do discus really need a lower ph level?

[Yoda1]

Discus breeders learned a long time ago that while they got greater hatches in softer water, the juvenile fish grew at far greater rates when raised in hard water. Freshwater fish kept in hard water (>250 mg/l alkalinity) will spend less metabolic energy on osmoregulation than fish kept in soft water (< 100 mg/l alkalinity) - thus providing more metabolic energy for growth.

The following discus were raised in moderately hard water with a pH of 8.0

What was the hardness of the water that these fish were in?

 

[RD.]

What was the hardness of the water that these fish were in?

Approx. 230 mg/l

 

[boyie]

I've only been into monster fish for a month now. I've heard everyone's opinion on the PH subject. However this older gentleman who has a local pets store told me " don't worry about anything but 50% weekly water changes and my fish will be okay". I've done 3 water changes since without testing PH and my fish looks great.

 

[Blues14]

Constincey is the most important thing...if you dont have time to keep up with adusting it....then leave it alone....I do and have had my discus for over 2 years...but what do I know...my discus live with flowerhorn, firemouths, cons, and a Frontosa..... lol

 

[rich_one]

Stable ph is more important than specific ph, unless you are dealing with wilds.

And even that can be challenged, depending on who you get your wilds from.

-Rich