Finally all was ready!
its time for Discus!
I decided to get my Discus from Mike Wells at "A Discus Dream"
based on his great reputation on the discus internet forums.
I decided to drive out and pick them up in person. (a three hour drive, one-way)
This way they would not have to be mailed, they would get home much quicker, and I could visit the hatchery!

Mike was very cool and showed me all around his hatchery! LOTS of very impressive fish! I probably spent about 90 minutes there! I had already decided I wanted Red Alencers (also sometimes spelled "alenquer") but I was almost swayed by some snakeskins! but in the end I stuick to my original plan and went for the Red's. Personally I like the "wild look" of the Red Alencers..im not that interested in the new solid-color fish..the Red's have the "wild stripes" still prominant, plus just gorgeous coloration when adult..so that was my strain of choice.

I set up a time with Mike to come out, and on Monday April 23, I made the drive out to Cleveland. (took the day off from work to do it too! ;)

Here is a tank of baby red's at Mike's hatchery..my fish are likely
in this shot, (but obviously I cant tell which ones..)
 

Here is the first ever picture of one of my fish!
(yeah I know..*not* a contest-quality shot! I was new with the DC4800)
 
 

Here they are ready to make the drive back to Rochester..
I was considering stopping and letting them have a peek at
Lake Erie, thought they would enjoy it.
but then decided against it..(just kidding..;)
 
 

and here is a portrait of my fish enjoying the sights
along the scenic New York State Thruway!
(actually I think it was route 90 still in Ohio.
I took this while driving at 75mph..dont ask why..)
 
 

And here we are back home.
This is how they traveled, 2 fish per bag.
 
 

First group portrait!..they are in a white bucket being acclimated
to their new tank water. They are about 1.5 inches long.
 

And here they are in the tank! thats the sponge filter they are under!
the sponge itself is across the top, and the base is on the right.
This back corner has been their home-base since day one.
 
 
 

 
 
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