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Midwest Aquarium and Pond Supplier LLC

(177) Large Discus 4.5-6in

(177) Large Discus 4.5-6in

$149.99 USD
$149.99 USD
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Caring for discus fish, the "Kings of the Aquarium," requires attention to detail regarding water quality, temperature, and diet. While demanding a higher level of care than many community fish, captive-bred discus are adaptable and very rewarding to keep. 

Essential Water Parameters
Pristine, stable water conditions are crucial for discus health. 
  • Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature between 82°F and 86°F (28°C-30°C). Higher temperatures (86°F-88°F) are often used for growing juveniles to speed up their metabolism, while lower temperatures (around 82°F) can help stimulate breeding or are used in heavily planted tanks.
  • pH: Discus generally prefer soft, acidic water (pH 6.0–7.0). However, most captive-bred discus can thrive in a wider range (up to 7.6 or 8.0) as long as the pH is stable and does not fluctuate rapidly.
  • Hardness: Soft to medium hardness (1° to 4° dKH) is ideal, but stable conditions are more important than hitting exact numbers.
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: Must be at 0 ppm.
  • Nitrate: Keep below 20 ppm for non-planted tanks and below 40 ppm for planted tanks. 

Tank Setup and Maintenance
  • Tank Size: A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended, but a 75-gallon or larger is better. The tank should be relatively tall (at least 18 inches high) to accommodate their body shape.
  • Filtration: A robust, reliable filter (like a canister or sump filter) is necessary. Discus do not like strong water current, so flow should be gentle.
  • Water Changes: Regular, frequent water changes are vital. A weekly change of at least 20-40% is standard for adult fish in a display tank. Growing juveniles require more frequent changes, sometimes daily, due to a higher feeding schedule.
  • Substrate/Decor: Bare-bottom tanks are easier to keep clean, which is why they are often used for growing out fish or breeding. For display tanks, a fine sand substrate is suitable, along with smooth driftwood and hardy plants (like Anubias or Java Fern) that tolerate warmer water.
  • Lighting: Discus prefer subdued lighting. 

Diet and Feeding
Discus are omnivores and need a varied, high-quality diet for optimal health and color. 
  • Variety is Key: Offer a mix of high-quality flakes, granules, frozen (e.g., bloodworms, brine shrimp), and live foods.
  • Frequency: Adult discus should be fed 2-3 times per day. Growing juveniles need 4-6 smaller feedings per day.
  • Quantity: Feed only what they can consume in a few minutes, and remove uneaten food to maintain water quality. 

Social Behavior and Tank Mates
Discus are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6-8 individuals to mitigate territorial aggression. They are peaceful but can be slow eaters, so tank mates must be non-aggressive, handle the high temperature, and not outcompete the discus for food. 
Suitable tank mates include:
  • Cardinal Tetras
  • Rummynose Tetras
  • Corydoras Catfish (especially Sterbai corys)
  • Small plecos (like Bristlenose
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