{"id":47195,"date":"2026-10-30T03:23:04","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T01:23:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/?p=47195"},"modified":"2026-10-30T03:23:04","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T01:23:04","slug":"discus-fish-care-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/discus-fish-care-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Discus Fish Care Guide: Tank Setup, Water, Feeding and Tankmates"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mts-article\">\nDiscus are called the &#8220;King of the Freshwater Aquarium&#8221; for a reason: nothing else moves through a planted tank with that calm, round, glowing presence. They are not hard because they are fragile; they are hard because they punish shortcuts. Get the water, warmth and feeding routine right from day one and they are a joy to keep.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mts-summary\">\n<strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> Discus need <strong>warm water at 28\u201331\u00b0C<\/strong>, soft, slightly acidic water (<strong>pH about 6.0\u20137.0, GH about 1\u20138<\/strong>), a tank of <strong>at least 280 liters for a group of 4\u20136<\/strong> (allow about 60\u201380 liters per fish), and very clean water with nitrate kept <strong>below 20 ppm<\/strong>. That usually means <strong>2\u20133 water changes of 25\u201330% a week<\/strong> and small meals <strong>3\u20134 times a day<\/strong>. Keep them in groups, choose calm tankmates, and never use copper-based medicines.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"toc\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#why\">Why Discus Need Special Care<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#tank\">Tank Size and Setup<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#water\">Water Parameters<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#changes\">Water Changes: The Real Secret<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#feeding\">Feeding Discus<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#varieties\">Choosing Varieties and Sizes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#tankmates\">Tankmates<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#arrival\">Bringing New Discus Home<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#health\">Health Problems and Warning Signs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#breeding\">Discus as Parents<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"#faq\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1>Discus Fish Care Guide: Tank Setup, Water, Feeding and Tankmates<\/h1>\n<h2 id=\"why\">Why Discus Need Special Care<\/h2>\n<p>Discus (<em>Symphysodon<\/em>) come from the warm, soft, acidic blackwater rivers of the Amazon Basin. Compared with most community fish, they want warmer water, cleaner water and more frequent meals, and they react quickly when any of those slip. The good news is that captive-bred discus are far more adaptable than wild ones, and the routine they need is simple once it becomes a habit.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><strong>They are social:<\/strong> keep them in groups of five or more. A single discus hides, stops eating and fades.<\/li>\n<li><strong>They are slow and calm:<\/strong> fast, boisterous tankmates out-compete them at feeding time.<\/li>\n<li><strong>They are sensitive to waste:<\/strong> rising nitrate and dirty water are the most common cause of discus problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you are new to fishkeeping, set up and cycle a tank first with our <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/the-beginners-guide-to-setting-up-your-first-aquarium\/\">beginner&#8217;s setup guide<\/a>. Discus should go into a mature, fully cycled tank, never a new one.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tank\">Tank Size and Setup<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Plan on at least 280 liters for a group of 4\u20136 discus,<\/strong> or roughly 60\u201380 liters per fish. Discus grow tall as well as long, so choose a tank that is at least 45\u201350 cm high. More water also means more stable temperature and chemistry, which is exactly what discus want.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Bare-bottom or simple decor:<\/strong> many breeders use bare-bottom tanks because they are easy to clean. For a display tank, a thin layer of fine sand works well.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Calm, gentle flow:<\/strong> discus dislike strong current. Aim for good filtration with a soft return.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Plants that like warmth:<\/strong> Anubias, Java fern and Amazon swords cope with discus temperatures; many delicate plants do not.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Driftwood and shade:<\/strong> a few vertical pieces of wood give the group a place to gather and feel safe.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Quiet location:<\/strong> avoid doors and busy walkways. Sudden movement outside the glass startles discus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"mts-product-callout\">\n<strong>Heat and filtration for a discus tank:<\/strong> the <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/sunsun-gr-300c-digital-heater-300w\/\">SunSun GR-300C 300W Digital Heater<\/a> is rated for tanks up to 300 liters and lets you set the temperature on an external display. For filtration, the <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/sunsun-hw304a-external-canister-filter\/\">SunSun HW-304A Canister Filter<\/a> (2,000 L\/h, for tanks up to 750 liters) has plenty of capacity; direct its return along the glass to keep the flow gentle. Always confirm the temperature with a separate <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/at-2-digital-aquarium-thermometer\/\">AT-2 Digital Thermometer<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n<p>Our <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/aquarium-heater-guide-sizing-placement-safety\/\">heater guide<\/a> and <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/aquarium-filtration-guide-choosing-the-right-filter\/\">filtration guide<\/a> explain sizing and placement in detail.