Store has good looking discus

[jpm995]

Stopped by a really good pet shop [Blue Planet Aquarium] in Bay Shore, NY and they had a ton of nice small-medium discus. I was thinking of ordering some small discus from Hans but these are priced right, look good and i can avoid shipping costs and hassle. Their bigger than i wanted so i'm undecided. Would like the experts opinion on these.
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[jeep]

They appear better than the average pet store discus but I would take a close look not only at the discus but also the rest of the tanks. Are they on a central filtration system? Are there any sick or dying fish in the other tanks?

What's the price?

[Iminit]

Jim this ain’t the place on sunrise hwy? Caribbean blue?

[jpm995]

Yes that's it, i got the name wrong, don't think the names on the store. An Asian girl seems to run the store and is very knowledgeable. To Jeeps questions i think they were all $45. The tank looks like @ 125 gal don't recall the filtration. I don't remember seeing it a few weeks ago so i think it's new [discus not tank].

[Iminit]

They’ve got a terrible rep on discus. But… being yes that tank is new. So those fish are new. Now would be the time to buy. Only for those reasons. Plus these are going in your man cave pond? If so price is right. Got to say I hate that place. They never had just a discus tank they always had them with all sorts of strange fish or dwarf frogs. But again at that price and being there new they may work for you.

[jpm995]

Thanks for the advice. I like the place, many fish you don't see anywhere else. I got a couple of Bronze Laser Cory cats there, rarely ever see them. Yes these will be for my Greenhouse pond. I wasn't planning on getting anything this soon but i hate to miss this. Edit to add they had really big Cardinals for $2.99 that's really cheap.

[Iminit]

I’ve got to get dog food at pets warehouse so I’ll take the ride over there and take a look.

[brewmaster15]

I think like Brian here.. better than expected for a LFS but I caution you. These discus have an " old" look to them for their size. If you buy them they may not grow much.

Also..138297

Theres at least one case of fin rot or heavy dorsal fin trimming. This is often done if there is fin rot or if the fish has scar tissue from previous health issues. There are also a few others there that have had their dorsal fins trimmed... again this done when either disease or malnutrition has caused deformities.

[Charlyc11]

I was going to stop there last weekend when I went to visit my daughter but ran out of time and headed to the North shore to visit my nephew on the way back. To bad I could at least seen them not that I would have bought any but I like to look around.

[Iminit]

Al as said they are the standard pet store discus. I’m surprised they even have that many in a tank. They don’t sell discus. Discus just sit in their tanks and die. Amanda bought some from them when she first started and they were a major problem. All sick! But they all came out of different tanks with all different fish in the tanks. For a beginner these would be good starters. Being there in a tank alone. And this is for his pond. One thing Jim I would start Them in a tank and feed and grow them some before you put in the pond. Water change daily and get them as healthy as you can.
Chuck you’re lucky you didn’t stop there. You may have bought some :). I would never want them in my house with other discus. If I go there I’ll keep my hands in my pockets :). How are the ottos doing?? Yes that place always has some odd fish.

[jeep]

Looking back at picture #1, that tank appears to be on a central system, although I could be wrong. The reason I ask this is because the discus do look new to this environment, although it's hard to be sure based upon a photograph. If they are new it could be why they look so much better than the average pet store discus. But, if they are on a central system if any other fish on that system has an underlying issue then every other fish on that system has the issue, If those are new the issue may not have had time to take hold. Also, many central systems have a constant supply of mild antibiotics being fed pumped in that may hide an issue such as bacteria. Take the fish home and the antibiotic is no longer present, then fish's immune system becomes compromised and you are stuck with a tank full of sick fish and risk it spreading.

This is a worst case scenario but I've heard it happen more than once, which is why I would do a little more investigating before making a purchase.

That being said, many of them are pretty nice and the price can't be beat as long as you know what to look for and they are healthy.

[Charlyc11]

The Ottos all died after a few weeks after removed from QT.

[Iminit]

Well Jim I had to head out east to mil house so I stopped by. I hit a few places. Those were the best looking. Being there in the salt water section in an old salt water tank I’d have to say it’s on an independent system. Took some pics. Didn’t see any sick ones. As stated already some had some fin work done and some are beaky. But there were some nice ones138307 this white one. Here’s some others I thought were good138308138309little beaky but nice colors 138310liked the pattern on this one. This guy must have been a red cover. 138311still not bad looking.thing is I’d get them soon. As you look at their other tanks you can see some earlier discus and they don’t look that good! Have fun :).

[brewmaster15]

I'd take a hard pass.

Al

[Willie]

I think like Brian here.. better than expected for a LFS but I caution you. These discus have an "old" look to them for their size. If you buy them they may not grow much...

Al is trying to say (nicely) that they look stunted. I concur. If you're new to discus, they're good beginner fish.

