Cichlid Zone - African Cichlids - South American Cichlids: Discus Trouble - Cichlid Zone - African Cichlids - South American Cichlids

I have been trying to keep discus for a while now and have had no luck. I have read a lot about them and thought I had it figured out, but the last time I bought 5 small discus and they all died within 4 days. I kept them in a bare bottom tank, 29 gal. I did 50% partial water change on all 4 days. The water temperature was 83 degrees. The nitrite and nitrate levels were 0. The water in my area is very hard and the pH was over 8.0. I have read that the pH is not really that important and that clean water is the key. The only thing I can come up with is that the pH is too high. I would appreciate anyones input on this and what I might do to be more successful on the next attempt.

you forgot one more thing.
it needs to be in a soft water environment.
fill up the water with distilled water, not just a tap waters.
discuses do not like hard water (meaning water that has minerals)