Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!rutgers!cbmvax!sterling From: sterling@cbmvax.UUCP Newsgroups: alt.aquaria,rec.pets Subject: Re: Experience in raising Discus fish. Message-ID: <2861@cbmvax.UUCP> Date: Wed, 25-Nov-87 09:52:30 EST Article-I.D.: cbmvax.2861 Posted: Wed Nov 25 09:52:30 1987 Date-Received: Sun, 29-Nov-87 00:42:26 EST References: <2277@ihuxy.ATT.COM> Reply-To: sterling@cbmvax.UUCP (Rick Sterling QA) Organization: Commodore Technology, West Chester, PA Lines: 36 Keywords: Discus, Fish, aquarium Xref: utgpu alt.aquaria:11 rec.pets:1630 In article <2277@ihuxy.ATT.COM> gia@ihuxy.ATT.COM (Phung) writes: > with occasional supplement of live Tubiflex worms. They seem to be > healthy and happy where they are. I change half of the water twice a ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ > week and hydro-clean the tank when I do. Because of the frequent water ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ > changes, the tank appears rather cloudy. I began to look for a filter > that can clear the water and was recommended the Magnum 330. I've also > looked at the Eiheim (sp?). They both seem to be good for my purpose. > My question is: have you had any experience with these or any other > filters that would serve my purpose? > > Jeff Phung > ATT-BL > IH-6M-208 > Naperville-Wheaton Road > Naperville, IL. 60566 > (312) 979-4864 > Email: ..ihnp4!ihuxy!gia Jeff, I'd recommend reducing your water changes to 20-25% once a week and take it easy on the bottom filter... give it a chance to mature and your cloudy water will get crystal clear. I assume you're using #3 natural gravel, right? ;-) I'd keep wood out of the tank as suggested but a bit of sphagnum peat moss might lower the PH a bit and make your Discus happier. Rocks are okay but be sure they don't have sharp edges and are not of a type that might dissolve contaminents into the tank. You've made the right moves in tank size and fish load and under-gravel filter ... now give the tank a chance to mature. I had a 240 gallon tank setup for over 8 years without doing anything but 25% water changes once a week. When I finally had to break down the tank I noticed the gravel smelled like fresh garden soil... no fishy odors at all!