How long do discus live
Well-kept discus live 10–15 years. They are fragile to poor water: ammonia and nitrite are instantly toxic, and nitrate above ~20 ppm causes stunting and disease. The leading causes of early death are unstable parameters, temperature swings, and parasitic flagellates (internal "discus plague"). Routine and clean water are everything.
Water: warm, soft, clean, constant
Target 82–88°F (28–31°C), pH 5.5–7.0, very low hardness, and nitrate under 20 ppm via large frequent water changes (often 50%+ daily in breeding setups, 30–50% several times a week for display). Use a quality heater and reliable filter; a temperature drop of a few degrees can trigger illness. Dechlorinate all replacement water.
Tank, group, and tank mates
A 55-gal (210 L) tank is a minimum for a group of 6 adults; bigger is better. Soft substrate, driftwood, and broad plants mimic the Amazon. Avoid boisterous or fin-nipping tank mates — discus are slow and peaceful. Keep with calm companions (small tetras, corydoras) or species-only. High flow stresses them; gentle filtration preferred.
Feeding the fussy king
Discus need high-protein, varied food: quality granules, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and beefheart (in well-filtered tanks). Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily and remove leftovers — they are messy and overfeeding wrecks water. Picky juveniles must eat; a refused meal for days signals parasites. Quarantine and treat early; discus hidden illness spreads fast.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Keeping one discus alone — they are schooling and pine solo.
- Skipping daily water changes — nitrate kills slowly.
- Cold or hard water — they waste and sicken.
- Rough tank mates that stress slow, peaceful discus.