Tank Requirements
75 gallons minimum for a group of 5-6 discus. Tall tanks (24+ inches) preferred — discus body shape needs vertical space.
Temperature: 84-86°F (high for tropicals). Water: soft, slightly acidic. pH 6.0-6.8 ideal.
Water Quality Standards
Discus are toxin-sensitive. Ammonia/nitrite must be 0 always. Nitrate under 20ppm.
Water changes: 30-50% weekly minimum. Some serious keepers do daily 25% changes.
- ✦RO water mixed with mineralizer for soft, controllable parameters
- ✦Aged water (24h dechlorinated) reduces stress
- ✦Never trust tap pH — test directly from your tank weekly
Diet
High-quality discus pellets as base. Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and beef heart twice weekly.
Beef heart preparation: lean beef heart blended with vitamins, frozen as flat sheets, scraped off as needed.
Tank Mates
Discus do best in species-only or with peaceful tetras (cardinal tetras are classic).
Avoid all aggressive species. Even angelfish can stress discus despite both being cichlids.