Services

Services

Services

Dr. Martin Ng personal consultation services

  1. Farm Setup:
    • a) Water Tanks (Polyethylene, fiber or Cement):
      • Discuss the pros and cons of using polyethylene versus cement and fiber tanks. Polyethylene tanks are lightweight and easier to clean, while cement tanks are more durable and provide better temperature regulation.
      • Consider the size, shape, and placement of the tanks for optimal water flow and fish health.
    • b) Aquarium and Stand Design (Breeding and Raising):
      • Custom design aquariums that cater to the specific needs of breeding pairs and growing juveniles.
      • Incorporate stands that ensure stability and easy access for maintenance.
    • c) Water Change System or Centralized Filtration System:
      • Design an efficient water change system to maintain water quality, including options for manual or automated systems.
      • Explore centralized filtration systems that serve multiple tanks, focusing on ease of maintenance and cost-effectiveness.
    • d) Aeration System:
      • Discuss the importance of proper aeration for oxygenating the water, especially in densely stocked tanks.
      • Recommend aeration systems that suit the size of the tanks and the needs of the fish.
    • e) Water Parameter Management and Filtration System:
      • Emphasize the importance of maintaining optimal water parameters (pH, hardness, temperature) for Discus health.
      • Recommend filtration systems that effectively remove waste, ammonia, and other toxins while preserving beneficial bacteria.
  2. Discus Food:
    • a) Beef Heart Mixture Recipe and Color-Enhancing Procedures:
      • Provide a detailed recipe for a balanced beef heart mixture that promotes growth and enhances the vibrant colors of Discus fish.
      • Include steps for adding color-enhancing ingredients like paprika or spirulina.
    • b) Beef Heart Mixture Preparation:
      • Offer a step-by-step guide to preparing the beef heart mixture, including tips on grinding, mixing, and freezing for easy feeding.
      • Address common issues like contamination and how to ensure the food is safe for fish.
    • c) Artemia Cysts Hatching and Nauplii Storage:
      • Explain the process of hatching Artemia cysts (brine shrimp) as a live food source for young Discus.
      • Include tips on optimal hatching conditions, storing nauplii, and feeding them to the fry.
  3. Farm Management:
    • a) Brood stock Management and Breeding:
      • Discuss selecting healthy brood stock, ensuring genetic diversity, and creating ideal breeding conditions.
      • Include guidelines for setting up breeding pairs and managing spawning behavior.
    • b) Fry Management and Feeding:
      • Provide protocols for feeding and caring for Discus fry, including frequency, portion sizes, and transitioning from live to prepared foods.
      • Discuss tank setups that minimize stress and maximize survival rates.
    • c) Juvenile Management and Feeding:
      • Detail the care requirements for growing juveniles, focusing on maintaining rapid growth and vibrant coloration.
      • Include information on feeding schedules, dietary adjustments, and tank maintenance.
    • d) Discus Culling and Sizing Protocol:
      • Offer guidelines on managing the natural curling process of Discus, ensuring they grow with proper shape and size.
      • Include tips on preventing stunted growth and deformities.
  4. Discus Breeding:
    • a) Water Parameter Management:
      • Highlight the specific water conditions needed for successful breeding, including pH levels, water hardness, and temperature.
      • Discuss how to adjust and monitor these parameters consistently.
    • b) Breeding Protocols:
      • Outline the steps involved in setting up breeding tanks, encouraging spawning, and caring for eggs and fry.
      • Include advice on managing aggressive behavior and ensuring parental care.
    • c) Discus Variety Identification:
      • Provide a guide to identifying different Discus varieties, such as Pigeon Blood, Blue Diamond, and Red Turquoise.
      • Discuss the characteristics and breeding potential of each variety.
    • d) Inbreeding, Crossbreeding, and Selective Breeding:
      • Explain the risks and benefits of inbreeding, crossbreeding, and selective breeding.
      • Offer strategies for creating new varieties while maintaining genetic health.
  5. Discus Disease Management:
    • a) Routine Pathogen Control Procedures:
      • Outline regular practices for preventing and controlling pathogens, including quarantine procedures, regular tank cleaning, and water testing.
      • Discuss the use of UV sterilizers and other equipment to reduce the risk of disease.
    • b) Medication and Disease Treatment Protocols:
      • Provide a detailed guide to identifying common Discus diseases, such as Ich, Hole-in-the-Head, and fin rot.
      • Include treatment options, recommended medications, and dosages, as well as tips for minimizing stress during treatment.
  6. Marketing:
    • a) Discus Quotation, Selection, and Payment:
      • Offer advice on pricing Discus fish based on variety, size, and quality.
      • Discuss best practices for selecting healthy fish for sale and managing transactions securely.
    • b) Quarantine and Export Protocols:
      • Detail the necessary steps for quarantining Discus before export, ensuring they are disease-free and in good health.
      • Include information on export regulations, documentation, and handling international shipments.
    • c) Packing and Delivery:
      • Provide guidelines for safely packing Discus fish for transport, focusing on minimizing stress and preventing injuries.
      • Discuss different delivery options, including local and international shipping, and how to ensure timely arrival.

