Hi all,
July 30th marked the 1 year anniversary of my discovery of Simply. I've been thinking about all the time I've spent here and what I've learned and I thought I'd jot a few things down...
I've learned :
...this hobby requires more than just a tank and some fish. It requires patience, understanding and dedication, even through the tough times, which are bound to happen to almost everyone at some point in time.
...discus come in more than the old "blue-faced browns".
...I now know what a PB is, as well as a RD, BD, VR, SS, RSS, BSS, BP, RP, BC, RSG, GD, OG, GM, RT, BT, as wells as Ph, Kh, Ms, TDS etc... ;D
...there are a wide variety of illnesses out there that can be avoided simply by understanding the nature of the hobby and the fish.
...treatment for hex is a little more than just dumping a medicine in the tank that says it cures hex.
...hex can be caused by many things, including stress, water conditions, food, shipping, bullying and even the wrong location in the house.
...different internal problems are treated by different meds. Ex: A med for hex may not treat for tapeworm, however a med for tapeworm can also treat for flukes.
...just because your fish get sick does not necessarily mean it's your fault. Many things can factor in such as food, water and the fish itself.
...if someone asks advise for an illness in their tanks, don't give technical advise unless you're positive of the advise you have to offer. The wrong meds can do more harm than good. Always feel free to prescribe salt though
...salt is miracle cure for a lot of ailments.
...this hobby is not cheap, but then again what hobby is?
...most questions can be anwsered immediatly by using the "search" button at the top of the page,
BUT there are many experienced people here that are more than willing to lend a helping hand and answer your questions. Take advantage of their generosity!
...there are several people that live near me that have actually heard of discus, including one who has both the honor and inconvenience of being half a world away putting his life on the line for many months now. Many wishes for a safe return, my friend!!! If there's anything you or your family needs while you're away, I hope you know all you need to do is say so!
...there are a lot of people in this hobby that I hope to meet face to face someday. I can almost say for certain that if I'm traveling just about anywhere (even overseas) then there is someone who will offer me a place to stay. The same goes for anyone visiting my area!
...discus can be shipped through the mail ???
...always research who you plan on buying from. There are great people out there selling discus, as well as many who only want the sale. Be picky!!!
...don't expect your discus to look exactly like the one on the web-site.
...there are many diseases that can come with discus; some can be transmitted to people. Again, research your breeder!
...
always QT your new arrivals, no matter who they come from!
...don't mess with the water too much. Discus can thrive in most water conditions.
The best Ph is a stable Ph.
...don't let your stupid friends dump their drink in your tank. Discus only drink water! >
...breeding discus is totally different than raising discus.
...food and water quality are the most important factors in raising a large and healthy discus. Clean water and a varied diet = happy and healthy fish.
...flukes can be an irritation to adult discus, but are deadly to fry and they exist in almost every discus tank and are virtually impossible to irradicate
...discus are almost a good as puppies when it comes to impressing dates ;D
Oh well. I guess my learning of this hobby is the best way I can say thanks to Simply and it's members, expecially the moderators and owners who make it all happen!
Brian