas for what media to stick in my filter as it has only got sponges in it and wanted to replace a couple of them.
I went to my LFS and bought some White chalk looking things with holes in the middle to replace one of my blue sponges.
I took the baskets out of the filter and in the same basket as the blue sponge was a net with orange looking sand in it. What is this and is it worth me keeping it in or shall i throw it out?

Discus Or Angels

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:47:47 +0000

Hi all. I haven't started breeding any yet but was hoping to get some ideas on what you guys would be better to breed. Discus or Angels.

Taking into consideration the price, difficulty, equipment needed etc.

My New Breeding Tank

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:02:54 +0000

My new breeding tank!!!!! so exited!!!!!

The new tank in the palce i want it!

[attachment=5928:Picture 034.jpg]

anothe angle

[attachment=5929:Picture 035.jpg]

a quick paint job ( quick my a** 5 coats later!) the colour is mineral mist by dulux, and also all the equipment in place not filled!

[attachment=5930:Picture 036.jpg]

another angle

[attachment=5931:Picture 037.jpg]

filling up

[attachment=5932:Picture 039.jpg]

nearly there.......... not! lol

[attachment=5933:Picture 040.jpg]

there we go!

[attachment=5935:Picture 041.jpg]

i hope to have a pair of red turks in there once i have cycled the tank!!!!

A quick vid! very quick mind dont blink! ( blame the bloody Batteries!)

cheers, hope you enjoy!

Alex

Rio 180 In Beach

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:46:47 +0000

Really just as title suggests, i have a rio 180 for sale, tanks spotless really just wantin to swap it for a rio 90 or something simalir. cheers

Ring Leopards �80

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:21:39 +0000

Beautiful ring leopardsUnder Quarantine,Pics taken 24 hours after landing from MalaysiaImported 23.09.09,hence under quarantine.Reservations and ...View the full article

Female Melon Discus Acting Odd

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:44:19 +0000

i have a number of discus tanked together but one of the females which is a 7 inch melon is staying behind a large boat close to a air stone any other discus that goes near her she will chase them away im thinking egg been layed there but unsure any ideas.?
cheers
ged

Young Penang Eruption for the discerning

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:11:55 +0000

Penang Eruption around 4",excellant shape and markings,Imported 23.09.09,hence under quarantine.Reservations and viewing welcomeDelivery to ...View the full article

What Fish To Help Clean The Tank?

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:34:39 +0000

Hi all!

i was wondering what fish do people put in there breeding tanks to help keep it alittle cleaner?

Corries?
Oto's?
both?
none?

Alex

Thinking Of Breeding But Need Tips And Advice

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:18:29 +0000

Hi all. Im really considering to start breeding discus. I haven't got a fish house. I have just got the one main tank in the front room but could get other tanks for growing.

Is it possible for me to breed them in a tank that has got a few inches of eco substrate and sand at the bottom, quite a few plants, few pits of wood and couple of large pieces of sandstone? Also there are a few other little fish swimming round the tank like killifish, rainbow fish, plattys, red tail shark, salt and pepper catfish, zebra loach, cardinals, clown loach, needlefins and fighters.

Hi And A Question

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:45:58 +0000

Hi,

Just registered so be gentle please.

I have a 200ltr tank and a fluval 305 filter all waiting to be filled and fired up but I need media to put in the fluval, any reccomendations for a Discuss tank for the media?

The filter is second hand with the foam media but nothing in the baskets, they left the foam in should I replace this it looks like new, I guess the answer is yes but will it not help start cycling the tank??

Thanks pics will follow once filled, planted, cycled etc.

Thanks

Sam

breeding pair of discus

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:28:29 +0000

Stunning pair of discus, female is a red pigeon, male is a red mandarin, they lay eggs every 10-14 days due to having other fish in my tank im sad to ...View the full article

INEXPENSIVE DISCUS AVAILABLE

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:11:48 +0000

We Have some beautiful, yet inexpensive Discus currently on offerScribbles & Blues:JUST 8 REMAINING - BUY THEM ALL FOR ONLY �199 - BARGAIN! ...View the full article

Discus Pairs

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:30:26 +0000

I have 3 pairs of discus paired up All 3 pairs are laying eggs but have raised no fry as yetPair 1 Tiger snaeskins (120.00)Pair 2 Red Alenqu ...View the full article

BRISTLE NOSE

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:35:51 +0000

FOR SALE OVER 100 6 WEEK OLD BABY BRISTLE NOSES CAN TRY AGREE A PRICE SO PLS CALL FOR LOT 0786643206 ...View the full article

Fungus Problem

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:19:40 +0000

I have a 5 X 2 X 2 ft well planted tank with ECO Complete planted Substrate and it's now about a year old. I have 17 magnificent discuses in my tank and I have had some fungus related problem twice in the recent past. This I think can be a combined effect of fish waste and uneaten food because all other attributes are 100% perfect in regard to maintenance of this tank. I just can't siphon the fish waste out during the water change, as the minute particles of the substrate themselves comes out of the tank. Also a portion of the food at times goes with in the plants and this is a problem in a species discus tank.

