Setting up your discus aquarium is a very important step.  If you get it wrong, you can kill your fish.  There is a lot of maintenance when it comes to your tank but to see the beautiful discus fish swimming around is very rewarding.  To keep happy and healthy discus fish, you will have to make sure that the aquarium has clean water at all times, that is has the proper temperature and the pH levels.

Discus fish are part of the cichlid family and they thrive in large amounts of water.  They originate from the Amazon River and your job is to make your tank conditions similar to that habitat.  In the Amazon River, the water is soft and calm, the temperature is around 84-86 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius), it is full of driftwood, plants, trees, and it generally does not get a lot of sunlight due to the river location.

Discus Aquarium Setup – The tank size matters

Discus Fish can grow large in size and they should have enough room where they can hide and swim freely.  When it comes to setting up your discus aquarium, the first thing you need to think about is purchasing a larger size tank.  Discus Fish need a larger tank and it will keep them happy and stress free.   I recommend that you start with a 40 gallon aquarium at a minimum or bigger if you have the space and you can afford it.

Discus aquarium – Location of the tank

It is good practice to place the tank in a location that does not good too much sunlight. If you have plants in the tank the sunlight will cause them to expand and it will reduce the oxygen levels in the tank.   Adding plants to your take can make it pretty but most importantly it can help filter the water.  Your discus needs to be in clean water and plant life will make it a healthy environment for the fish.  You will also find that the discus will hide in the plants.  Discus fish are very intelligent and shy and you do not want to place your tank in a high traffic area.  They can become stressed when there is too much traffic.

Discus Aquarium Setup- What to put in the tank

It is a good practice to place rocks in the aquarium.  Be aware that some rocks contain heavy metals that can be unsafe to your fish.  Some will add gravel but remember that you must be able to remove uneaten waste and food from the gravel.  Most discus keepers keep the tank bare because food and their feces can decompose in the tank and cause bacteria.  Bacteria can cause diseases for your fish that is why it is recommended that bottom feeders are purchased so that they will consume food and eat algae at the bottom of the tank.

Discus aquarium – Supplies that are needed for the tank

Here is a list of the supplies that you will need for your discus aquarium.

1. Heater
2. pH Test kit
3. Under-gravel filter
4. Thermometer

Discus fish aquarium life is very important.  You have to maintain a habit that is suitable for them to grow and be happy and healthy.  It can take some work, but a discus aquarium can be a very beautiful addition to your home.

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