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"water\">Water Parameters<\/h2>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:auto;\">\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;min-width:460px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;text-align:start;\">Parameter<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;text-align:start;\">Target for discus<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Temperature<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">28\u201331\u00b0C; below about 27\u00b0C causes stress and disease<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">pH<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">About 6.0\u20137.0 (slightly acidic preferred)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">General hardness (GH)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">About 1\u20138 dGH (soft water)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Ammonia and nitrite<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Zero, always<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Nitrate<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Below 20 ppm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Stability beats perfection.<\/strong> Captive-bred discus adapt to a range of water, but they do not handle sudden swings. A steady pH of 7.0 is far better than a pH that jumps between 6.0 and 7.2 because you keep adjusting it. Test your tap water first: hardness varies from area to area. If yours is hard, many keepers mix in reverse-osmosis (RO) water to soften it, and natural tannins from Indian almond leaves can help create softer, slightly acidic conditions.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mts-product-callout\">\n<strong>Test and fine-tune:<\/strong> the <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/digital-ph-meter-0-14\/\">Digital pH Meter<\/a> comes with calibration powder sachets, the <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/tds-meter-digital-water-quality-tester-temperature\/\">Digital TDS Meter<\/a> gives a quick read on how much is dissolved in your water, and <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/indian-catappa-almond-leaves\/\">Indian Almond (Catappa) Leaves<\/a> release natural tannins.\n<\/div>\n<p>For the basics of testing ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, read <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/water-parameters-101-testing-ph-ammonia-nitrite-nitrate\/\">Water Parameters 101<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"changes\">Water Changes: The Real Secret<\/h2>\n<p>Ask any successful discus keeper what matters most and the answer is almost always the same: water changes. Keeping nitrate below 20 ppm in a warm tank with frequent feeding typically takes <strong>2\u20133 water changes of 25\u201330% every week<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Prepare the new water<\/strong> and bring it to the tank temperature, within about 1\u00b0C, so you never chill warm-water fish.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Treat it with a water conditioner<\/strong> to remove chlorine and chloramine.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Siphon uneaten food and waste<\/strong> from the bottom; leftover food rots fast at discus temperatures.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Refill slowly,<\/strong> keeping the pH and hardness of the new water close to the tank&#8217;s.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"mts-product-callout\">\n<strong>Water conditioners:<\/strong> <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/seachem-safe\/\">Seachem Safe<\/a> is a concentrated powder that treats a large volume cheaply, which suits frequent discus water changes; <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/shield-plus-tap-water-conditioner\/\">Shield Plus<\/a> is a liquid alternative.\n<\/div>\n<p>Our <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-change-aquarium-water-complete-guide\/\">water change guide<\/a> walks through the routine step by step.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"feeding\">Feeding Discus<\/h2>\n<p>Feed <strong>small amounts 3\u20134 times a day<\/strong>, especially for young discus that are still growing. Offer only what the group eats in a few minutes and remove leftovers, because uneaten food fouls warm water quickly.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Staple:<\/strong> a high-quality, slow-sinking granule as the base of the diet.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Variety:<\/strong> rotate with foods that mimic live prey, plus frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp if you use them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Young discus:<\/strong> more meals, smaller portions; growth slows if juveniles are underfed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Watch every fish:<\/strong> a discus that hangs back at feeding time is often the first sign of a problem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"mts-product-callout\">\n<strong>Foods discus readily accept:<\/strong> <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/fluval-bug-bites-tropical-granules-100g\/\">Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Granules<\/a> (slow-sinking, insect protein) and <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/hikari-vibra-bites\/\">Hikari Tropical Vibra Bites<\/a>, which are shaped and coloured like live bloodworms.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"varieties\">Choosing Varieties and Sizes<\/h2>\n<p>Discus come in dozens of colour strains, and their colour keeps developing as they grow. Size matters as much as colour when you buy.<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:auto;\">\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;min-width:520px;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;text-align:start;\">Size<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;text-align:start;\">What to expect<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">8\u20138.5 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Young fish; colours still developing. Best value, but they need frequent feeding to grow.