Discus Fish Costs in 2023: Your Purchase and Equipment Guide - AZ Animals
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Bright colors? Check. Unique looks? Check. Fun to watch? Absolutely. Discus fish check all the boxes for popular freshwater tropical aquariums. So, it's no wonder they're so popular among hobbyists. But why are these beauties so ridiculously expensive? And are discus fish costs so high?
Let's take a look and which discus fish you might be able to afford and how much they'll cost over a lifetime before you invest time, money, and effort.
Factors That Affect Discus Fish Prices
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Many types of discus fish exist, which is partially why discus fish costs vary so greatly.
Additionally, some factors that impact their prices include:
- The care they require. Certain discus need more specific parameters than others, raising the costs. They all need higher water temperatures than most other species as well, which means heating bills are higher for these fish.
- Demand for a given discus fish variety determines their costs, as well.
- Breeding brands, or name brands, if you will, determine discus fish costs, just like anything else.
- Shipping costs for discus may be quite high. If you're able to find a local breeder or pet store, you'll save money.
- Variety may impact price, but so does coloration within those varieties. Some colors of discus fish are just more popular than others, and therefore cost more.
- Wild versus domestic discus vary in price.
- Size and age of your discus fish will also impact their price. Purchasing younger, smaller fish is less costly, but they take a while to grow, so many folks prefer to buy established fish instead.
Where to Buy Discus Fish
Two main avenues for acquiring discus fish exist: pet stores and online retailers.
Local Pet Stores
Ideally, you'll find your choice discus fish at the local pet shop. This reduces shipping costs and other fees. However, it does mean you're stuck with whatever discus types they have in stock. On the positive side, you can visually assess how the fish are taken care of in the store and how healthy the discus appear.
Online Retailers
The big downside to shopping online lands in the poor-quality health department. It's much harder to vet healthy fish through online websites than it is in person. Shipping costs only jack up prices, as well, so many favor in-person only purchases.
Price Range for Discus Fish
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The size, color, variety, rarity, genetic variations, and other factors that make a given discus fish distinct from others all play into discus fish prices. A generic picture could show discus fish costing anywhere between $18 and $150 dollars. However, you'll see a lot of other, much pricier discus out there, ranging as high as $450 a piece.
Tank Size Requirements and Costs
A big expense for discus fish is the fish tank. These fish cannot live alone, so you need at least two discus. More fish are ideal, up to 10 in a single school. This means that discus fish tanks are pretty big. The minimum tank size for discus is 55 gallons. Each fish additional fish needs another 7 to 10 gallons. So, if you've got a school of 10 discus, you need a tank at least 100 gallons in size.
Quality fish tanks in the 75-gallon range typically run between $200 and $600. 100-gallon tanks usually run between $400 to $1300.
Discus Fish Tank Equipment
Temperature Requirements = Thermometer and Heater
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Being tropical freshwater fish, discus fish need warm water maintained in their tanks. These fish prefer temperatures between 84- and 86-degrees F, meaning they require a thermostat and heater in their tanks.
Fish tank thermometers run between $4 for testing and $40 for permanent installation types.
Fish tank heaters generally run around $50.
Water Filtration
Any fish tank requires quality filtration to keep fish healthy. This means you'll need a decent system that keeps the water pure and chemically clean. Larger tanks require more intensive filtration systems. These may run between $100 and $400.
Air Stones
To help aeration, air stones are recommended. These run anywhere between $5 and $65, though most likely you can go with the mid-range air stones.
Aquatic Plants
Discus fish naturally live in rivers, streams, and lakes. This means they instinctually do better in environments with aquatic plants. Real plants are best, as they help naturally filter the water and absorb elements like nitrates and ammonia, which can harm fish.
You'll find good quality aquatic plants for your discus tank at both pet stores and online. These plants will probably cost you between $35 and $100 for a collection suited to your tank.
Lighting
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These vividly colored fish do best in low lighting. So, that means that your plants and discus fish may have some conflicts. However, when you choose the right plants, they'll go great and help keep the fish tank darker for your discus.
Use LED lighting with natural simulations for the best results. These typically run between $100 and $250 for quality manufacturing.
Water Parameters = Testing and Monitoring Kits
To help maintain your fishes' health, you'll need testing and monitoring kits. These check for nitrate and ammonia levels. They also check pH and hardness levels. These all impact your fishes' well-being.
Discus fish prefer soft, acidic water, with a pH level of 7 or below and gH from 1 to 3.
For the best price, look for a multi-parameter kit. These usually run between $37 and $100 and last for a good while.
Driftwood
Driftwood frequently finds its way into the fish tank. These decorations help lower pH levels in the tank and reduce hardness of water. However, they do release tannins when not properly treated. Use an online tutorial to learn how to clean this decoration before inserting it. Pieces range anywhere from $7 to $100.
Substrate
Your aquarium also needs substrate, that is nutrient rich sand for your aquatic plants. These run between $17 and $44.
Discus Fish Food Costs
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Unfortunately, your discus fish might be a picky eater. Many folks try out a variety of discus fish food options before they find the right one. Initially, this will cost a bit more, unless you land on the right choice right away. However, once you've found the right food, discus fish eat about $25 to $40 in food per month or less.
Fish Tank Compatibility
Discus fish do well with other fish species, as long as they're not aggressive and big enough to survive living with the munchy discus. The type of discus will determine which species are best suited as tank mates, but generally speaking, these do well.
- Neon tetra
- Clown loach
- Gourami
- Pencil fish
- Loaches
- Corydora catfish
- Harlequin rasbora
Total Costs for Bringing Home Your Discus Fish
Total, to bring home a pair of discus fish, you're looking at the following costs.
- Aquarium — $200 to $1,300
- Heater — $50
- Thermometer — $4 to $40
- Water filter — $100 to $400
- Air stone(s) — $5 to $65
- Aquatic plants — $35 to $100
- Lights — $100 to $250
- Testing kits — $37 to $100
- Driftwood — $7 to $100
- Substrate — $17 to $44
- Fish food — $25 to $40
Tack on the discus fish costs for your pair (or school), and you've got your total for initial costs.
Monthly Tank Maintenance Costs
Most 75-gallon fish tanks require supplies each month that total about $25 on average. These supplies include testing, filtration, and other supplies, averaged over a year.
Resources for Your Discus Fish Setup and Care
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As you keep these exquisite, but expensive fish at home, you may need some help. The following resources include forums where you can discuss concerns and ask questions. You'll also articles from experts on care and more.
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