We've all been around the block a few times in this hobby, and our goals have likely shifted over the years. I'm no exception.
When I first started out, my aim was probably the same as many of yours: to keep a tank of discus alive and prove it wasn't as tough as everyone made it out to be. Maybe you were inspired by those stunning pictures or videos of discus fry, or perhaps you wanted to try your hand at breeding them. Or, who knows, maybe you were drawn in by the idea of setting up a beautiful planted tank with discus swimming around (Amano's work is pretty inspiring, after all). And then there's the more... optimistic goal of getting rich off selling them (yeah, right!).
For me, my goals have always had one constant: I want to help people keep discus healthy and thriving. The other part, though, that's changed a lot over the years. Right now, I'm really into working with both wild and domestic discus to see if I can create something new and interesting. It's a long-term project, and I've made a few decent strides so far, but there's still a lot to learn.
So, what about you? What got you into the hobby, and where has it taken you so far? More importantly, where are you headed next?
Discus goals.... what are yours?
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
Al, your question brought back memories of when I first joined this forum 4-5 years ago. I recall a member named Discus Pilgrim, and I had to look up the meaning of "pilgrim" - it made perfect sense then. This hobby is indeed a lifelong journey of learning and gaining new experiences, striving for an unattainable perfection.
For me, the constant thrill lies in learning new things and sharing experiences with fellow hobbyists, whether online or in person. That's 50% of the fun, and it's a constant. The other 50% is made up of momentary goals and plans, which keep changing.
One of my long-term aspirations is to try my hand at breeding and raising discus fry. I don't have a clear plan or space for it yet, but it's a wish I've been harboring. I'm also intrigued by the idea of creating a high-tech planted discus tank, similar to Amano's style, and experimenting with balancing discus in such an environment.
Another unknown experience I'd love to explore is keeping wild discus in a low pH black water tank. It's an uncharted territory for me, and I'm drawn to it. I guess you could say I'm being a bit greedy, but as my idol Freddie would say, "I want it all, and I want it now."
Al, your question brought back memories of when I first joined this forum 4-5 years ago. I recall a member named Discus Pilgrim, and I had to look up the meaning of "pilgrim" - it made perfect sense then. This hobby is indeed a lifelong journey of learning and gaining new experiences, striving for an unattainable perfection.
For me, the constant thrill lies in learning new things and sharing experiences with fellow hobbyists, whether online or in person. That's 50% of the fun, and it's a constant. The other 50% is made up of momentary goals and plans, which keep changing.
One of my long-term aspirations is to try my hand at breeding and raising discus fry. I don't have a clear plan or space for it yet, but it's a wish I've been harboring. I'm also intrigued by the idea of creating a high-tech planted discus tank, similar to Amano's style, and experimenting with balancing discus in such an environment.
Another unknown experience I'd love to explore is keeping wild discus in a low pH black water tank. It's an uncharted territory for me, and I'm drawn to it. I guess you could say I'm being a bit greedy, but as my idol Freddie would say, "I want it all, and I want it now."
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
Apologies for the brief interruption, folks. It seems a gremlin got the better of me and accidentally closed the thread. Thankfully, it's back open now.
Apologies for the brief interruption, folks. It seems a gremlin got the better of me and accidentally closed the thread. Thankfully, it's back open now.
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
I initially just wanted to learn and keep my discus tank thriving, also reading through a lot of the beginner-focused material here. I'm glad to say I've accomplished that. Now, breeding is something I'm open to exploring when the time is right. My next goal is to set up a tank for 10-12 wild discus. Tobi's (Swedgin) experiences have been a big motivator for me to take on this new challenge.
I initially just wanted to learn and keep my discus tank thriving, also reading through a lot of the beginner-focused material here. I'm glad to say I've accomplished that. Now, breeding is something I'm open to exploring when the time is right. My next goal is to set up a tank for 10-12 wild discus. Tobi's (Swedgin) experiences have been a big motivator for me to take on this new challenge.
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
My goal has remained constant, yet evolved over time. Initially, I was driven by the desire to breed discus, captivated by their beauty and the potential to turn a profit. As I developed a discerning eye, my focus shifted towards producing higher-quality specimens, hoping to offset the costs of my hobby. However, I soon realized that the expenses far outweighed the revenue.
Now, with a refined sense of aesthetics, I'm selective about the strains that truly resonate with me. I still aspire to breed, but I've become more particular about the quality of the fish I produce. I wouldn't want anyone to spend their hard-earned money on something that wouldn't meet my own standards. As a result, culls are either discarded or sold to the local fish store.
Currently, I'm fortunate to have some exceptional fish in my collection. I'm patiently waiting for the ones nearing breeding age to mature. With only seven fish in my 100-gallon breeding tank, including two confirmed males, I'm optimistic that at least one of the remaining five will turn out to be a female.