If you ever faced this situation in your planted discus tank, please let me know how you have overcome this.

I am thinking of introducing some Trumpet Snails or ramshorn snails or some shrimps into the tank if that can help reduce the problem source.

Please help with ideas.

Cheers,
Bis

Leopard Snakeskin 3" �40

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:46:24 +0000

Small and beautiful,the leopard Snakeskin from Penang,nice shape and excellant spotting.Collection from Brentwood Junction 28 of the M25 or Delivery ...View the full article

Top Quality Checkerboard Pigeon Blood 4-5" �80-�100

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:41:53 +0000

Photos shows the excellant shape and pattern of this beautiful discus that has recently been corrupted with bad crossings and poor versions that has b ...View the full article

Red Pandas 4.5" �75

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:32:59 +0000

More stock of the popular red pandas,Unfortunately not as large as the previous consignment but still a discus with great colour,pattern and shape.C ...View the full article

Checkerboard Snakeskin Pigeon Blood 4-5" �80 -�100

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:28:53 +0000

Amazing pattern and colourExcellant round shapeNot to be confuse with other pigeon snakeskins.Will be posting more better pics when they have se ...View the full article

A Fish in the Hand is worth a thousand library photos

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:54:16 +0000

Millenium Gold from Martin Ng.3" only �35Collection from Brentwood Junction 28 of the M25 or Delivery to most parts of the UK These are photo ...View the full article

Ring Eruptions for the Discerning

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:50:55 +0000

Very small quantity of Ring Eruptions 5"�100Collection from Brentwood Junction 28 of the M25 or Delivery to most parts of the UK These are ...View the full article

Solid Yellows 3.5 inches Limited Quantity

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:41:32 +0000

Only 1 solid Yellow left from previous consignment ,I have difficulty getting new stock as they are still quite small.So I bought the small ones!A ...View the full article

3 wild blue discus for sale

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:44:02 +0000

hi im selling my 3 wild blue discus.all are about 4-5 inchs long.fedding on blood worm atm.looking for �30 each or all 3 for �80.collectio ...View the full article

Beefhear Recipe

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:16:44 +0000

hi there i was wondering would this recipe be ok? or is it abit much????

500g Beefheart,
400g Prawns,
200g Mussels,
150g Whitefish,
3 eggs,
Half a tube of pureed Garlic,
4 wheat germ capsules,
8 capsules of multi pro Vitamins,
25g Organic Cracked Cell Chlorell
25g ORGANIC SPIRULINA
4 capsules Omega 3 fish oil.
1banana

all help and comments welcome!

Alex

stunning sunrise discus true pair

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:13:58 +0000

these are stunning large pair no offers,�90 pick up or local delivery,teeside area ...View the full article

A Flow Meter On R.o Systems?

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:49:21 +0000

hi all, i was wondering has anyone used or heard of a flow meter for R.o systems?

and if you have/had used one what are they like in terms of price and the overall effect of them?

Alex

Confused!

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:14:38 +0000

I am really confused to the whole:

F1 comes from the origianl pair ect ect.

can anyone explain to me ( a simpleton) how you get all the F1's and F4's ect?

What if you bred a F2 with a F5 will you get F6's or F7's?

So confused right now lol

Alex

Breeding pair of discus - �70 - Leeds

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:53:25 +0000

Here i have got a breeding pair of discus for �70.00 for sale.They are approx 5inch & are both chunky fish.I bought these in may & the ...View the full article

wanted

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:12:21 +0000

looking for a white diamond discus any sex good size 4inch plus please call with details 01623 723 235will travel up to 40 miles no stupid prices wa ...View the full article

When To Change Eco Complete Planted Substrate

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:55:34 +0000

Hi,

I am using ECO Complete planted Substrate in my aquarium and it's now about a year old. I am just wandering do you recomend replacing the substrate at all and if so when.

