Hi all, I plan on raising discuss, but I am unsure on what I really need to properly raised them. I'm looking for the cost of equipment to be around 200 bucks.

Currently:

-30 gal tank


Plans:

-Power-Filter

-Discuss ph-buffer

-Amazon Black Water

-heater

-stress coat

-freshwater salt

-live plants

I've heard some people talking about needing an RO unit to raise them or a wet/dry filter???

clean water

It really depends where you get your fish. I used to have tanks full of discus and never used RO water. Everything was straight tab, and they are just fine. Where are you located?

you dont need any of those things that u listed.

you do however need a bigger tank if you plan on keeping more than 3.

you need in this order

1. TIME. lots and lots of time
2. Clean water, lots of this too.

HTH

as long as you keep the water clean and do a lot of water change, you should be okay.

Discus are picky. You need clean water and a lot of efforts

What kind of effort? lol
Discus love really warm - hot water for one thing and moderate to low flow but well oxygenated since increase heat means less oxygen in water.

Try not to get a filter or powerhead that will create a strong current in the tank. Also try to keep your ph no higher that 6.8. Constant 10% water changes are necessary to keep the water clean and bacteria levels low. Id say check your ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and PH levels weekly for best results. If you get small discus avoid putting angel fish in the tank as they will fight and damage your discus. Tetras are usually the best thing to have in your discus tank. Also when getting discus avoid those with black spots on their face they low quality and usually dont last in my experience. Best of Luck!!!