Keeping Healthy Discus Fish

The process of keeping healthy Discus fish begins the moment you choose them from the pet shop. Before buying the Discus fish make sure that they are healthy and disease free. Stay away form fishes that are dull, sullen, dark, inactive and keep hiding. The fish should have a round healthy body that doesn't have any instance of scrapes, injuries and parasites. A disease free healthy fish can be easily determined by watching its swimming style, food intake, eye movements and alertness. For novice discus pet fish lovers it is advisable to invest in cheaper varieties and study thoroughly their health maintenance before going for the more costly ones. Some varieties can run $100 per fish.

Contrary to the myth, Discus fish are somewhat easy to maintain. They demand hygienic tank conditions, periodic water changes and a varied nutritious diet for healthy living. Care should be taken to ensure that the stress level of the fish is kept to minimum as their immune system has a tendency to buckle under pressure. The Discus fish should be fed in smaller amounts at regular intervals to avoid overfeeding. This is because these grazers have a small digestive tract and it takes time to digest.

A healthy Discus fish is always hungry and happily feeds on any diet. Feeding them alternatively with dry and frozen foods is a good choice. An unhealthy Discus fish hesitates to eat, has a dull color and does not grow properly due to presence of internal parasites. Hence they must be treated for worm trouble if they are fed especially on live Worms.

Maintaining the quality water with PH and ammonia content within the tolerable limit is an important parameter for keeping healthy Discus fish in tanks. Testing and changing water almost everyday is preferred to maintain fresh water at 84 degrees. Young Discus fish needs the minerals present in hard water for growth. So reverse osmosis water should not be used in tanks harboring young Discus fry. If the fish are procured from different pet shops before introducing them to a common tank they need to be quarantined for 6 weeks. This should match the water quality of the pet fish supplier.