I have 17 magneficent discus in my 110 gallon planted tank and I have had some fungus related problem in the recent past. This I think can be a combined effect of fish waste and uneaten food because all other attributes are 100% perfect in regard to maintenance of this tank. I just can't siphon the fish waste out during the water change. Also some of the food at times goes with in the plants and this is a problem in a species discus tank.

Please advice.

Cheers,
Bis

ALL 15 BLUE DIAMONDS FOR ONLY 180 POUNDS

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:49:17 +0000

LIKE THE TITLE SAYSIAM SELLING ALL FOR 180 BARGAINFEEDING GREEDY ON FLAKE GRANULATES BEEFHEARTCALL OR TEXT ME ON 07817330412 ...View the full article

Routine Meds

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:41:27 +0000

is it a bad idea to be doing regular routine medications?

Like every other week do a internal treatment? ect

or any other treatment, for instance a anti parasite treatment every other week.

or will this be a waste of money and time? and also lead to virus/parasite mutation?

Any thoughts/ feeling most welcome!

Alex

Food

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:48:16 +0000

Hi all,

is there any reason I cannot make a food which has numerous ingredients to make it varied and then feed the same food every day. I currently am feeding Tetra prima x 1 per day, beefheart x 1 per day, just before w/c and then chopped mussels+prawns for supper x 1 per day. Am i being to soft giving them 3 meals of different type per day (ie. breakfast, dinner and supper)

My thinking is could I do a mix of all 3, put in an ice cube tray to form small blocks and then feed this "mixture" 3 times per day, or am I best continuing 3 different types of food 3 times per day?

It just got me thinking whilst I was making a batch of mussels+prawns yesterday which I mince and then put into ice cube trays, why not mix in my beefheart and some prima and make it a 3 in 1. All of my fish eat these foods individually now, so i suppose it would not hurt to mix??

Any thoughts from anyone please?

thanks

Tim.

�5 each White and red discus for sale

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:58:36 +0000

I have 8 no 6mth old mainly white with a couple of red patches on belly ( came from a pure white discus father and red mother ) accidental pairing in ...View the full article

Max Amount Of Fish In Tank

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:46:03 +0000

Hi all. Just a quick question. Not that important i dont think.

How many Discus can get put in a 125cm x 85cm x 65cm tank which holds 350 litres without it getting too crowded and without them getting stressed.

The tank has a few plants, rocks and wood in it too and has substrate and sand on bottom.

Mixed Group of 5 Adult DISCUS + PAIR - Bradford

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 12:51:15 +0000

==** x5 MIXED DISCUS FISH x5 **==WITH FREE KUSURI WORMER (2000gallon pack) AND FREE pH BUFFER5 Adult Discus Fish - 1 definite pair!! As iv had e ...View the full article

Help With Few Questions

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 09:49:05 +0000

Hi all.
Just a few questions i need help with.

1) I've mentioned in another thread that a pigeon blood i got started to get little black specs on its body and nose. Alex told us that it was peppering but now it's fins are turning a bit black. Not specs but actually turning black. Is this also peppering or is this something else?

2) Before i put the discus in the PH was 7.6. Couple of weeks down the line and the PH has gone up to 8.0. I have got two bags of pete in the filter and a bag of water softener and it's just RO water in the tank, no tap water. I've got eco substrate in there too which is supposed to neutralise the PH. I cant seem to think why it's gone up. I use frozen brineshrimp to feed them but i drain the water from them before adding it to the tank. Is there anything i can use to lower the PH.

3) Will it harm the discus if they are in water with a PH of 8.0?

4) I bought a blue diamond from and since it's been in the tank, it doesn't look blue. It's black and grey. Is this cause the PH is so high?

Cheers peeps.

My Sig

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:52:47 +0000

Just in case anybody was wondering about my signature. Basically it is a piss take on all the breeders doling out fish that look like a fish already on the market, the amount of fish that look similar but have different names is daft. It is meant as a bit of fun. I've just read it now and it made me laugh.http://www.forum.ukdiscus.co.uk/public/style_emoticons/default/tongue1.gif

discus show tank set up wanted

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:24:43 +0000

as above am looking for a show tank whith discus cash waitin for right set up ...View the full article

Books on Discus

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:05:28 +0000

Discus- Keeping and Breeding them in Captivity.Discus Fish- A Complete pet owners manual. Both excellent condition. £5 ...View the full article

