SniperY
22-04-2006, 10:50 AM
Buying Discus ought not to be any different to buying any fish really, yet it causes many people sleepless nights worrying about it. Before buying Discus, a good basic knowledge of the species is useful, so is an understanding of water chemistry. Most would-be Discus keepers have experience in other areas of fishkeeping and are therefore familiar with the need to provide the very best water conditions and tank husbandry to succeed with these fish.
Today's tank-bred Discus are easy to keep so long as the basics are taken care of. Water preparation and husbandry are subjects in their own right. For the purpose of this exercise, we will assume that the Discus keeper has an RO or heavy metal filter to prepare the water and a fully mature aquarium in which to keep his new fish. No doubt many hours have been spent reading about the chosen species, too.
Challenging beauties
Fishkeepers, be they newcomers or experienced exponents, are drawn to Discus for several reasons - two of which are their beauty and the challenge they pose.
When it comes to choosing stock, there are basically three sources. Whichever you decide to choose, you should visit a selection first, seek out the best and then make your own mind up.
Firstly, look to PFK which carries many classified adverts where experienced hobbyists offer young fish for sale, not necessarily to generate an income, but to subsidise their hobby. These outlets will probably be the cheapest but won’t always have much in the way of different strains and sizes. Access to them is also often restricted to evenings and weekends only.
Next is your local fish shop that keeps a little bit of everything. These will often have an extremely limited choice of Discus, but take a look - you might find a gem. Besides, you should always bear in mind that when buying Discus, it is essential to build up a relationship with the supplier for food, dry goods etc.
Finally, advertised again in PFK are specialist Discus dealers and shops. Some have been around for years, which must mean something. These are few and far between, but will inevitably offer the widest range of strains and sizes, together with the necessary equipment to ensure your fish enjoy the very best environment.
Often when visiting a specialist outlet you will bump into like-minded people, who will offer you valuable advice in the course of a conversation based on their experience. This will prove to be priceless as they have nothing to gain from you.
So when staring at a tank full, or even several tanks, of Discus, what should you consider and ask before parting with your cash?
Look out for...
The purist will tell you to look for perfectly round fish with small bright eyes - and there’s nothing wrong with that. But nowadays, hobbyists have other demands.
Initially you will have to decide what colours you want - don’t worry too much about the common names as these will vary from outlet to outlet. This is because most are cross-bred solely for the purpose of creating something different.
Some people, myself included, do not like this trend, preferring the traditional "steady" strains - but it's happening, and so long as the fish are pretty, healthy and what you want, there's no problem with that.
Wherever you buy your fish, spend time watching them - and never buy on impulse. Only consider Discus that are alert, bold and inquisitive. Avoid fish that hang back from the others and those that breathe heavily or out of one gill only. Check for twisted mouths, short gill covers, poorly shaped tails, odd-sized eyes and any other genetic defects that might have crept into the strain through poor, unselected breeding.
Strike up a dialogue with the supplier and ask to see the fish feed - healthy Discus will respond immediately to food. If the dealer or shopkeeper declines, walk away.
Ask the dealer how long he's had the fish. Did he breed them, did he import them or buy them from a wholesaler? Is he aware if the fish have been wormed, and have they been subjected to any other medications, for instance were they "gill fluked" early in their lives?
These are all reasonable questions and will provide you with a good background as to the fish’s history and the dealer’s competence.
Always take a look at the base of the tank. Healthy Discus go to the loo regularly, and the faeces should be black. If you see signs of white or clear waste, it is reasonable to consider that one or more of the fish has an internal problem be it worms, parasites or, in the worst-case scenario, Spironucleus.
Always ask what sort of water conditions the fish are used to. If yours don’t match and you really fancy the fish, go home, sort out your tank and return when all is well. Any dealer worth his salt will help you here by keeping the fish for you, although understandably you may be asked to leave a deposit.
Remember, fish you have been watching for a week or two in a fish-house don't become ill or uncomfortable overnight when moved home unless something's not right, usually with the water. The fish themselves are the best indicators of water conditions.
As far as possible, always buy the largest Discus you can afford - small fish are harder to acclimatise to new surroundings than fish over 10cm/4". And with larger fish, what you see is what you get with regard to shape and colouration.