[Second Hand Pat]

Yup, note the size of the eye in relation to the body. Juvie discus should have small eyes so dead giveaway. I also would suggest taking a pass.
Pat

[jpm995]

I really liked the one in your 3rd pic [Blue Turquoise?]. As this is kind of an experiment for me [i really don't know how discus will 'show' in a pond] i think i'll go for this. They looked about 3" to me, what do you think? Funny they all seemed the same size.

[jpm995]

Just want to thank everyone for their honest advice. Not happy that they may be 'stunted' but appreciate knowing the truth. This forum is great. The knowledge level here of these fish is amazing. Still not sure what i'll do [had 5 teeth pulled today and feel lousy] will decide by Monday.

[Iminit]

Yes they were all about 3-3.5. The price is right. PW had ones half the size and they’d been there for months for the same price. CC had the same discus since Oct. the last time I was there. And they were priced in the 60s138327. The group at blue are new to the store so the sooner bought the less chance of problems. I’m sure you could pick at least 6 decent looking ones out of that group. Don’t think you need to hurry other than to get them out of the store. Where that tank is nobody will find it. Here’s a video
http://youtu.be/NhUPBWEmogQ?si=WGeLqYM6S-FQi7yp

[brewmaster15]

Jim what is it about Discus that interests you? What do you hope to get from your purchase? Will you be happy if these don't grow much or at all? Are you willing to empty your wallet for medications latter?

Theres a reason this tank of 3.5 " discus is $45 each. On the surface it looks a steal... these discus are like those cheap used cars in bargain lots. They sure are cheap and a steal... drive them off the lot and they break down fast... how cheap are they then?

These discus are seconds.. there whats left after the good ones are sold by breeders.. They are jammed into tanks overseases, given inadequate food and water for good growth.. then wholesaled off to petshops and wholesalers cheap. If a petshop is selling discus this size at this price they were bought dirt cheap... Good discus are not dirt cheap.

I hate seeing a hobbyist lured by cheap fish waste good money and have a rocky disappointing entry into the hobby.. sooner or latter these discus will have health issues or not grow.

SORRY but buying these fish would be a mistake .Just because they are 3-3.5 inches doesnt mean they are young..it just means they are small.

I would look elsewhere.

Al

[Iminit]

Al I’m with you 100%. Nothing great there. Really hard to find any good discus in a pet store. But from his other thread these guys will be going into a pond he’s built on an enclosed deck. So my guess is at first it’s going to be a project. In hopes of running this pond through the winter. So you really don’t want to throw much money at it yet. And these discus are the best looking ones around and the store just got them. Yes it’s a mixed bag of leftovers they got a deal on. Think they got them direct from Asia and they didn’t hit a wholesaler. I know of 2 other shops that do this. They’re both hit or miss. I do believe the Asian breeders are breeding so many now that they are selling wherever they can.

[brewmaster15]

Al I’m with you 100%. Nothing great there. Really hard to find any good discus in a pet store. But from his other thread these guys will be going into a pond he’s built on an enclosed deck. So my guess is at first it’s going to be a project. In hopes of running this pond through the winter. So you really don’t want to throw much money at it yet. And these discus are the best looking ones around and the store just got them. Yes it’s a mixed bag of leftovers they got a deal on. Think they got them direct from Asia and they didn’t hit a wholesaler. I know of 2 other shops that do this. They’re both hit or miss. I do believe the Asian breeders are breeding so many now that they are selling wherever they can.

I understand that Tom but Jim asked for opinions

I was thinking of ordering some small discus from Hans but these are priced right, look good and i can avoid shipping costs and hassle. Their bigger than i wanted so i'm undecided. Would like the experts opinion on these. .. To me that implied he was interested in quality. He was considering between these at the petshop and a dedicated discus seller like Hans. The truth is those fish are just not good Discus at any price.

This also goes beyound just Jim. Novice Members and guests will be viewing this thread from now until the forum dies of old age. The info in it maybe used in their purchase decisions.

These fish are not young discus. Stunted/runted discus have a look to them. The eyes...the shape... the colors...their thickness.. They have not been raised well. They probably are loaded with parasites.

[brewmaster15]

Just want to thank everyone for their honest advice. Not happy that they may be 'stunted' but appreciate knowing the truth. This forum is great. The knowledge level here of these fish is amazing. Still not sure what i'll do [had 5 teeth pulled today and feel lousy] will decide by Monday.

Ouch! Hope you feel better soon. Hate having teeth pulled!

Al

[jpm995]

Jim what is it about Discus that interests you? What do you hope to get from your purchase? Will you be happy if these don't grow much or at all? Are you willing to empty your wallet for medications latter?

Theres a reason this tank of 3.5 " discus is $45 each. On the surface it looks a steal... these discus are like those cheap used cars in bargain lots. They sure are cheap and a steal... drive them off the lot and they break down fast... how cheap are they then?

