Discus fish, native to the rivers of South America, thrive in soft, acidic water. While raising them in captivity, it's crucial to replicate these water conditions and maintain a stable environment. Here's a comprehensive guide to setting up and maintaining the perfect Discus aquarium:

Water Conditions

• pH Level: Aim for a pH range of 5.0-7.0. Farm-raised Discus are more adaptable to a wider range.
• Hardness: Keep total hardness between 1-4°dKH.
• Temperature: Maintain water temperature between 82-84°F (28-29°C).
• Ammonia and Nitrite: Discus are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite, which should be kept at 0 ppm.

Setting Up the Aquarium

• Tank Size: For 4-5 adult Discus, a minimum of 50 gallons is recommended. The rule of thumb is 10 gallons per full-grown Discus.
• Filtration: Use canister filters or hang-on-back filters for optimal water conditions. Avoid under-gravel filters.
• Heater: Use a reliable and accurate heater to maintain a constant temperature. Backup heaters are advisable.
• Thermometer: Regularly monitor the tank temperature to ensure it remains stable.

Water Preparation and Maintenance

• Frequent Water Changes: Regular water changes are crucial. Use a separate holding tank to prepare water, matching the pH, hardness, and temperature to the main tank.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Unit: Use an RO unit to remove hardness and toxins from tap water. This helps create ideal water conditions.
• pH Stability: Add buffers such as Discus Buffer and Neutral Regulator to maintain a stable pH below 7.0.
• Water Testing: Use a digital pH monitor and test kits to regularly check water parameters.

Aquarium Layout

• Substrate and Plants: While many Discus keepers prefer a bare-bottom tank, you can add a thin substrate and select plants like Amazon Sword, Anubias nana, Water Sprite, and Java Ferns. Use a planted aquarium substrate like Flourite if you choose to grow plants.
• Decorations: Minimal decorations and hiding spots can help reduce stress for the Discus. Driftwood and large rocks are good choices.

Filtration and Aeration

• Mechanical and Biological Filtration: Ensure efficient filtration without creating strong currents, as Discus prefer slow-moving water.
• Sponge Pre-filter: Place a sponge pre-filter on the canister filter intake to prevent loss of young Discus.

Lighting

• Moderate Lighting: Discus prefer moderate lighting. If you have plants, provide 2-5 watts per gallon depending on plant species. Avoid over-lighting.

Nutrition

• Diet: Feed a varied diet including frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and high-quality flake or pellet food. Feed small amounts 2-3 times a day instead of one large meal.

Tank Mates

• Compatible Species: Choose peaceful, non-aggressive tank mates like Cardinal Tetras or Neon Tetras. Avoid aggressive or fast-moving fish.

Emergency and Backup

• Backup Equipment: Keep spare heaters and pumps on hand to handle equipment failures.
• Observation: Regularly observe your Discus for signs of stress or illness and take immediate action if needed.

By following these guidelines, you can create a thriving environment for your Discus fish, ensuring they remain healthy, vibrant, and a focal point of your aquarium. Regular maintenance and close monitoring of water conditions are key to their long-term well-being.