| Freshwater Discus fish are beautiful and unique | | | | These Ammonia levels can be kept in check with |
| aquarium fish. They come in a variety of | | | | regular water changes (about 1/3 of your water |
| wonderful colors and have personality to boot! | | | | once a month) and by having a quality filtration |
| Many people think that aquarium fish are unaware | | | | system. |
| of what goes on outside the tank. When you | | | | You will want to keep the PH of you freshwater |
| start your discus tank you will soon learn that this | | | | discus tank between 6 and 7. The temperature |
| is not true! Discus fish are very reactive to people | | | | needs to remain stable between 84 and 86 |
| and will follow your movements around the room. | | | | degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that your aquarium |
| They are very energetic and will even eat out of | | | | heater is rated for the size of your tank. An |
| your hand. | | | | undersized heater will cause too much variation in |
| Despite what you may have heard, Discus fish | | | | water temperature which will result in unhealthy |
| are not difficult to take care of as long as you | | | | and unhappy fish. |
| follow a few basic rules. Although I have seen | | | | Keep in mind that Discus fish are a schooling fish. |
| discus fish kept in tanks as small as 20 gallons, 40 | | | | They prefer to be kept with others of their kind |
| gallons is the minimum size you should consider. | | | | and should never be kept alone in a community |
| The larger the tank, the more stable your water | | | | tank. They will not be happy and will not live long. |
| conditions will be. Make sure that you place your | | | | There are a variety of resources where you can |
| tank in an area that is out of direct sun light. This | | | | find Discus fish information. I find that your local |
| will help to avoid excess algae growth and will | | | | "Mom and Pop" tropical fish stores are often |
| keep the temperature from fluctuating. | | | | more knowledgeable than the larger chain pet |
| Freshwater Discus and most all aquarium fish are | | | | stores. |
| sensitive to toxic water conditions. You will want | | | | Eventually you may even want to try your hand |
| to treat your water for chlorine. Water | | | | a breeding Discus fish. They are somewhat unique |
| conditioners that will remove chlorine are available | | | | in that both the males and females take part in |
| at any store that sells tropical fish. You also need | | | | raising the young. Good luck and have fun with |
| to be aware that ammonia levels will rise over | | | | these amazing and wonderful fish. |
| time due to the waste produced by the fish. | | | | |