Discus Fish (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
by Thomas Giovanetti, Oliver Lucanus
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Book Summary Information
Author: Oliver Lucanus, Thomas GiovanettiBrand: Wmu
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-02-01
ISBN: 0764128582
Number of pages: 96
Publisher: Barron's Educational Series
Product features:
- Size: 0.0Lx0.0Wx0.0H
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Book Reviews of Discus Fish (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
Book Review: Important information!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great resource book to learn about Discus fish. The author offers great advice on how to care for your Discus fish.
My first aquarium has several types of fish, including Angelfish. I had discus fish in it but I removed them to my second aquarium. It is about 750 liters unplanted aquarium.
My second aquarium has only Discus fish, and I am totally in love with them. The aquarium is about 750 liters, and it is planted. I have driftwood in it as well.
I initially had 11 Discus in it, but now I only have 7. I was really concerned at the rate at which my Discus were expiring. I bought this book to understand Discus fish better and to better care for them.
I am glad I read this book. Discus fish are very sensitive to water quality, and need very soft water. The author recommends using blackwater extract to soften the water and produce an environment similar to an Amazonian basin. I did just that, and my fish seem much happier and healthier, and displaying glowing colors. The water did turn a bit dark yellow, but my carbon enriched filter soon took care of that problem.
Here is the optimum water quality:
Temperature: 82-90 F (27.8-32 C)
pH: 6-7.5
Hardness: 2-6 GH
Ammonia and nitrite levels below zero
Nitrate levels of no more than 20mg/L
The author also recommends using a conductivity meter to measure the hardness of the water. I relied on a chemical testing kit to test for water hardness. The test consists of adding droplets of a chemical into a test tube containing the aquarium water, until the sample turns blue. Though a general test, it is not accurate. To have precise measurements, a conductivity meter is necessary, especially if you want to breed your Discus fish. Hard water stops sperm entering the eggs! Monitoring your water carefully, regularly, and precisely can help you successfully breed your Discus fish.
I am trying to breed my Discus fish, so I set the water temperature to about 31 degrees Celsius (the author recommends temperatures up to 33 Celsius for breeding). I use two heat probes. The author did bring to my attention the risk of the probes breaking or malfunctioning, and leaking electricity into the aquarium. This would stress the fish, in turn lowering their immune system, and finally leading to death. The author recommends using ground probes to protect against such a mishap. Guess what? I just ordered one!
Another great advice the author gives concerns the feeding habit of the Discus fish. My pet store told me to feed my Discus fish only once a day, and with a very few amount of food he gave me. The author recommends feeding your Discus fish three times a day, and constantly changing their food. I know bought several types of foods (pellets, shrimp, frozen worms, different mixtures etc...), and I always give my Discus a different menu. They seem to be very happy with my restaurant!
This is a very small book of 93 pages, with colored pictures taking half of the book. It is a quick read. You can probably read it in less than 2 hours, but the information gained will last you a lifetime.
The chapters are as follows:
1. Understanding Discus
2. Getting started (setting up your aquarium)
3. Water Chemistry and filtration
4. The planted Discus aquarium
5. Nutrition and feeding
6. Discus health
7. Breeding Discus
Summary of Discus Fish (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
Freshwater aquarium hobbyists will find all the information they need regarding purchasing, feeding, and maintaining this delicately-hued tropical fish. Heavily illustrated with vivid color photos and instructive line art, Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals show and inform pet owners regarding proper care of dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, small caged animals--virtually every creature that is kept as a pet. The books give advice on purchasing and otherwise acquiring a pet, feeding it nutritiously, keeping it in good health, and where applicable, grooming and training it. Each book in this large series is individually written by a specialist, and though the information is authoritative, the text is clear and straightforward, easy for every pet owner to understand.Fish & Aquariums Books
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