I've been taking care of my son's Discus tank for 3 months now - it was unexpected, but I'm trying my best. I have some experience with aquariums, but I'm still learning when it comes to Discus.
My smallest Discus isn't eating like he used to. When I approach the tank, he gets excited and swims to the top with the others, but when food is around, he only takes a bite or two every couple of days. This has been going on for about 3-4 weeks now. The others are eating just fine, though.
I took the LFS's advice and tried feeding him live brine shrimp, but he barely touched it. I also soaked his food in garlic guard a few times, but that didn't work either. I've only tried the brine shrimp for two meals, so maybe I should give it another shot.
He looks scrawny, even if he doesn't seem lethargic. I've noticed he's lost weight, but he doesn't appear to be struggling otherwise. He's the smallest of the five Discus, but I don't think he's competing for food. I also don't see any bullying going on - all the fish seem healthy.
My tank is a 55-gallon with a Fluval 307, and I feed them a variety of foods - pellets, flakes, frozen, vibra bites... you name it. I've had these Discus for about 3 years now. I'm getting worried about this little guy - any help would be appreciated!
Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
I just observed him hiding behind the wood at the bottom of the tank, which is a new behavior for him. I'm getting a bit worried, to be honest. Those black specs on his face - do they mean anything?
I just observed him hiding behind the wood at the bottom of the tank, which is a new behavior for him. I'm getting a bit worried, to be honest. Those black specs on his face - do they mean anything?
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
Actually, my tank is 60 gallons, not 55.
Actually, my tank is 60 gallons, not 55.
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
The black specs are likely just peppering, it's not uncommon in Discus. I wouldn't worry about that too much. What's concerning is the fact that he's not eating and has lost weight. I'd recommend removing him from the main tank and setting up a quarantine tank. Raise the temperature to around 86-88 degrees Fahrenheit and add some salt - start with 1 tablespoon per 10 gallons and see how he responds. The photo you posted, is that the smallest Discus in the group? And is that a recent picture or from a while back?
The black specs are likely just peppering, it's not uncommon in Discus. I wouldn't worry about that too much. What's concerning is the fact that he's not eating and has lost weight. I'd recommend removing him from the main tank and setting up a quarantine tank. Raise the temperature to around 86-88 degrees Fahrenheit and add some salt - start with 1 tablespoon per 10 gallons and see how he responds. The photo you posted, is that the smallest Discus in the group? And is that a recent picture or from a while back?
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
Originally posted by lunar
The black specs are nothing. It’s called peppering. Could be anything wrong with it. I’d remove and put in qr tank. Raise the temp to about 86-88 and add salt. To start just 1 tbs per 10g and see what happens. It does look thin. Is it the last discus in the group photo? And is that an older pic?
Yes, he's the one on the far left in the group photo taken a couple months ago when he was eating. Those solo photos I posted really don't do justice to just how thin he's become.
I don't have a qr tank, unfortunately, but I do have a 30-gallon tank with 20 small community fish that I keep at 76 degrees. I'm wondering, would it be safe to raise the temperature and add salt to the main 60-gallon tank with all the discus in it? I'm hesitant to do that, considering it's a community tank.
Originally posted by lunar
The black specs are nothing. It’s called peppering. Could be anything wrong with it. I’d remove and put in qr tank. Raise the temp to about 86-88 and add salt. To start just 1 tbs per 10g and see what happens. It does look thin. Is it the last discus in the group photo? And is that an older pic?
Yes, he's the one on the far left in the group photo taken a couple months ago when he was eating. Those solo photos I posted really don't do justice to just how thin he's become.
I don't have a qr tank, unfortunately, but I do have a 30-gallon tank with 20 small community fish that I keep at 76 degrees. I'm wondering, would it be safe to raise the temperature and add salt to the main 60-gallon tank with all the discus in it? I'm hesitant to do that, considering it's a community tank.
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
I'd invest in a separate quarantine tank, 20-40 gallons should do. That way you can isolate the discus and give it the care it needs without affecting the rest of the school.
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
You can actually start the new tank right away using old media from the main tank and its water. This way, you can get the new tank up and running quickly for your Discus.
You can actually start the new tank right away using old media from the main tank and its water. This way, you can get the new tank up and running quickly for your Discus.
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
Honestly, I'd advise against using old tank water. Fresh, clean water is always the way to go - it's what I've learned from my limited experience. When doing large water changes, I've found that aged and aerated water works best. From what I've observed, there's hardly any beneficial bacteria in the water column. A regular maintenance routine for the tank might be a good starting point. It's possible that your Discus has worms or another parasite, or maybe it's just wasting away due to internal organ issues.
Honestly, I'd advise against using old tank water. Fresh, clean water is always the way to go - it's what I've learned from my limited experience. When doing large water changes, I've found that aged and aerated water works best. From what I've observed, there's hardly any beneficial bacteria in the water column. A regular maintenance routine for the tank might be a good starting point. It's possible that your Discus has worms or another parasite, or maybe it's just wasting away due to internal organ issues.
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
I agree with not using the old tank water. Fresh and clean is best, especially when setting up a new tank. Aged and aerated water is great for large water changes, but in this case, it's better to start fresh.
I agree with not using the old tank water. Fresh and clean is best, especially when setting up a new tank. Aged and aerated water is great for large water changes, but in this case, it's better to start fresh.
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
Re: Discus Not Eating - Newbie Tank Manager
I understand the concern about using old tank water, but I'm thinking about stress. Moving a sick fish to a new tank is stressful enough. Adding different water into the mix just adds to that stress. My approach is to minimize the shock. I change 50% of the water on day two, then 50% daily after that. If you need to age and aerate your water, that's a good practice. But for me, tap water works just fine.
I understand the concern about using old tank water, but I'm thinking about stress. Moving a sick fish to a new tank is stressful enough. Adding different water into the mix just adds to that stress. My approach is to minimize the shock. I change 50% of the water on day two, then 50% daily after that. If you need to age and aerate your water, that's a good practice. But for me, tap water works just fine.