Breeding the heckel discus

1. 1
   Breeding tank: 250 L · about 120 × 40 × 50 cm, 250 L from the breeding guide
2. 2
   Sponge filter and air pump · named in the guide
3. 3
   Heater, 26–30 °C · this species' normal range
4. 4
   Slate or flat stone · named in the guide
5. 5
   Lid · from the guide

Water: 26–30 °C · pH 4.2–6.2

A plan from the breeding guide and an adult size of 20 cm. Tank shape is a standard 2 : 1 : 1.2 box, at least 6 adult lengths long. Check each step in the guide above.

1. 1
   1 breeding tank, 250 L · about 120 × 40 × 50 cm, set up like the home tank
2. 2
   2 grow-out tanks, 500 L each · about 120 × 60 × 70 cm; twice the breeding tank, never smaller than this species' smallest tank
3. 3
   Shared air pump and air line · one line along each shelf feeds a sponge filter in every tank
4. 4
   Heat the room or each tank · 26–30 °C

In total: 3 tanks, about 1,250 L of water. A litre of water weighs about 1 kg, so check that the floor and rack can take the weight.

Sizes are worked out from the breeding tank in the guide. Tanks fit a standard 120 cm rack when they can; bigger tanks go on their own stands.