How To Correctly Quarantine Discus

WHY SHOULD I QUARANTINE MY NEW DISCUS?

When you buy a new fish, it sometimes might have parasites or diseases that can harm other fish in your tank. Therefore, when you buy new discus, be sure to put them in a tank separate from your other discus. Then you can rest assured that no matter what happens, your new fish can’t infect your older fish and destroy your entire collection.

HOW DO I QUARANTINE MY DISCUS?

It’s easy to quarantine your new discus. Simply put them in their own tank. You want to keep the tank as clean as possible so that you can closely observe your fish. For this reason, do not put gravel in the tank.  

Quarantine Tank of Yellow Marlboro Discus

Once your fish are quarantined, closely observe your fish. Make sure that the fish don’t show signs of worms or tapeworms. Additionally, make sure that your fish are eating in healthy quantities. Meanwhile, check for rotting fins or cuts. If you do see a problem, simply give your fish medicine. It’s easier to medicate fish in a smaller tank than in a larger one, so the small size is another benefit of quarantine tanks.

If you do see a health problem with your fish, then the quarantine environment will allow you to adjust the water so that you can help the new fish heal, while not impacting your older fish. In other words, the quarantine environment lets you create a custom environment where you provide whatever the fish need in order to improve their health. For instance, if the fish aren’t eating, increasing the water’s temperature by a few degrees will stimulate their appetite. Also, if your fish have parasites, simply increase the water’s temperature because some parasites die when in warmer water. If your discus are stressed, put some aquarium salt in the tank to reduce their stress.

Overall, a quarantine environment will protect all your fish. Your older fish won’t get sick from the new ones, and your new fish can be treated with the custom care they need.

Blue Panda Discus Quarantine Tank

QUESTIONS

• For how much time will you quarantine your new discus?
• How is it in the best interests of both your older fish and your newer fish that you quarantine your new discus?
• Do you think that it is easy to quarantine your discus?