Everybody knows discus get sick, but are you aware how to recognize the signs and symptoms or ways to care for your much-loved discus fish? It's not like you can take them to your doctor and even a vet, therefore it is a good idea to keep yourself well-informed relating to the signals and remedies of the various discus diseases.
Just like with humans, pathogens are the primary reason for discus fish getting unwell. However in contrast to people discus fish dwell in water, if this water isn't treated in the correct way or tanks aren't cleaned frequently it may well end up a perfect breeding ground for pathogenic agents. These pathogens will then end up getting underneath the scales of your fish causing them to get ill.
Just like with humans, pathogens are the primary reason for discus fish getting unwell. However in contrast to people discus fish dwell in water, if this water isn't treated in the correct way or tanks aren't cleaned frequently it may well end up a perfect breeding ground for pathogenic agents. These pathogens will then end up getting underneath the scales of your fish causing them to get ill.
Browsing the various tropical fish forums I noticed that Discus diseases is a common and often debated topic. The major problem appears to be that many discus owners don't realize what causes their discus fish to become ill or how to prevent this from occurring. By applying certain key things you can decrease the risk of your discus contracting diseases:
* Be sure they're well-fed with correct nutrients but be careful not to over feed them. Primarily insure they are getting enough protein.
* Regular cleaning of the tank is definitely important, at least once a week.
* Ensure that their fish tank is not too small or overloaded
* Consistently examine the water quality, and make sure of the correct ph balance ( 5.5 to 7.5 is safe) and the temperature, should be between 82 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (27-30C)
* Prevent your discus from becoming too stressed - this can happen when other fish are aggressive so be careful when deciding on tanks mates. Humans can also be a factor in stressing out fish should they behave too aggressively, like persistently tapping on the aquarium glass.
You will need to have an understanding of discus diseases , their signs and treatments, however I want to warn you to be sure you are using the right medication in the appropriate dose. Likewise NEVER mix medications without being instructed as overdosing or mistakenly treating illnesses could do far more harm than good. For anyone who is in any doubt at all talk to an authority as soon as possible, tropical fish forums can also be a good place to get hints and tips. Definitely you should be sure the person giving you guidance is qualified to do so.
Also like with human beings remedi
* Be sure they're well-fed with correct nutrients but be careful not to over feed them. Primarily insure they are getting enough protein.
* Regular cleaning of the tank is definitely important, at least once a week.
* Ensure that their fish tank is not too small or overloaded
* Consistently examine the water quality, and make sure of the correct ph balance ( 5.5 to 7.5 is safe) and the temperature, should be between 82 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (27-30C)
* Prevent your discus from becoming too stressed - this can happen when other fish are aggressive so be careful when deciding on tanks mates. Humans can also be a factor in stressing out fish should they behave too aggressively, like persistently tapping on the aquarium glass.
You will need to have an understanding of discus diseases , their signs and treatments, however I want to warn you to be sure you are using the right medication in the appropriate dose. Likewise NEVER mix medications without being instructed as overdosing or mistakenly treating illnesses could do far more harm than good. For anyone who is in any doubt at all talk to an authority as soon as possible, tropical fish forums can also be a good place to get hints and tips. Definitely you should be sure the person giving you guidance is qualified to do so.
Also like with human beings remedi
* Prevent your discus from becoming too stressed - this can happen when other fish are aggressive so be careful when deciding on tanks mates. Humans can also be a factor in stressing out fish should they behave too aggressively, like persistently tapping on the aquarium glass.
You will need to have an understanding of discus diseases , their signs and treatments, however I want to warn you to be sure you are using the right medication in the appropriate dose. Likewise NEVER mix medications without being instructed as overdosing or mistakenly treating illnesses could do far more harm than good. For anyone who is in any doubt at all talk to an authority as soon as possible, tropical fish forums can also be a good place to get hints and tips. Definitely you should be sure the person giving you guidance is qualified to do so.
Also like with human beings remedies can take time, you should not expect a cure over night. When you are giving a course of antibiotics to your discus, make sure you give it the complete course. Cutting the treatment short runs the risk of developing an antibiotic tolerant version of the disease.
Prevention is always better than a cure, when you be sure the good steps are taken in caring for your discus many of the diseases are easily avoidable.
About the Author:
You will need to have an understanding of discus diseases , their signs and treatments, however I want to warn you to be sure you are using the right medication in the appropriate dose. Likewise NEVER mix medications without being instructed as overdosing or mistakenly treating illnesses could do far more harm than good. For anyone who is in any doubt at all talk to an authority as soon as possible, tropical fish forums can also be a good place to get hints and tips. Definitely you should be sure the person giving you guidance is qualified to do so.
Also like with human beings remedies can take time, you should not expect a cure over night. When you are giving a course of antibiotics to your discus, make sure you give it the complete course. Cutting the treatment short runs the risk of developing an antibiotic tolerant version of the disease.
Prevention is always better than a cure, when you be sure the good steps are taken in caring for your discus many of the diseases are easily avoidable.
About the Author:
If you want to learn more about discus disease prevention and the more common causes of discus diseases then read John White's Articles