Discus hobby only for the rich

[giorid]

Hi guys,
Am I wrong to think that keeping discus was/is a rich only aquarist hobby and that only professional/specialist enthusiasts with lots of money to spend should consider discus keeping, cheers.

[Ghoti]

I kinda get the feeling you are fishing here but I'll bite.

the hobby can be as cheap or expensive as you make it. My first fish were $40 per fish. second hand tanks and equipment is cheap too.

Latest model eheim gear is sexy and exxy, but I guarantee your fish will never read the label. No name ebay gear works you just need to monitor it more.

Cheers,
Scott

[ILLUSN]

I'll bite the time cost is way more than the dollar cost all fish need clean water and good quality food. With propper care a $80 discus should last alot longer then 80 $1 neon tetras

[swifto]

i'll bite,well discus are cheaper than kids.lol

[swifto]

Hi guys,
Am I wrong to think that keeping discus was/is a rich only aquarist hobby and that only professional/specialist enthusiasts with lots of money to spend should consider discus keeping, cheers.
If you add up what a person spends on smokes and booze then keeping discus is a lot cheaper,which ever way u look at it ,its a hobby u can spend a lot or not a cent just depends what u wish to get out of it and how your fish look.

[swampy1972]

What's a relaxing moment sitting, watching your tank with a nice wine after the kids are in bed worth??

[Hollowman]

I'll bite....Well after many years keeping discus I am now fishless, my system now gone, just a few tanks at the bottom of the garden that once housed my prized fish.
Being in the UK I am sure we have to endure the worst conditions for keeping fish through the year. It is normally very cold and the cost of heating your water even with the tanks insulated on all sides bar the front the cost was crippling me. Added to that the cost of the water, again very expensive here in the UK, and running 7 large tanks takes it's toll. Food, depending on what you feed can get to be pricey. I went through all the 'make your own' from beef heart, I bought from local shops and specialist suppliers. Keeping lots of fish and breeding takes a lot of food.
Then there are the cuboard full of meds that you accumlute. Running costs of other items like pumps and lighting seperate heaters all add up.

At the end of the day I had to cut costs to make ends meet. I really loved my fish and maybe had I lived in a warmer country with no heating costs and large annual rainfall I could have managed.
Is this a game for the rich??? yes, it is more that way these days where enrgy bills are getting higher and water is a valuable commodity. Can you keep discus on a budget, yes you can, but they still need the time and care that they deserve to be healthy.

Today I have replaced my fish with my beautiful son, there was no competition there, he gives me the pleasure my fish once did and I hope one day we can both share keeping fish again. Discus and fish keeping are in the blood, if my son takes after me, then he will be facinated by fish too.

Steve :wink:

[aquafrogstuff]

I've been keeping discus for 7yrs. I think you can spend minimal money and still keep healthy fish that are a joy to look at. I've seen filters made of plastic crates and tanks with polypipe hosing. Find a friendly discus keeper and you might even score some B grade Jouvies for free. I say go for it, if you need some serious money, you can sell a kidney.

[swampy1972]

Today I have replaced my fish with my beautiful son...
Steve :wink:

Now you'll learn what 'expensive to keep' really means :lol: :P

[swifto]

Yep :lol: :lol: :lol:
I couldn't agree with u more Swampy

[Hollowman]

Hahaha!!!!! :lol: tellin' me :shock: but worth every penny :D