Re: Discus from lfs?
I've taken the gamble with discus before, and unfortunately, I've come up short. You seem to be doing your research, which is great, but I'd always advise seeing the fish in person before making a purchase. Keep in mind, cheap fish can end up costing you more in the long run if they're sick or infested with parasites.
It's your decision, and I don't want to discourage you from the hobby, but I think it's crucial to be prepared. I'd suggest reading up and studying as much as you can. Sorry if I'm not being much help here...
If you can, I'd recommend waiting and saving until you find the exact discus you're looking for.
Discus from lfs?
Re: Discus from lfs?
Re: Discus from lfs?
You might be on the right track if you can arrange with your LFS to buy the discus straight from the shipment. This way, you minimize the risk of contamination from their tanks. I'd imagine you'd want to be there on the day they arrive to ensure they're alive and well. As a savvy buyer, I'm sure you'd explain your reasoning to the store manager - after all, you want to get them 'right off the truck.' What's the price per fish, if I may ask? You might want to set aside some extra for a bottle of Prime and any other medication the LFS recommends, just in case.
You might be on the right track if you can arrange with your LFS to buy the discus straight from the shipment. This way, you minimize the risk of contamination from their tanks. I'd imagine you'd want to be there on the day they arrive to ensure they're alive and well. As a savvy buyer, I'm sure you'd explain your reasoning to the store manager - after all, you want to get them 'right off the truck.' What's the price per fish, if I may ask? You might want to set aside some extra for a bottle of Prime and any other medication the LFS recommends, just in case.
Re: Discus from lfs?
Re: Discus from lfs?
It's great that you're enthusiastic about getting into discus, and I love that you're thinking of starting with a group of six at 2 inches. Your homework is definitely paying off, as you're aware of the potential risks when buying from your LFS. I can tell you from experience that dealing with sick fish is a real challenge.
If your LFS can get the smaller fish for you and sell them directly, you might be okay, but do you know where they're sourcing them from? I'd advise you to try and find a local hobbyist who's breeding discus - maybe even someone from this community. Reach out and see what kind of connections you can make - you never know what opportunities might come your way.
In the meantime, keep reading up on the best care practices for your future discus group. If all else fails, keep saving and consider buying slightly larger discus from a reputable supplier.
It's great that you're enthusiastic about getting into discus, and I love that you're thinking of starting with a group of six at 2 inches. Your homework is definitely paying off, as you're aware of the potential risks when buying from your LFS. I can tell you from experience that dealing with sick fish is a real challenge.
If your LFS can get the smaller fish for you and sell them directly, you might be okay, but do you know where they're sourcing them from? I'd advise you to try and find a local hobbyist who's breeding discus - maybe even someone from this community. Reach out and see what kind of connections you can make - you never know what opportunities might come your way.
In the meantime, keep reading up on the best care practices for your future discus group. If all else fails, keep saving and consider buying slightly larger discus from a reputable supplier.
Re: Discus from lfs?
Re: Discus from lfs?
I'd advise against buying from a LPS if you can help it. Instead, try to find a local breeder - it's generally the safer bet. You might have a better idea of what you're getting and avoid potential issues with sick or contaminated fish.
I'd advise against buying from a LPS if you can help it. Instead, try to find a local breeder - it's generally the safer bet. You might have a better idea of what you're getting and avoid potential issues with sick or contaminated fish.
Re: Discus from lfs?
Re: Discus from lfs?
Have you personally reached out to citySpin, or just browsed their website? I've had positive interactions with them in the past. It might be helpful to explain your situation to them.
When it comes to discus, larger is often better, especially for those just starting out. However, budget is also a significant factor to consider. What size tank are you planning to set up for your discus?
Have you personally reached out to citySpin, or just browsed their website? I've had positive interactions with them in the past. It might be helpful to explain your situation to them.
When it comes to discus, larger is often better, especially for those just starting out. However, budget is also a significant factor to consider. What size tank are you planning to set up for your discus?
Re: Discus from lfs?
Originally posted by seaquake
I think you'd be better off to buy them from a local breeder if you can, rather than a LPS.