Dr. Martin Ng courses and training programs

Topic 1: Discus Fish Varieties Classification
a) Discus Fish Origin & Species
  • Wild Origins: Discuss the natural habitats of Discus fish, primarily the Amazon River basin in South America, and the different species, such as Symphysodon aequifasciatus, Symphysodon heckel, and Symphysodon tarzoo.
b) Discus Fish Mutation
  • Genetic Mutations: Explore the natural and human-induced mutations that have led to the development of various color patterns and body shapes in Discus fish.
  • Impact on Breeding: Discuss how mutations are used in selective breeding to create new varieties.
c) Discus Fish Primary & Secondary Colors
  • Coloration Genetics: Explain the genetic basis of primary colors (e.g., brown, orange, yellow) and how secondary colors or patterns (e.g., turquoise, stripes, spots) develop through breeding.
  • Color Development: Discuss how these colors change or intensify as the fish matures.
d) Discus Fish Characteristics
  • Physical Traits: Describe the physical characteristics of Discus fish, such as body shape, size, fin structure, and scales.
e) Discus Fish Varieties & Trade Names
  • Popular Varieties: Provide an overview of the different Discus fish varieties available, such as Pigeon Blood, Turquoise, Leopard, and Blue Diamond.
  • Trade Names: Discuss the common trade names and how they relate to the fish’s appearance and origin.
Topic 2: Discus Fish Breeding Programs
a) Domesticated Discus Fish Breeding
  • Breeding in Captivity: Explore the methods used to breed Discus fish in aquariums or fish farms, focusing on the challenges and success factors.
  • Care for Breeders: Discuss the special care needed for breeding pairs, including diet and water conditions.
b) Cross Breeding
  • Purpose of Cross Breeding: Explain why breeders cross different Discus varieties, such as to create new color patterns or enhance certain traits.
  • Outcomes and Risks: Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks, including the risk of losing desirable traits.
c) Inbreeding
  • Inbreeding Techniques: Describe the controlled inbreeding practices used to stabilize certain traits within a strain.
  • Genetic Health: Address the risks of inbreeding, such as reduced genetic diversity and potential health issues.
d) Selective Breeding
  • Selection Criteria: Explain how breeders choose specific Discus fish for breeding based on traits like color, size, and shape.
  • Breeding Goals: Discuss the objectives of selective breeding, such as improving appearance, health, or hardiness.
e) Line Breeding
  • Methodology: Explore the concept of line breeding, where breeders mate closely related Discus to reinforce specific traits.
  • Pros and Cons: Discuss the advantages of consistency in traits and the potential for genetic issues.
Topic 3: Discus Fish Care, Diet, Diseases & Treatments

a) Discus Fish Water Parameters & Farm Management

  • Optimal Water Conditions: Detail the ideal water parameters for Discus fish, including pH, temperature, and hardness.
  • Aquarium Management: Provide tips on maintaining a healthy environment, including filtration, water changes, and tank setup.
  • Farm Management: Discuss large-scale management practices for breeding and raising Discus fish.
b) Discus Fish Diet
  • Nutritional Needs: Explain the dietary requirements of Discus fish, including protein-rich foods, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Feeding Practices: Discuss feeding frequency, portion sizes, and the types of food suitable for Discus, such as live food, frozen food, and high-quality pellets.
c) Discus Fish Common Diseases & Treatments
  • Common Diseases: Identify diseases that frequently affect Discus fish, such as Hexamita, fin rot, and gill flukes.
  • Symptoms and Diagnosis: Provide information on how to recognize symptoms and diagnose diseases.
  • Treatment Options: Discuss available treatments, including medications like antibiotics and antiparasitic drugs, as well as preventive care.
For general questions, services & information, or any non-specific inquiries, please reach out to us.

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