|
| |
Discus cichlid tropical fish tank setup
|
Some say keep discus in a well planted tank, others would say keep them in a bare tank with only a sponge filter, while the rest would say have
a mix of the two, plants for cover, and some open space for swimming. Ultimately the choice is yours.
There are advantages to keeping discus in a planted aquarium. The beauty of this combination , and the fact that Discus
tend to be slow moving, graceful fish and look at home amongst plants slowly swaying in the current. Discus coloration, especially
the turquoise varieties, are a perfect match to the natural greens and reds of live plants. Discus are big fish and are easier
to see compared to typical tetras, etc, found in aquarium display.
Plants act as chemical filters to help remove toxic substances from the water. This is important in a discus tank. Discus are sensitive
to water quality. A good collection of healthy plants will lead to a healthy overall environment and will help stave off common diseases
like "hole-in-the-head".
Plants also provide natural hiding places for discus. Discus tend to be shy fish and are sometimes bothered by activity outside the tank. Plants
are preferred to other tank decorations since a large discus can easily hurt itself on a piece of driftwood or large rock. Providing a stress-free
environment will also promote good health in your discus.
Broad-leafed plants make nice spawning sites for a breeding pair of discus. While most breeders prefer a breeding cone or piece of slate, our discus
have often spawned on Anubias or Echinodorus leaves. Plant leaves make good spawning sites in a community tank since the other leaves on the plants
help shield the spawning pair from other inhabitants as well as nosy aquarists.
|
The tank above has a mixture of plants, for hiding places and cover, along with open space for free swimming, in contrast the tank below is
almost completely bare.
|
| |
|