It is not always possible for a shop or dealer to write all the information on a certain fish on the tank. While this is seen by some as poor practice, the fishkeeper has the responsibility to ask questions about any aspect he is not too sure of. This is true of all fish, not just Discus. If the answers are poor, or not known, then you have an important decision to make.
Today's tank-bred Discus are easy to keep so long as the basics are taken care of. Water preparation and husbandry are subjects in their own right. For the purpose of this exercise, we will assume that the Discus keeper has an RO or heavy metal filter to prepare the water and a fully mature aquarium in which to keep his new fish. No doubt many hours have been spent reading about the chosen species, too.
Challenging beauties
Fishkeepers, be they newcomers or experienced exponents, are drawn to Discus for several reasons - two of which are their beauty and the challenge they pose.
When it comes to choosing stock, there are basically three sources. Whichever you decide to choose, you should visit a selection first, seek out the best and then make your own mind up.
Firstly, look to PFK which carries many classified adverts where experienced hobbyists offer young fish for sale, not necessarily to generate an income, but to subsidise their hobby. These outlets will probably be the cheapest but won’t always have much in the way of different strains and sizes. Access to them is also often restricted to evenings and weekends only.
Next is your local fish shop that keeps a little bit of everything. These will often have an extremely limited choice of Discus, but take a look - you might find a gem. Besides, you should always bear in mind that when buying Discus, it is essential to build up a relationship with the supplier for food, dry goods etc.
Finally, advertised again in PFK are specialist Discus dealers and shops. Some have been around for years, which must mean something. These are few and far between, but will inevitably offer the widest range of strains and sizes, together with the necessary equipment to ensure your fish enjoy the very best environment.
Often when visiting a specialist outlet you will bump into like-minded people, who will offer you valuable advice in the course of a conversation based on their experience. This will prove to be priceless as they have nothing to gain from you.
So when staring at a tank full, or even several tanks, of Discus, what should you consider and ask before parting with your cash?
Look out for...
The purist will tell you to look for perfectly round fish with small bright eyes - and there’s nothing wrong with that. But nowadays, hobbyists have other demands.
Initially you will have to decide what colours you want - don’t worry too much about the common names as these will vary from outlet to outlet. This is because most are cross-bred solely for the purpose of creating something different.
Some people, myself included, do not like this trend, preferring the traditional "steady" strains - but it's happening, and so long as the fish are pretty, healthy and what you want, there's no problem with that.
Wherever you buy your fish, spend time watching them - and never buy on impulse. Only consider Discus that are alert, bold and inquisitive. Avoid fish that hang back from the others and those that breathe heavily or out of one gill only. Check for twisted mouths, short gill covers, poorly shaped tails, odd-sized eyes and any other genetic defects that might have crept into the strain through poor, unselected breeding.
Strike up a dialogue with the supplier and ask to see the fish feed - healthy Discus will respond immediately to food. If the dealer or shopkeeper declines, walk away.
Ask the dealer how long he's had the fish. Did he breed them, did he import them or buy them from a wholesaler? Is he aware if the fish have been wormed, and have they been subjected to any other medications, for instance were they "gill fluked" early in their lives?
These are all reasonable questions and will provide you with a good background as to the fish’s history and the dealer’s competence.
Always take a look at the base of the tank. Healthy Discus go to the loo regularly, and the faeces should be black. If you see signs of white or clear waste, it is reasonable to consider that one or more of the fish has an internal problem be it worms, parasites or, in the worst-case scenario, Spironucleus.
Always ask what sort of water conditions the fish are used to. If yours don’t match and you really fancy the fish, go home, sort out your tank and return when all is well. Any dealer worth his salt will help you here by keeping the fish for you, although understandably you may be asked to leave a deposit.
Remember, fish you have been watching for a week or two in a fish-house don't become ill or uncomfortable overnight when moved home unless something's not right, usually with the water. The fish themselves are the best indicators of water conditions.
As far as possible, always buy the largest Discus you can afford - small fish are harder to acclimatise to new surroundings than fish over 10cm/4". And with larger fish, what you see is what you get with regard to shape and colouration.
It is not always possible for a shop or dealer to write all the information on a certain fish on the tank. While this is seen by some as poor practice, the fishkeeper has the responsibility to ask questions about any aspect he is not too sure of. This is true of all fish, not just Discus. If the answers are poor, or not known, then you have an important decision to make.