It's possible the LFS is sourcing from a local breeder, which would be a good thing. The risk, in my opinion, lies in the LFS's system, not the breeder. Why would the LFS intentionally buy from a bad source, right? If Taco could buy directly from the breeder, he'd likely get a better price - Mac's has 2-inch fish for around $40 each with shipping, but that's not an option for him. The LFS's 2-for-$35 deal fits his budget, and if he can get the fish before they're introduced to the LFS's tanks, that's a plus. My question is, what's the incentive for the LFS to buy low-quality fish? I think the problems start when those fish enter the LFS's system. And let's not forget, some LFSs, like Fairy Lake, have a great reputation for selling healthy fish.
I think you'd be better off to buy them from a local breeder if you can, rather than a LPS.
It's possible the LFS is sourcing from a local breeder, which would be a good thing. The risk, in my opinion, lies in the LFS's system, not the breeder. Why would the LFS intentionally buy from a bad source, right? If Taco could buy directly from the breeder, he'd likely get a better price - Mac's has 2-inch fish for around $40 each with shipping, but that's not an option for him. The LFS's 2-for-$35 deal fits his budget, and if he can get the fish before they're introduced to the LFS's tanks, that's a plus. My question is, what's the incentive for the LFS to buy low-quality fish? I think the problems start when those fish enter the LFS's system. And let's not forget, some LFSs, like Fairy Lake, have a great reputation for selling healthy fish.
Re: Discus from lfs?
Re: Discus from lfs?
Taco, I think the LFS might be your best bet given your situation. I've had good experiences with them in the past - they call me when my fish arrive, and I pick them up straight from the bags. Even if the discus you get aren't top-notch, you'll gain valuable experience raising them.
I'm glad to see you've been doing your research here. We're more than happy to help you along the way. Keep us updated on your progress and good luck with your project.
Taco, I think the LFS might be your best bet given your situation. I've had good experiences with them in the past - they call me when my fish arrive, and I pick them up straight from the bags. Even if the discus you get aren't top-notch, you'll gain valuable experience raising them.
I'm glad to see you've been doing your research here. We're more than happy to help you along the way. Keep us updated on your progress and good luck with your project.
Re: Discus from lfs?
Re: Discus from lfs?
Originally posted by FishNe
Taco, given your situation I think that the LFS is your best option. When I get fish (non Discus) from the LFS they always call me and I pick them up in the bags they arrived in. Even if the Discus you get are not the best quality you will get good experience raising them up.
I'm glad you've been reading here. We will love helping you as you get going with this project. Keep us posted and best of luck to you.
Listen to Liz, Taco - she's got some great advice. I'm pretty sure I know what I'm talking about, but Liz is on another level. So, when we both agree on this, you can bet it's solid advice. My two cents: grab a bottle of Prime and stash some cash in case you need meds down the line. And, if it were me, I'd go for a variety pack - all the same color can get a bit dull, don't you think?
Originally posted by FishNe
Taco, given your situation I think that the LFS is your best option. When I get fish (non Discus) from the LFS they always call me and I pick them up in the bags they arrived in. Even if the Discus you get are not the best quality you will get good experience raising them up.
I'm glad you've been reading here. We will love helping you as you get going with this project. Keep us posted and best of luck to you.
Listen to Liz, Taco - she's got some great advice. I'm pretty sure I know what I'm talking about, but Liz is on another level. So, when we both agree on this, you can bet it's solid advice. My two cents: grab a bottle of Prime and stash some cash in case you need meds down the line. And, if it were me, I'd go for a variety pack - all the same color can get a bit dull, don't you think?
Re: Discus from lfs?
Re: Discus from lfs?
Hey Taco, what's the story behind your username? Don't give me some weak excuse about it being related to your family name, I'm not buying it.
Hey Taco, what's the story behind your username? Don't give me some weak excuse about it being related to your family name, I'm not buying it.
Re: Discus from lfs?
Re: Discus from lfs?
By the way, citySpin is actually their local fish store.
By the way, citySpin is actually their local fish store.
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