[doncherry0]

How important is ph to discus? My ph from the tap is 8.5. I have an RO/DI unit, so I could certainly lower it, but im wondering if all the water would have to go through the ro di unit, or if I could just cut some conditioned tap water with the ro/di water.

 

[doncherry0]

scratch that, no discus for me.

 

[Vincent]

Folks around here have been successfully keeping discus in our hard, alkaline tapwater for years. Try http://www.simplydiscus.com

 

[fred hanson]

As long as you are not going to attempt to bred them they can handle high pH with no problems. I keep all fry in tanks that only have well water pH 8.2, its good for growth as it contains alot of minerals for them.

Only when I am ready to bred do I begin to soften the water, with a combo of RO and well water getting it down to around pH 6.5.

Try not to use additives if you can help and keep the conductivity low.

The are not difficult, only need more attention, do to the water requiments and frequent water changes (2 to 3 wekly changes of 50%)

Hope this helps

Fred H

 

[pcrawford1044]

i agree with fred the most important thing with discus is just like other fish except for higher water temp. watch your ammonia levels and nitrites and nitrates. the main thing is keeping your water the same consistent