These discus are seconds.. there whats left after the good ones are sold by breeders.. They are jammed into tanks overseases, given inadequate food and water for good growth.. then wholesaled off to petshops and wholesalers cheap. If a petshop is selling discus this size at this price they were bought dirt cheap... Good discus are not dirt cheap.

I hate seeing a hobbyist lured by cheap fish waste good money and have a rocky disappointing entry into the hobby.. sooner or latter these discus will have health issues or not grow.

SORRY but buying these fish would be a mistake .Just because they are 3-3.5 inches doesnt mean they are young..it just means they are small.

I would look elsewhere.

Al
In truth if they stay healthy i would be happy. Sure i'd like them to grow huge but they're a good size already. I've always loved discus and have kept them over the years. Always kept them in single discus tanks. I have a 55 gal with a beautiful discus that's about 6". I got him from a store that was moving for $14. he was small, about 50 cent size [Pet Wearhouse]. I'm hoping that discus will show well in a pond. Looking down at most fish you can't see their colors. With their size, shape and amazing colors i'm hoping they stand out. So far the glo danios and golden white clouds look pretty good. Cardinals show the blue stripe clearly but the red is hard to see. I think i've stated this before my goal isn't to have a discus pond but a pond with discus.

[jpm995]

I feel like i'm losing my mind. Went back today the fish all looked smaller. The ones i liked were gone. Should have walked out but i decided to pick one [Blue Turquoise]. I was surprised he put in food flakes and they went wild even attacking his hand. I've never seen discus go for flakes like that. I want to see if the pond is a good setting for the discus. I took pics of tank and my discus, don't these look smaller than yesterdays pic? Measured my guy he just under 3".138339138340138341

[brewmaster15]

I feel like i'm losing my mind. Went back today the fish all looked smaller. The ones i liked were gone. Should have walked out but i decided to pick one [Blue Turquoise]. I was surprised he put in food flakes and they went wild even attacking his hand. I've never seen discus go for flakes like that. I want to see if the pond is a good setting for the discus. I took pics of tank and my discus, don't these look smaller than yesterdays pic? Measured my guy he just under 3".138339138340138341

When you have discus packed in such numbers they will eat anything... its pack mentality... safety in numbers and limited food.

Good luck with your purchase. I hope you Qt it before it goes in the pond.

[jpm995]

No i didn't. I have a 10-gal quarantine tank but he seemed too big for it. So right in the pond he went. It's a pretty new setup with only small fish [cories, cardinals, tetras, danios and white clouds. I didn't see him yesterday, the water hyacinths and floating plants are spreading so fast a large part of pond is covered. He did come into the open a a little bit today looks pretty good.

[gunnerschh2]

Been there,but will not go back. Stay away!!!

[jpm995]

Been there,but will not go back. Stay away!!!

What was the issue with them? Is it only discus? They do have a good selection of fish.

[gunnerschh2]

Attitude, don't question a problem you see. Never bought discus but upkeep of the tanks is poor.

[jpm995]

Thanks for the feedback. I delt with an Asian lady who seems very nice. She even remembered i had a pond/Greenhouse and we talk about plants [she seems very knowledgeable about them]. It does seem a bit 'dingy' and disorganized but they cram a lot of stuff in that store. Edit to add i think she's the owner but don't know for sure.

[jpm995]

Well bad news today. The discus died, found him behind a rock searching for him. Not sure of the cause, had a heater malfunction and water temp went to 65 degrees [my estimate]. All my cardinals survived and their my bell weather for getting discus. Want to thank everybody for their advice as usual you guys were spot on. Redoing the heaters in the pond, had 3 300-watt heaters replaced one with a Hygger 500 watt. Really impressed with this unit. Super heavy, thick 3 prong grounded outlet, one touch control 5' cord from heater to remote another 5' cord to outlet. Digital temp and status on remote unit. A bit pricey at $66 but seems worth it. He was missing for a few days but i thought he was hiding. The water hyacinth, duckweed and frogbit spread so fast over half the pond surface was covered.

[Iminit]

Did the hygger fail? Or is that the new one?

[jpm995]

No the Hygger replaced a 300watt one that seemed to be intermittent. I want to get another one to replace the other 2 300watt ones. Want to get the 800watt one. Not sure how cold it will get in the GH if it gets to zero or below at night.

[brewmaster15]

No the Hygger replaced a 300watt one that seemed to be intermittent. I want to get another one to replace the other 2 300watt ones. Want to get the 800watt one. Not sure how cold it will get in the GH if it gets to zero or below at night.
You might want to make a pvc frame and cover it with plastic.. I have a similar pond and used to do that for rearing critters in the pond in cold weather.. you can easily remove it when you want.

Something like this...

