Discus Basics >
Tank Setup for Juvenile Discus by Carol Roberts

Here is how I grow out juvenile discus.

Equipment
 • 55-gallon bare bottom tank.
 • Aqua clear 500 (two internal sponges - one pre-filter sponge on the intake)
 • 250-Watt heater and thermometer. Temp 84 degrees
 • Siphon hose to clean tank
 • Water storage container (pump and hose optional)

Discus
 • 6 - 10 healthy juvenile discus from a reputable breeder

Care
 • 50% daily water change with aged (dechlorinated, warmed, aerated) tap water.
 • Wipe down inside of tank with paper towels at least every week.
 • Rinse pre-filter daily, sponges and internal filter once a month.

Food
 • Feed juveniles 4 - 6 times per day. (Quality flakes and Tetra bits, black worms, beef heart) Don't overfeed.

Grow out the juveniles in this tank with no additions.  You will have to remove some discus as they grow.  These can be sold to other hobbyists or the local fish store.  A 55-gallon tank will hold 5 or 6 fully grown discus.

Later, when you get other tanks, especially large show tanks, remember . . . Quarantine all new fish and plants 4 - 6 weeks before adding to your existing stock.