I've got a bit of a situation on my hands. The wife and I are heading out on our anniversary trip this week, and I've recently brought home 15 3.5" discus. They're still young, so I'm concerned about their care while we're away. I've got a 75-gallon tank with 4 XL sponge filters, and I've been doing daily 60% water changes and feeding them 5-6 times a day with a mix of FDBW, BB shrimp, and Hikari dry food.
I've got my FIL lined up to do water changes while we're out, and he's got some experience with aquariums, having kept piranhas and arowana before. The water change schedule is all set: I'll do an 80% change on Saturday, and then he'll do 60% changes on Monday and Thursday.
Now, I know if they were full-grown, I'd just fast them for the week, but since they're still growing, I don't want to slow them down. At the same time, I don't want to risk an ammonia spike if they're overfed while we're away. I'm thinking of having my FIL feed them only on the days he does water changes, but I'm worried about stunting their growth. Has anyone else dealt with this? Any advice would be a huge help.
How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
I've found that pre-measuring everything makes it a lot easier to have someone else feed my discus while I'm away. Since you've got juveniles, I'd recommend having your FIL feed them on the days he does water changes, maybe 1-2 times a day. For my own youngsters, I usually feed them three times a day, but I'd probably cut back to twice a day if I were in your shoes. Just make sure to leave clear instructions and maybe even a measuring scoop to avoid overfeeding.
I've found that pre-measuring everything makes it a lot easier to have someone else feed my discus while I'm away. Since you've got juveniles, I'd recommend having your FIL feed them on the days he does water changes, maybe 1-2 times a day. For my own youngsters, I usually feed them three times a day, but I'd probably cut back to twice a day if I were in your shoes. Just make sure to leave clear instructions and maybe even a measuring scoop to avoid overfeeding.
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Honestly, I think a week without food or water changes wouldn't be the end of the world for them, but since you've got someone trustworthy to change the water, it's best to have them feed the discus on those days as well. Just leave out the food and let them follow the instructions. For me personally, I wouldn't bother with feeding or water changes for the week, but I understand you want to be cautious with juveniles.
Honestly, I think a week without food or water changes wouldn't be the end of the world for them, but since you've got someone trustworthy to change the water, it's best to have them feed the discus on those days as well. Just leave out the food and let them follow the instructions. For me personally, I wouldn't bother with feeding or water changes for the week, but I understand you want to be cautious with juveniles.
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Just got back after a week away. Stopped feeding them a day and a half before I left, did a 60% water change the day before. No food and they're doing great. Now getting ready for a water change, then it's feeding time.
Just got back after a week away. Stopped feeding them a day and a half before I left, did a 60% water change the day before. No food and they're doing great. Now getting ready for a water change, then it's feeding time.
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Originally posted by solarkey
I've decided to portion out 1/2 tsp food mix and 1 brine shrimp cube for each day my FIL changes the water. This way, they'll have something to eat, but not too much. I'm hoping this will prevent an ammonia spike and still give them enough nutrients to keep growing. I know it's not their usual amount, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.
Originally posted by solarkey
I've decided to portion out 1/2 tsp food mix and 1 brine shrimp cube for each day my FIL changes the water. This way, they'll have something to eat, but not too much. I'm hoping this will prevent an ammonia spike and still give them enough nutrients to keep growing. I know it's not their usual amount, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Originally posted by kayla
I have found the key to having someone else feed my discus while on vacation is to have everything measured out. I have adult discus so I left a measuring scoop with instructions of just ONE scoop mid-morning, once a day. I did tell him to not let the fish lie to him to give them more.
I feed my youngsters 3x per day. I might go 2x a day on vacation since I am not raising show fish.
I'm leaning towards a more cautious approach, given the risk of an ammonia spike. I've decided to portion out a specific amount of food for each day my FIL will be changing the water. This way, I can ensure they're getting something to eat without overfeeding.
Originally posted by kayla
I have found the key to having someone else feed my discus while on vacation is to have everything measured out. I have adult discus so I left a measuring scoop with instructions of just ONE scoop mid-morning, once a day. I did tell him to not let the fish lie to him to give them more.
I feed my youngsters 3x per day. I might go 2x a day on vacation since I am not raising show fish.
I'm leaning towards a more cautious approach, given the risk of an ammonia spike. I've decided to portion out a specific amount of food for each day my FIL will be changing the water. This way, I can ensure they're getting something to eat without overfeeding.
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
I'd recommend not feeding them for a couple of days before you leave, so they don't add extra waste to the water. Cleaning the filters is also a good idea. I've done this for up to two weeks and it's worked out just fine for me.
I'd recommend not feeding them for a couple of days before you leave, so they don't add extra waste to the water. Cleaning the filters is also a good idea. I've done this for up to two weeks and it's worked out just fine for me.
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
I've had success leaving my discus for a week without food or water changes at a size of around 4-4.5 inches. Given that your father-in-law is doing water changes, I'd suggest having him feed them a small amount on those days. I also reduced the temperature to 82 degrees from 85 while I was away to minimize their metabolism.
You might consider introducing new food when you return, a good opportunity to mix things up if you're looking to switch their diet.
I've had success leaving my discus for a week without food or water changes at a size of around 4-4.5 inches. Given that your father-in-law is doing water changes, I'd suggest having him feed them a small amount on those days. I also reduced the temperature to 82 degrees from 85 while I was away to minimize their metabolism.
You might consider introducing new food when you return, a good opportunity to mix things up if you're looking to switch their diet.
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Originally posted by Jumper
I think it's critical that they not be fed for 1-2 days before leaving so they don't put waste into the water. Also, make sure you clean the filters. I've used this method for up to 2 weeks with no issues...
I took your advice. Stopped feeding them the day before we left and made sure the sponge filters were clean beforehand. First water change while I'm away has been done and my FIL said everything looks fine.
Originally posted by Jumper
I think it's critical that they not be fed for 1-2 days before leaving so they don't put waste into the water. Also, make sure you clean the filters. I've used this method for up to 2 weeks with no issues...
I took your advice. Stopped feeding them the day before we left and made sure the sponge filters were clean beforehand. First water change while I'm away has been done and my FIL said everything looks fine.
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
Re: How often should JUVENILE discus be fed while on vacation?
I left mine for a week at 4-4.5" no food no WC, I wouldn't be too worried. If he's doing water changes just have him feed a bit then. I lowered temp down to 82 from 85 while I was gone.
Good chance to intro new food when you get back too if you're looking to get them on something new.
I appreciate the reassurance, and I like the idea of introducing new foods when I get back. I'll definitely need to power feed then to help them catch up on any missed growth. I also dropped the temp a bit before leaving, just a degree or two, to be on the safe side.
I left mine for a week at 4-4.5" no food no WC, I wouldn't be too worried. If he's doing water changes just have him feed a bit then. I lowered temp down to 82 from 85 while I was gone.
Good chance to intro new food when you get back too if you're looking to get them on something new.
I appreciate the reassurance, and I like the idea of introducing new foods when I get back. I'll definitely need to power feed then to help them catch up on any missed growth. I also dropped the temp a bit before leaving, just a degree or two, to be on the safe side.