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">10\u201311 cm<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Colour is showing clearly and the fish are hardier than small juveniles.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">13\u201314.5 cm and 16 cm+<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #cbd5e1;padding:8px;\">Show-size adults with full colour; the most expensive, and the easiest to keep stable.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Buy the group at once:<\/strong> adding discus to an established group later can upset the pecking order.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mixed colours are fine:<\/strong> different strains live together happily.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Look for:<\/strong> a round body, clear eyes in proportion to the body, upright fins and a fish that comes forward for food.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"mts-product-callout\">\n<strong>DiscusX varieties in stock now:<\/strong> at 8\u20138.5 cm, the <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/assorted-grade-aa-discusx\/\">Assorted Grade AA DiscusX<\/a> mix is the best value, alongside <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/pigeon-blood-discusx\/\">Pigeon Blood<\/a>, <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/blue-diamond-discusx\/\">Blue Diamond<\/a>, <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/cobalt-blue-discusx\/\">Cobalt Blue<\/a>, <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/red-melon-discusx\/\">Red Melon<\/a> and <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/super-red-turquoise-discusx\/\">Super Red Turquoise<\/a>. At 10\u201311 cm: <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/red-ruby-discusx\/\">Red Ruby<\/a>, <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/red-cover-discusx\/\">Red Cover<\/a> and <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/red-and-white-discusx\/\">Red &amp; White<\/a>. Larger show fish: <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/blue-snakeskin-discusx\/\">Blue Snakeskin<\/a>, <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/albino-red-cover-discusx\/\">Albino Red Cover<\/a> and the wild-type <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/altum-flora-discusx\/\">Altum Flora<\/a>. Discus are live animals, so colour and size can vary slightly from the photos.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"tankmates\">Tankmates<\/h2>\n<p>Many keepers prefer a discus-only tank, and it is the simplest option. If you want company, choose calm species that tolerate warm water and will not compete hard for food.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Good choices:<\/strong> Cardinal tetras and Rummy Nose tetras in a group, and Corydoras sterbai, which handles warm water better than most corydoras.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Avoid:<\/strong> fin-nippers, fast greedy eaters, and fish that need cooler water.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Add tankmates first:<\/strong> settle and quarantine them before the discus arrive, so you do not introduce disease into an established discus group.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Our <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/fish-compatibility-guide-which-fish-can-live-together\/\">fish compatibility guide<\/a> covers temperament, size and water needs in more depth.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"arrival\">Bringing New Discus Home<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Dim the lights<\/strong> and float the closed bag so the temperature matches.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mix in tank water slowly<\/strong> over 30\u201345 minutes, since pH and hardness may differ from the seller&#8217;s water.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Net the fish into the tank<\/strong> and discard the bag water.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do not feed on the first day.<\/strong> Offer a small meal the next day; it is normal for new discus to be shy for a few days.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Quarantine if you already keep discus:<\/strong> a separate tank for a few weeks protects your existing group.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"health\">Health Problems and Warning Signs<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Darkened colour, hiding, refusing food:<\/strong> usually stress from water quality or temperature. Test first, then change water.<\/li>\n<li><strong>White, stringy droppings:<\/strong> often an internal problem linked to food and water quality; act early.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clamped fins or rubbing on decor:<\/strong> possible external parasites.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Breathing fast at the surface:<\/strong> low oxygen or poor water; increase surface movement and test.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"mts-warning\">\n<strong>Warning:<\/strong> Never use copper-based medicines in a discus tank. Always fix water quality first, then treat, following the product&#8217;s dosage exactly. Our <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/common-freshwater-fish-diseases-treatment\/\">fish diseases guide<\/a> explains the most common problems and their treatment.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mts-product-callout\">\n<strong>Treatments from DiscusX:<\/strong> <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/discusx-bactocide-1-external-disease-20g\/\">Bactocide 1<\/a> for external diseases, <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/discusx-bactocide-2-internal-disease-20g\/\">Bactocide 2<\/a> for internal diseases, and <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/methylene-blue-powder-discusx-5g\/\">Methylene Blue<\/a> for white spot and fungus. If you are unsure what you are seeing, ask us before you dose.\n<\/div>\n<p>Hot summers are rarely a problem for warm-water discus, but keep the tank from climbing above about 32\u00b0C; see <a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/how-to-cool-your-aquarium-in-summer-heat\/\">How to Cool Your Aquarium in Summer Heat<\/a> if it does.