Lone Discus

silverbob · Post by **silverbob** » Sun Jul 16, 2023 1:05 am

So I stopped by my LFS after three months and they had this one melon red discus just sitting there. The guy told me they'd had him since before the shutdown and all his tankmates were sold right before. I felt bad for the guy, so I brought him home. I know discus are supposed to be in groups, but I couldn't leave him in that store alone. Now he's in my 30 gallon with a few tetras. What can I do to make him happy for now? And what's the plan moving forward with this little guy?

kayla · Post by **kayla** » Sun Jul 16, 2023 5:09 am

Re: Lone Discus
Can you post some pics of your new guy?

jade · Post by **jade** » Sun Jul 16, 2023 8:59 am

Re: Lone Discus

Originally posted by silverbob

Today I went to my LFS for the first time in three months and they had one lone melon red discus. I talked to the guy there and said they’ve had him through the whole shutdown, and all his other friends were sold right before the shut down. So I made an impulsive decision and decided to take him in. I know that discus should be kept in groups but I couldn’t see him kept in that store alone like that. What do you guys think I should do to make him most happy, right now he’s in my 30 gallon tank with a few other tetras. What do you guys think I should do moving forward with this fish?

Honestly, I think you did the right thing by giving him a new home. Now, if you can afford it, I'd suggest getting two more discus around the same size as your current one. Put all three in a quarantine tank when the new ones arrive. Our forum sponsors usually have stock ready for quick shipping, or you can check out Kenny's offerings for this month - he usually ships fast.

silverbob · Post by **silverbob** » Sun Jul 16, 2023 11:21 am

Re: Lone Discus

I'm planning on ordering some tankmates ASAP, but I've got to save up first by doing some chores around the house for a few weeks. I'll get some pictures of my new guy soon, but for now, I'm keeping the lights off to reduce stress. My current water parameters are looking good - 7.0 pH, zero ammonia, zero nitrates, and a temperature of 83 degrees Fahrenheit.

jade · Post by **jade** » Sun Jul 16, 2023 1:38 pm

Re: Lone Discus

I’m planning on ordering ASAP, but since I’m too young to get a job I’m gonna have to do some chores and stuff for a few weeks. I will get pictures soon, I’m keeping the lights off for now to reduce some of the stress. As of right now my water parameters are 7.0 ph, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrates, and 83 degrees Fahrenheit.

I'm curious, where are you from? I think the lone discus will be alright for now. Discus are schooling fish and also quite territorial. Having just one means it doesn't have any territory to defend from other discus. Plus, fish don't really grasp the concept of loneliness. When you get some cash, getting a few more discus would be a good plan.

silverbob · Post by **silverbob** » Sun Jul 16, 2023 6:09 pm

Re: Lone Discus
The discus seems to be adjusting to his new environment, I've been treating the tank with metro once a day for the past couple of days (250mg) and my water parameters have remained stable. Still having some issues uploading a picture though.

FishNe · Post by **FishNe** » Sun Jul 16, 2023 10:11 pm

Re: Lone Discus

For discus, the recommended dose is 500mg per 10 gallons, daily, for 12 days. Is your guy eating yet?

silverbob · Post by **silverbob** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 2:27 am

Re: Lone Discus

Thanks for the advice, I'll up the metro dosage to the recommended 500mg per 10 gallons tomorrow. The fish is eating well, which is a relief.

FishNe · Post by **FishNe** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 7:02 am

Re: Lone Discus
Actually I'm not seeing any symptoms, just being cautious with the metro treatment.

silverbob · Post by **silverbob** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 12:39 pm

Re: Lone Discus

I didn't notice any symptoms of hex, but after talking to a few people, they suggested I treat the tank as a precaution. Apparently, stress can trigger it, so I figured it's better to be safe than sorry.