Posted by neptoone_13 on May 02, 2002 at 11:48:46:
In Reply to: Sorry. posted by Casey on April 30, 2002 at 21:08:10:
: I know, I am a pain. I try to get as close to even as possible. I'm going to end up doing everything more than what you suggest, in the end. It's how I opperate. Ok, so 25% 2x a week. I can handle that. I'm still keeping the plants. I'm not an idiot, just a pain. I know enough about fishes NOT to even consider goldfish. And I know it was sarcasm. But I am seriously stuck and really appreciate you putting up with my annoying questions and responses.
: Another idiotic question if you'll hear it, more of an opinion based answer. Due to breeding and new strians, do you think that discus have become less tolerant of water conditions. In the past, few people would even consider keeping these fish. Now we have breeders competeing all over the world with these highly colored breeds. With all the breeding, though, has anyone taken into consideration how delicate the fish may have become, or am I just retarded in even thinking this? Just as inbreeding makes some messed up animals and higher aggression (I've seen it in hampsters), does it also make them weak? ust a thought.......... :)
Ok, I'll try again. First it would be in your interest to read some of the previous threads. "Few questions" and "just to confirm..." for starters. Reading a couple of discus books before you get discus is another suggestion. Dick Au's new book is great and Bernd Degens books are very good also.
Killifish should have their own small tank for many reasons. Discus really aren't good community fish for many reasons also. Not the least of which is their temp requirements. Plants don't do well at those temps either.
Discus become more adaptable to water conditions i.m.o. as they are domesticated. Defects do show up with inbreeding but usually not till the f5 or f6 generations. Common defects include an eyesight prob.(depth perception) lack of size and vigor, deformities to the ventral fins and gill plates as well as sterility.
Much of this advice is moot if your planning to get your discus from a pet shop anyway. Chances are they will be stunted/sick already. Hth N
