120 gallon discus start

[Kimosobey]

Recently purchased a 120 gallon to start. I hope to get this tank ready for fish by the end of next month or sooner.

I have a ton of questions to ask and hope to get a lot of feedback!

1. My tank and stand do no match, would love to get them painted flat black. But i'm not a 100% sure how to do the rim of the tank and what kind of paint to use on that type of wood. The stand should be easy enough, just wondering how easy or how hard it would be to paint the rim of the tank.

2. Opinions on filtration! I plan to do a basic tank. Barebottom with a large piece of driftwood. Maybe down the line some plants when i learn more about plants and discus. What do you guys think about a large sponge filter (or two) and a large canister filter rated for 150+ gallon tanks? I have HOB 350gph but they are so noisy and hope i can avoid using one. The goal is to have a nice sump set up down the line. It's almost between a XP LG (450gph) or a trusty ehiem classic (which only says up to 93 gallon aquariums)

3. I see there is a a lot of additives for discus and what are some basic additives i can order to get this water in great condition to add discus too? Ordered a test kit too


Thanks, hope to get some opinions!

heres my new tank and here's what i'm shooting for!

 

[Adamrhh]

Love that tank

 

[Kimosobey]

I know! Adamrhh, wish i could find a rimless tank! They look a lot better

 

[decoy50]

Post your water parameters from your tap. You likely won't have to do anything to it at all if you're keeping domestics, wilds are a different story.

 

[Bxbull]

Awesome!

 

[moneygetter1]

nice tank. small brush, some masking tape & a steady hand & you can turn that brown to black trim. matching black stand & you're off. Filtration is subjective. Some swear by sumps for large setups others go w/ mega canisters. hob's & sponges are also alternatives. I chose a combo setup for my 125g & it works just fine. (eheim 2075, rena XP4, 2 a/c 110's) if your pocket can stand it, get a larger rated filter than the tank you presently have.
as to additives, the best is good clean h20 & plenty of it! water change X infinity. nothing better for discus. "T"