🐟 Discus Fish Care Guide (Fresh water) 1. Tank Requirements Minimum tank size Juveniles: 120L (30 gal) for a small group Adults: 200–250L+ (55–65 gal) recommended Height matters – Discus are tall fish Bare bottom tanks are easier for beginners Planted tanks are fine only with stable parameter 2. Water Parameters (Very Important) Parameter Ideal Range Temperature 28–30°C pH 6.0–6.8 (can adapt to 7.0 if stable) GH 1–6 dGH KH 1–3 dKH Ammonia 0 ppm Nitrite 0 ppm Nitrate <10–20 ppm ⚠️ Stability is more important than “perfect numbers” Use over-filtered systems Canister filter + sponge filter combo works best Gentle flow (Discus hate strong current) Weekly water changes Adults: 30–50% weekly Juveniles: 30–50% 2–3× per week 💡 Always match temperature + pH during water changes 4. Feeding Discus Feed small amounts, multiple times a day Recommended foods: High-quality Discus pellets Frozen: Bloodworms Brine shrimp Mysis shrimp Occasional beef heart mix (advanced keepers only) ❌ Avoid: Cheap flakes Overfeeding (main cause of disease) 5. Tank Mates (Choose Carefully) Best companions Cardinal tetras Rummy nose tetras Corydoras (warm-tolerant) Small plecos (careful with waste) Avoid Aggressive fish Fast fin-nippers Cold-water species 6. Group Size & Behavior Keep minimum 5–6 Discus They establish a hierarchy Single or pair only → stress & bullying 🧠 Shy fish = usually stressed or bullied 7. Common Discus Problems Issue Cause Dark color Stress, poor water Hiding Bullying or wrong tank mates White poop Parasites Not eating Stress or internal issues Hole in head Poor water + nutrition ➡️ 90% of Discus problems = water quality 8. Plant & Decor Tips Use driftwood and tall plants Best plants: Amazon swords Anubias Java fern Avoid sharp decorations 9. Beginner Mistakes to Avoid ❌ Small tanks ❌ Skipping water changes ❌ Mixing Discus with aggressive fish ❌ Overstocking ❌ Sudden parameter changes 10. Who Discus Is Best For ✔ Intermediate–advanced aquarists ✔ Patient keepers ✔ People willing to maintain water quality ❌ Not ideal for “low-maintenance” setups