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https://koiphen.com/forums/showthread.php?142023-winter-cover-up&styleid=3

Al

[jpm995]

Since i feed the fish everyday that wouldn't work well for me. But maybe a much smaller one that i could put on at night and remove in the morning would work well. The hardest part is conforming it to the ponds freeform shape.

[Iminit]

Had the pleasure of seeing Jim’s setup over the weekend. This is his pond and glass house138611. 138612138613138614. Very nice setup. It was a cool wet day but the greenhouse was warm. Heated with an hvac system. Not what I expected. Pond was clear to the bottom and you could see all the fish in it. I do believe he could get discus to live in it. Jim’s also got a very nice looking 6” discus in a 55g tank at a temp of 77-79. Been in there for around 7yrs. And it started at about a quarter size. 138615138616. I guess these fish can survive in different settings.

[jpm995]

I love that discus. Can't take credit for his looks i've done everything wrong but he's thrived. I'm getting the temps stabilized in the pond and i'll try discus again at some point. Again thanks Tom for the kind words [and the bushy nose plecos].

[brewmaster15]

Jim thats a real nice collection of plants... have you ever tried Nepenthes in the greenhouse and staghorn ferns? Seems they would do well there.

Also..ever been to Logees? Its a few hours from you.. north east corner of CT (Danielson). https://www.logees.com/ I can't recommend it enough. Dangerous place though.

[jpm995]

It's so funny that you should say that. My wife is a gambler and we go to Foxwoods Casino in Conn. almost once a month [we get free hotel room for 4 days every week of the year]. Have been going to Logee's for 25 years. Bums me out that they close mon and tues that's the days i'm usually there. I've been waiting for the pond to be finished but i intend to have some pitcher plants [maybe hanging basket over pond?]. The bad part is i'm almost out of room already. Edit to add Logees is only a half hour from Foxwoods, but the wife is embarrassed by my dragging plants through the Hotel Lobby and Casino.

[brewmaster15]

It's so funny that you should say that. My wife is a gambler and we go to Foxwoods Casino in Conn. almost once a month [we get free hotel room for 4 days every week of the year]. Have been going to Logee's for 25 years. Bums me out that they close mon and tues that's the days i'm usually there. I've been waiting for the pond to be finished but i intend to have some pitcher plants [maybe hanging basket over pond?]. The bad part is i'm almost out of room already. Edit to add Logees is only a half hour from Foxwoods, but the wife is embarrassed by my dragging plants through the Hotel Lobby and Casino.
Nepenthes would be great over the pond..

Logees has been a go to for me for about 30 years .. since botany in college. Love that place.

Too bad you dont have room for a pondarosa lemon :) but I bet some of their jasmine would work. It should be in flower soon there.

[jpm995]

I would like to squeeze some fruit tree in the GH. I have a Budda's Hand lemon or lime for about 10 years but it's never really grown. It started a fruit at some point but dropped off before growing. Leaves come and go but it's hanging in. I should repot it. I was thinking a small Passon Flower, there supposed to have tasty fruit. Wife hates the place, sits in the car and phones me every 10 minutes, 'hurry up you've been in there for an hour'.

[brewmaster15]

I would like to squeeze some fruit tree in the GH. I have a Budda's Hand lemon or lime for about 10 years but it's never really grown. It started a fruit at some point but dropped off before growing. Leaves come and go but it's hanging in. I should repot it. I was thinking a small Passon Flower, there supposed to have tasty fruit. Wife hates the place, sits in the car and phones me every 10 minutes, 'hurry up you've been in there for an hour'.

Lol.. I have bought many passion flowers there.. Have two right now . I put them out in the summer and bring them in for the winter. I got fruit this year on one.. tasty. Even have some seeds sprouting from it. Some of the varieties are pretty flowers but not so great fruit so be sure to ask them ... they usually have several varieties at a time.

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[jpm995]

I still receive their printed catalog every few months i have to look if they have descriptions of them. Like one that stays small. I think some are winter hardy, though may require mulch.

[jpm995]

We have a great nursery with many indoor plants, tons of succulents, Alocasias, Calatheas. I picked up some today.

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[jpm995]

Sorry wrong label. It's Nepenthes St. Gaya
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[brewmaster15]

Nice Pitcher plant! :)

[gunnerschh2]

Hey Al thanks for making me ck. there site & spend money i did not want to spend!!! Logees had some nice chicks & hens to add to add to my collection of easy care plants for an 82 yr old. I'M not looking again. Love you!!!!!!!!!!!! Harry

[brewmaster15]

Hey Al thanks for making me ck. there site & spend money i did not want to spend!!! Logees had some nice chicks & hens to add to add to my collection of easy care plants for an 82 yr old. I'M not looking again. Love you!!!!!!!!!!!! Harry
Lol Harry! Glad to help ! :)