My goal has remained constant, yet evolved over time. Initially, I was driven by the desire to breed discus, captivated by their beauty and the potential to turn a profit. As I developed a discerning eye, my focus shifted towards producing higher-quality specimens, hoping to offset the costs of my hobby. However, I soon realized that the expenses far outweighed the revenue.
Now, with a refined sense of aesthetics, I'm selective about the strains that truly resonate with me. I still aspire to breed, but I've become more particular about the quality of the fish I produce. I wouldn't want anyone to spend their hard-earned money on something that wouldn't meet my own standards. As a result, culls are either discarded or sold to the local fish store.
Currently, I'm fortunate to have some exceptional fish in my collection. I'm patiently waiting for the ones nearing breeding age to mature. With only seven fish in my 100-gallon breeding tank, including two confirmed males, I'm optimistic that at least one of the remaining five will turn out to be a female.
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
I'm glad the thread's back up, was wondering what happened. No need to apologize though, accidents happen.
I've spent a good chunk of the past decade experimenting with growing out juvies in planted environments. My main goal was to keep them healthy, and I'm happy to say I succeeded in that. Maintaining good water quality and conditions was key, but I did notice they didn't reach the same size as those in BB tanks.
Over the years, I've also been active on this forum and elsewhere, trying to help prevent newbie mistakes that can lead to discus losses. I don't have any numbers to back it up, but hopefully I've made a positive impact on some beginners.
I'm glad the thread's back up, was wondering what happened. No need to apologize though, accidents happen.
I've spent a good chunk of the past decade experimenting with growing out juvies in planted environments. My main goal was to keep them healthy, and I'm happy to say I succeeded in that. Maintaining good water quality and conditions was key, but I did notice they didn't reach the same size as those in BB tanks.
Over the years, I've also been active on this forum and elsewhere, trying to help prevent newbie mistakes that can lead to discus losses. I don't have any numbers to back it up, but hopefully I've made a positive impact on some beginners.
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
Reflecting on my journey, I've come to realize that my primary objective is to maintain a harmonious balance between my discus and their environment. Having kept fish for decades, I've learned to appreciate the simple joys of sharing knowledge and refining my methods to create a stress-free experience for both myself and my fish. My experience with koi has taught me the importance of setting realistic goals and not overextending myself.
While breeding can be a rewarding experience, I've found that my true passion lies in keeping my discus healthy and thriving. I do, however, indulge in breeding with my insect hobby, which allows me to explore this interest without overwhelming myself. I'm not ruling out the possibility of breeding discus in the future, but for now, I'm content with the serenity of my tanks and the beauty of my discus.
My current goal is to maintain the status quo and enjoy the fruits of my labor. I've worked hard to get to this point, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of my discus. I'm not looking to push the boundaries or take on new challenges; I'm simply happy to coast and enjoy the journey.
Reflecting on my journey, I've come to realize that my primary objective is to maintain a harmonious balance between my discus and their environment. Having kept fish for decades, I've learned to appreciate the simple joys of sharing knowledge and refining my methods to create a stress-free experience for both myself and my fish. My experience with koi has taught me the importance of setting realistic goals and not overextending myself.
While breeding can be a rewarding experience, I've found that my true passion lies in keeping my discus healthy and thriving. I do, however, indulge in breeding with my insect hobby, which allows me to explore this interest without overwhelming myself. I'm not ruling out the possibility of breeding discus in the future, but for now, I'm content with the serenity of my tanks and the beauty of my discus.
My current goal is to maintain the status quo and enjoy the fruits of my labor. I've worked hard to get to this point, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of my discus. I'm not looking to push the boundaries or take on new challenges; I'm simply happy to coast and enjoy the journey.
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
Hi everyone, I'm back in the hobby after a 20-year break, and I'm excited to share my goals with you all. I've recently set up a stunning large show tank, and I'm eager to raise the most beautiful discus possible. My focus is on creating a thriving environment that showcases these incredible fish.
Hi everyone, I'm back in the hobby after a 20-year break, and I'm excited to share my goals with you all. I've recently set up a stunning large show tank, and I'm eager to raise the most beautiful discus possible. My focus is on creating a thriving environment that showcases these incredible fish.
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
I think it'd be awesome to see some pics of everyone's goals in progress right now. I know we've got a lot of pics floating around, but honestly, I still love checking out people's fish and tanks.
I think it'd be awesome to see some pics of everyone's goals in progress right now. I know we've got a lot of pics floating around, but honestly, I still love checking out people's fish and tanks.
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
Re: Discus goals.... what are yours?
I'm currently on a mission to free up some space in my home for more aquatic friends. Wild discus have really caught my attention lately, and I'm itching to create a larger biotope that showcases their natural beauty. I'd love to incorporate other native species like Orinoco Altums and see how they thrive together in a harmonious environment.
I'm currently on a mission to free up some space in my home for more aquatic friends. Wild discus have really caught my attention lately, and I'm itching to create a larger biotope that showcases their natural beauty. I'd love to incorporate other native species like Orinoco Altums and see how they thrive together in a harmonious environment.
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