Discus Information > FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Basic discus information
Can I add discus to my existing tropical fish tank?
It is not a good idea.The temperature of most tropical fish tanks is too cool for discus.  Discus should be kept between 82-86 degrees. Discus are not very aggressive compared to most tropicals and are easily outcompeted for food.
What are the best water condtions for discus?
Discus like clean water kept between 82-86 degrees.  They prefer soft water, but can be kept in moderately hard water. Stable pH is important and they can easily be kept in pH between 6.5 and 8.0
What size tank should I use for discus?
Juveniles discus do best in groups of 6 or more.  A 55 gallon tank is perfect to grow out a group of discus. A pair of breeders do nicely in a 29 gallon.
What are the best types of filters for discus?
My favorite filtrers are air driven sponge filters and hang-on-the back filters.  You want a filter that is easy to clean.
What are the best tankmates for discus?
There are many types of fish that fit in nicely with Discus, provided their requirements are met. Cardinal Tetras are colorful and school so they add movement to the tank. Blue Rams, Loaches, Rummynose, Corys and Bristlenose Plecos are also nice - after QT of course. Anything you add to your tank can affect your discus. There's always the potential of bringing unwanted disease or pests. Discus make the best tank mates for Discus.
How many discus should I buy?
Juveniles discus do best in groups of 6 or more.
How can I get help if my discus is sick?
There are discus forums on the internet where you can get help with all types of discus questions. www.simplydiscus.com http://discusasahobby.com/forum/ http://www.aquaforums.com/forums/
What should I feed my discus?
Frozen brine shrimp, dwarf red worms, beef heart (turkey/shrimp/cod/veg mix) small (or chopped) earthworms, mosquito larvae, white worms, glassworms, blackworms, meal worms, bloodworms (if you aren't allergic to them) pellets, and flakes.  Baby brine shrimp can be fed as soon as fry graduate off parent's backs.
How can you tell female from a male?
It is very difficult to sex discus.  Many times adult  females are smaller in size than males. The female ovipositor is larger than the male.  It is round and tube-like with a blunt end.  The male's organ is shorter, narrower and has a pointed end. Even the most experienced hobbyists have been surprised to  find a supposed male laying eggs.


Club information
What is NADA?
The North American Discus Association is a collection of discus enthusiasts, hobbyists and breeders who are interested in the advancement of our hobby, through education and improvements in the quality of the fish we keep and breed. Our goal is to educate the general public, encourage new members, provide information on the discus hobby and promote discus at fish shows
Why should I join NADA
NADA is not a discus help forum like Simply, DAAH and Aqua Forums.  We are a national organization devoted to promoting the discus hobby - like the AKC does for dogs.  Joining gives you input on the association.  We are currently working on rules to govern the organization, defining discus standards, judging standards and building a library of discus articles for the website.  NADA is providing speakers and judges at the national American Cichlid Association show and we will have a quarterly newsletter. 
In addition, some of our advertisers have offered special discus prices for NADA members or to hand pick their best quality discus for NADA members.  Our website with basic discus information is free.  Joining NADA means you can help set policy and have a voice in the future of the discus hobby.
Where are your meetings?
Many of our meeting are held online on a members message board.  Once a year we have a live meeting held at the American Cichlid Association fish show.  This is a huge fish show where discus and other cichlids compete for trophies.  There are speakers on discus and other cichlids and all types of fish, books and equipment for sale.
What is the Message Board?
The message board is for members only.  We discus new articles for the newsletter and website, talk about upcoming events and plans for the association.