NO MORE DISCUS

[chebert22]

Ok, so I got a reply to my PM to Catherine, and I saw one of her other posts. I am not advanced enough to be going 50% water changes every 2 days, so I am thinking that Discus aren't for me right now.

I like the bright color variety in Discus, and I like their odd shape. What other kind of freshwater fish is there that are just as asthetically pleasing?

[poel_19]

not nearly as big are Killies, Rainbows, and TONS of Cichlids..... depending on species, they range from "super easy" to "argh"!!

[chebert22]

OOOOH.... I am liking the Cynotilapia Afra, or the Afra Cobarue or whatever they are... the blue ones.

[fishyjoe24]

neon drawff groumi(Spelling?)

[AndrewH]

Yeah, I have a couple of dwarf gouramis myself and would highly recommend them for anyone that isn't too confident in their keeping skills just yet.

There are tons of colorful freshwater fish out there, but to repeat poel_19 it's definitely a range from noob to expert.

What would you say you're skill level is?

[chebert22]

advanced beginner. I understand the stuff about pH levels somewhat, and know a few other things. Beyond that, i'm out.... and I dont plan on attending a chemistry class, so if the breed of fish requires that I have my chemistry certification, i'm out....

[FishGurl721]

In my opinion I think keeping fish is as hard as you make it. Just follow the basic rules of fishkeeping and you can keep anything happy and healthy.
1. Water changes are really important. I know people who do 50% water changes every day but I think once a week is suffiecant for me. Just treat the water to the parameters of the kind of fish you're keeping and if you run into any snags we're all here to help ya. :)
2. Of course water chemistry if very important also. Keeping an angel whos used to a neutral pH in water with a 8.8 pH is proabably gonna kill him. Know what your fish needs and then try to give it to them as best as possible. Theres also water hardness and your basic nitrates, nitrites and ammonia. Just remember Nitrites VERY BAD, Nitrates only bad in very large amounts, and ammonia just plain bad. You'll see all of these in a new tank.
3. THe most important thing is to have patience and try not to rush your tank during its cycling stage because its the most important. You'll have nitrites, nitrates, and ammonia till your tank has balanced itself out. Give it time, then its somewhat downhill from there. Theres always problems that arise but dont be afraid to ask questions and you'll soon have a beautiful healthy tank! Good luck!

P.S
This is just my opinion, so if i've mistated anything please let me know :)

[AndrewH]

I didn't see any thing outta order, and in fact I think you put it very well. Good job!!!

Fish keeping does require a little water, fish, and chemistry knowledge, but it's nothing too advanced. Some fish are a little more demanding than others (so I'm told/or read), but as long as you have the minimal amount of time to make sure they're taken care of you'll have a blast and a beautiful tank (not to mension happy pets).

It's kinna like taking care of any other pet. Dog for an example... you have to feed 'em, but you also have to know what not to feed 'em. You have to take care of their potty needs, or your house will be covered in it. Etc, etc...