picking healthy discus at the store

[Cody]

I'm gonna grab my first Discus this weekend, but I'm kinda nervous about picking healthy ones. What should I look for at the store? My tank's a 55-gallon with sand substrate, planted with Amazon swords, and I've got a Fluval canister filter running. Water's at 84°F, pH 6.8, and I do 30% water changes twice a week. Just wanna make sure I don't bring home a sick fish.

[dayton]

First off, check their eyes. Cloudy or sunken eyes are a no-go. They should be bright and clear. Also, watch how they swim—healthy Discus are active but not frantic. If they're hiding in a corner or gasping at the surface, that's sketchy. My 75-gallon has driftwood and Java ferns, and I keep the temp at 86°F. Oh, and ask the store when they got the shipment. Fresh arrivals are stressed, so older stock is usually safer.

[Lido]

Yeah, and don't forget to check their fins. Clamped fins are a bad sign. I learned that the hard way when I brought home a pair that looked fine but ended up with fin rot. My tank's got a sponge filter, and I feed them frozen bloodworms twice a day. Also, if the store's tanks look dirty, nope outta there. Clean water usually means healthier fish.

[CalmEcho]

Observe their behavior with other fish. Aggression or extreme shyness can indicate stress or illness. My Discus are in a 60-gallon with a mix of tetras and corydoras, and they're chill with tankmates. The store's feeding routine matters too—ask what they're fed and how often. Sudden diet changes can mess with their health.

[Cody]

First off, check their eyes. Cloudy or sunken eyes are a no-go. They should be bright and clear. Also, watch how they swim—healthy Discus are active but not frantic. If they're hiding in a corner or gasping at the surface, that's sketchy. My 75-gallon has driftwood and Java ferns, and I keep the temp at 86°F. Oh, and ask the store when they got the shipment. Fresh arrivals are stressed, so older stock is usually safer.

Thanks, that's super helpful! I'll definitely keep an eye on their behavior and ask about the shipment date. Gonna avoid any sketchy-looking tanks too.

[dayton]

Yeah, and don't forget to check their fins. Clamped fins are a bad sign. I learned that the hard way when I brought home a pair that looked fine but ended up with fin rot. My tank's got a sponge filter, and I feed them frozen bloodworms twice a day. Also, if the store's tanks look dirty, nope outta there. Clean water usually means healthier fish.

Yep, fins are a big tell. Also, peep their color—faded or patchy colors can mean stress or poor health. My last batch had vibrant reds and blues, and they've been thriving in my planted tank with CO2 injection.

[Lido]

Oh, and don't be shy about asking the store to feed them while you're there. If they refuse to eat, that's another red flag. I made that mistake once and ended up with a fish that wouldn't touch food for days. My current crew gets a mix of flakes, pellets, and live brine shrimp, and they're growing like crazy.

[CalmEcho]

Consistency in their shape is key. A healthy Discus should have a round, symmetrical body. Avoid any with visible deformities or uneven growth. My tank's got a T5 light setup, and I've noticed better coloration since I upgraded from LED. Also, ensure the store's water params match yours to avoid shock during acclimation.