Multi Question Thread. EXPERTS: Please Read.

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Steveo McNello

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 30, 2010
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SW Burbs of Chicago
I didn't want to make 3 or 4 new posts so I figured I'd group them.

1) There is a pond [not man made] near my house with all kinds of submerged wood. I was thinking about going and collecting a few pieces. Is this a good idea? Or will 0.00029 of chemical X kill my fish? Haha.

2) I'm working on a planted discus tank. I will have co2 and I want a carpet plant. Maybe micro swords or dwarf hairgrass. Question is, will I be able to see the fish waste in there? Can a little bit stay in the tank? Or what?

3) I'm doing discus, school of misc. cory cats, and misc tetras. Good idea?

4) I'm after a ton of driftwood and plants. It's going to look like a jungle in there. Is that an OK plan too?

Thanks guys!
 
1) Are there fish in the said pond that are living unharmed? If so, it's most likely safe ;).
2) Good flow from stream pumps and such provides enough flow to keep the detritus suspended in water until it gets sucked up by the filter, while keeping it gentle enough for discus. Powerheads and similar are not a good idea, due to strong, centered flow.
3) As long as you chose cories and tetras that can handle the high temps discus require. Also, go with cardinals, not neons, just in case (neons have been reported to fit in discus' mouths)
4) A planted tank with discus can work, but it means that you should get adult discus from the start, otherwise water quality could be a potential issue, resulting in stunted discus.
 
My friend and I waded through the whole pond. No signs of fish and it's 2 feet deep in the center. Very clean water.

What are stream pumps?

Sounds good.

And adult discus it is haha.

Thanks a lot for the advice!
 
1) Make sure the wood is dense and be sure to sterilize it. Scrub it down with hot water and bake or boil it before you introduce it into the tank.

2) There will be waste buildup in certain spots of the tank due to currents and dead spots. Fortunately, that makes it convenient to vacuum out. Current from power heads (stream pumps) are also a good solution to dead spots but discus prefer slower moving waters.

*There will always be waste present in any tank. Its your job to lessen the amount and the bacteria's job to break the rest of it down.

3) If you have no prior experience with discus, no. Discus aren't difficult to keep but when combo-ed with a planted tank, it becomes a difficult balance. Try setting up the planted tank and have that stable before you look into discus. Or you can set up the discus tank and have low light/low tech plants.

4) That's a splendid plan! Just consider the amount of maintenance it will take to upkeep the tank. Also, make sure to leave swimming room for the fish.


Gooooood Luck!
 
Stream pumps: google koralia, tunze turbelle stream, things like that.
 
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