Discus are a ‘species only’ school-fish, they should only be kept in tanks which contain a sole population of discus. The tank must be ready and the filter cultured before bringing the discus home. Discus require warm water – low water temperature is stressful and the discus will suffer over time. Discus grow faster in acidic water, their skin slime is thicker, and they ward off disease better. It is very important that when you set up the tank, you approximate the water conditions that your fish have previously been living in, a pH monitor is essential. It is very important that you are able to get accurate pH readings, and most basic test kits do not read low enough for discus keepers. Fully grown discus require a water change once weekly the new water needs to also be cultured, so a spare tank with identical water parameters as your main tank is required.
Discus require a good quality flake or pellet food at least once or twice daily depending on their size, they are carnivorous and require frozen or live food occasionally which can enhance their health and colour.