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"breeding\">Discus as Parents<\/h2>\n<p>Discus are famous for their parenting. A bonded pair cleans a vertical surface, such as a piece of slate, a breeding cone or the glass, lays its eggs there, and guards them closely. Once the fry hatch and swim, they feed for their first days on a special secretion the parents produce on their skin, something very few aquarium fish do.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><strong>Signs of a pair:<\/strong> two fish that stay together, chase others away from one spot and clean the same surface again and again.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Give them peace:<\/strong> a breeding pair does best in its own tank, with stable warm water and very clean conditions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do not panic over the first spawns:<\/strong> young pairs often eat their first eggs. Most improve with practice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Breeding is a rewarding next step, but the first goal is simply a healthy, settled group that eats well.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"mts-faq\">\n<strong>Are discus good for beginners?<\/strong><br \/>They suit committed beginners who already understand cycling and are ready for frequent water changes. A first-ever aquarium is easier with hardier fish.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mts-faq\">\n<strong>How many discus should I keep together?<\/strong><br \/>At least five. Groups spread aggression and help shy fish feel safe enough to feed.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mts-faq\">\n<strong>What temperature do discus need?<\/strong><br \/>About 28\u201331\u00b0C, kept steady. Below roughly 27\u00b0C they become stressed and more prone to disease.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mts-faq\">\n<strong>How often should I change discus water?<\/strong><br \/>Usually 2\u20133 times a week, 25\u201330% each time, to keep nitrate below 20 ppm.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mts-faq\">\n<strong>Can discus live with angelfish?<\/strong><br \/>Some keepers do it, but it is safer for beginners to keep discus with small, calm tetras and warm-tolerant corydoras, or on their own.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mts-faq\">\n<strong>Why is my new discus dark and hiding?<\/strong><br \/>Stress from the move is common for a few days. Keep lights low, water clean and the tank quiet; if it lasts longer, test the water.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mts-faq\">\n<strong>Can I keep discus in a planted tank?<\/strong><br \/>Yes, with plants that tolerate warm water, such as Anubias, Java fern and Amazon swords.\n<\/div>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>Warm, clean, stable water; small frequent meals; a calm group in a big enough tank. Keep those habits and discus repay you with years of colour and personality.<\/p>\n<h3>Recommended Products<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/assorted-grade-aa-discusx\/\">Assorted Grade AA DiscusX<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/sunsun-gr-300c-digital-heater-300w\/\">SunSun GR-300C 300W Digital Heater<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/sunsun-hw304a-external-canister-filter\/\">SunSun HW-304A Canister Filter<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/digital-ph-meter-0-14\/\">Digital pH Meter<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/seachem-safe\/\">Seachem Safe<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/shop\/fluval-bug-bites-tropical-granules-100g\/\">Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Granules<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Related Articles<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"mts-checklist\">\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/how-to-cycle-a-new-aquarium-nitrogen-cycle-explained\/\">How to Cycle a New Aquarium: The Nitrogen Cycle Explained<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/water-parameters-101-testing-ph-ammonia-nitrite-nitrate\/\">Water Parameters 101: Testing pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/how-often-should-you-change-aquarium-water-complete-guide\/\">How Often Should You Change Your Aquarium Water?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/fish-compatibility-guide-which-fish-can-live-together\/\">Fish Compatibility Guide: Which Fish Can Live Together<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/common-freshwater-fish-diseases-treatment\/\">Common Freshwater Fish Diseases and How to Treat Them<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"mts-link\" style=\"color:#1a56db;text-decoration:underline;font-weight:600;font-size:1.03em;\" href=\"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/aquarium-heater-guide-sizing-placement-safety\/\">Aquarium Heater Guide: Sizing, Placement, and Safety<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discus are called the &#8220;King of the Freshwater Aquarium&#8221; for a reason: nothing else moves through a planted tank with<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":298,"featured_media":47196,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wpai_generated_summary":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"mts_hero_image_prompt":"","mts_hero_image_alt":"","_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[873],"tags":[859,1319,989,881,854,1155,1321,1113],"class_list":["post-47195","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fish-care","tag-aquarium-heater","tag-discus-care","tag-discus-fish","tag-fish-care","tag-freshwater-aquarium","tag-planted-aquarium","tag-soft-water","tag-water-changes"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/discus-fish-care-guide-hero.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/298"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47195"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47195\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47207,"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47195\/revisions\/47207"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47196"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mytankscape.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}