BROWN DISCUS IN STOCK SAUCER SIZE 5/6 IN �29.95 EACH FERRYBRIDGE AQUAT

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:11:56 +0000

BROWN/BLUE RED SNAKESKIN DISCUS �29.95 EACH TEL 01977678016BUY 3 AND GET THEM FOR �25EACH top quality adult discus are pairing up ...View the full article

OFFERS OFFERS OFFERS DISCUS FISH

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:58:06 +0000

HI EVERYBODY. I HAVE THIS BLUE TURK CROSS DISCUS FISH FOR SALE AND NEED IT GONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IT IS IN PERFECT CONDITION AND EATING GREEDILY. W ...View the full article

Wanted

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:50:53 +0000

Hi there I am new to the forum but not new to fish keeping. Some time ago I acquired a pair of discus unfortunately I lost the female of the pair approx 3 months ago, now I am left with a lone male.

He is a very gentle lad & is now ready for mates, does anyone know where I can acquire some discus within a 20 mile radius of cardiff? I have phoned around the usual places who want to charge silly prices for a proven pair etc etc. That is not really my interest if it happens then so be it.

I have a 5 foot tank kitted out naturally to discus, so if anyone knows of anyone willing to sell me some young discus at a fair price please can you get them to contact me.

WANTED:::discus

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:18:53 +0000

Hi thereAny one looking at getting rid of their discus fish?Im willing to pay up to �15. I currently have three which are blue diamond, red tu ...View the full article

6 Young Pure Breed Discus

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:04:18 +0000

3 x Blue Turq3 x Pigeon BloodsThey are approx 2 ins each across and are stunning and came from a good breeder with matching parents. I have brou ...View the full article

Adult discus for sale

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:27:38 +0000

world of water manchester has about 8 adult discus left for sale all about 4-5" �50 each. lovly fish01619039944we do not post out ...View the full article

SPECIAL OFFER ON RED ALENQUERS 2.5 inches only �6.95 5 for �30

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:09:41 +0000

HI WE HAVE LOADS OF GOOD SIZE RED ALENQUERS IN STOCK AT BARGAIN PRICES. 2.5" to 3 "Red alenquers �6.95 e 5 for �304" red Alenquers �9.95 or 5 for ...View the full article

Young Discus Wanted

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:46:20 +0000

I'm looking for young discus in the colchester area. Willing to pay reasonable amount. Pls e-mail me at james.bizzell@ntlworld.com ...View the full article

WRG DISCUS EDINBURGH

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:30:07 +0000

12 STRAINS OF DISCUS FROM 2.5" TO 6.5" BREEDING PAIRS ALSO AVAILABLE.COMING SOON REAL ALTUM ANGELS FROM THE ORINOCO RIVER. ...View the full article

Fluval Vincenza 260 Aquarium

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:15:21 +0000

I'm selling the above tank as i need the space. This is a stunning tank with stunning fish. 1x breeding pair of Red Malboroughs, 1x Leopardskin, 1x Tu ...View the full article

discus set up

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:58:12 +0000

as above lookin for a discus set up cash waiting for right piece ...View the full article

YOUNG PIGEON BLOOD DISCUS

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:22:15 +0000

YOUNG PIGEON BLOOD DISCUS 2" UP TO 3". VERY HEALTHY AND FEEDING WELL. PARENTS ARE SHOWN IN PHOTO. �6 EACH OR �30 FOR SIX! WILL COURIER A MIN ...View the full article

Female Discus Wanted

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:00:38 +0000

Female wanted for my male Marlboro discus.The female does not need to be the same type just needs to be a female !Needs to be in the North East, a ...View the full article

Id Please

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:07:23 +0000

I was given this discus for free from the LFS, it is a stunning fish in real life, it was called in the shop a Red Turk, but looking at its markings I am not sure, it is nearly 4" and eats anything and is currently in a grow up tank with 3 Super Red Melons, 2 Penang Eruptions and 1 Cobra Snakeskin they all get on great, just would like to know what variant this is as I would like more.

[IMG]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/MalawiBob/020909_Discus_Red_Turk_01.jpg[/IMG]

Thanks for your time

LEICESTER DISCUS Importer & Breeder of top quality Discus

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:35:31 +0000

Buying trip! Personally selecting the best fish from 2 top well known breeders direct from there farms. UK's only supplier. We are actually located in ...View the full article

Sump From Old Tank

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:10:54 +0000

Here is a sketch of a sump I made from an old tank. The raised part where the water enters from the tanks is made from 4mm perspex.