| In my experience with studying, keeping and | | | | worse. The presence and concentration of either |
| breeding discus fish the most common cause of | | | | can be determined with a test kit. Removal of |
| health problems is incorrect water conditions. | | | | chlorine or chloramine is part of the process |
| Discus care has very little to do with fish. It is | | | | known as conditioning your water and is an |
| about water chemistry, and if you are not | | | | essential part of discus care. |
| knowledgeable enough to maintain the proper | | | | Water Hardness and Alkalinity |
| water conditions, your fish are doomed. In this | | | | If the hardness and alkalinity are not correct for |
| article I will only discuss a few topics that | | | | your discus, they may be adjusted. It is easier to |
| comprise water chemistry, but I strongly suggest | | | | increase hardness and alkalinity upwards rater |
| you learn as much as possible. Your fish will live a | | | | than downwards, but lowering these values is by |
| lot longer and your hobby will be more rewarding | | | | no means impossible, it just requires an extra |
| if you take the time to do the research. | | | | water conditioning step. |
| If I had to pick the most neglected task common | | | | About pH |
| to all fish keepers it would have to be testing | | | | Discus are somewhat picky about pH. Keep your |
| their water prior to every water change. When it | | | | pH below 7 and above 5.5. The ideal pH for discus |
| comes to discus care, this is particularly important, | | | | is 6. At pH levels above 7, discus are stressed. |
| as discus are prone to stress easily. Tap water is | | | | Below 5.5, the pH is inclined to drop rapidly, so I |
| full of chemicals which are added for YOUR | | | | find 6 to be comfortable for both the fish and the |
| health, but they can be very damaging for your | | | | fish keeper. |
| fish. In addition, much of our tap water ultimately | | | | This has been a brief overview of water |
| comes from rain water. The chemistry of rain | | | | chemistry as it relates to discus care. This only |
| water is always changing due to pollution, so it is | | | | covers the high level basics, and there are times |
| critical that you monitor levels at every water | | | | such as breeding when special care must be |
| change. | | | | taken to ensure proper conditions. In general, |
| Chloramine and Chlorine | | | | discus are not difficult to care for, as long as you |
| Chlorine or chloramine are routinely added to the | | | | give them what they want. And, what they want |
| water supply in many parts of the world. Chlorine | | | | is clean water, free of toxins, and the correct |
| is not good for discus fish and chloramine is | | | | chemistry. |