My first discus setup (advice please)

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jacobfata

Candiru
MFK Member
Sep 22, 2018
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This is my 55 gallon (under construction) discus aquarium. As mentioned in previous topics my substrate is very deep, with a first gravel bottom (which me being lazy created this mess) that I topped off with bag and bags of sand to cover the gravel as much as possible. I’ve been instructed to simply not disturb the sand or stock the aquarium with loaches or catfish that will disturb the sand and I should be fine from toxic gasses forming. My aquarium is also heavily planted and I intend to continue planting while adding one more special piece of driftwood. I’ve been told discus prefer more “full” like aquariums. I have two 50g hang on the back aqua clear filters running center tank. Along with UV sterilizer, and powerheads to keep debris from collecting on the substrate. My ph is 7.0 my temp is 85 ammonia and nitrates are at 0.

I stocked the aquarium with roughly 20 neon cardinal tetras, three Cory cats, and four 3-4 inch discus which after 72 hours seem to be thriving, active and hungry feeders, showing beautiful coloration.

All of the LFS’s say my aquarium is close to perfection but judging from the source I would rather run things by you guys to see if you had any suggestions, comments or hopefully some compliments haha.

I was instructed that less is more, let the fish adjust to my tap waters ph with continued use of prime. Weekly 25-30% water changes is the plan.

Please someone tell me I’m doing this right! I’ve never housed discus but the tank has been running for ten months and I’m hoping my test results continue to reveal excellent results. Comments?

Please and thank you all for your time and consideration!

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Have you thought about a background? Even cheap black poster board will work. Just keep testing the waters, as the fish grow you may find you need to increase the water change amount. Other than that it looks really good.
 
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Have you thought about a background? Even cheap black poster board will work. Just keep testing the waters, as the fish grow you may find you need to increase the water change amount. Other than that it looks really good.
We prefer the bare appearance without the background.
 
Could I possibly add a few more similar sized discus? I’m planning to go to jack watley in Miami this weekend to have a look around! I’m pumped! What do you guys think of my bio load considering double the filtration, UV sterilizer and powerheads, loads of plants and such? How am I doing ?
 
Thank is looking good LE.

Discus prefer to be in larger groups but the tank is on the small size for any more fish.

I'd also consider adding more plants. Floating plants like salvinia or frogbit is a really good option. Due to the access to aerial CO2 they're very efficient at helping with water quality.
 
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We’re adding more plants and driftwood and hoping to have a titan of around seven. Picked up a pigeon blood today to add to our “collection”. My boyfriend saw her and we had to have her! ‍♂️We’re heading to jack watley discus in Miami ! I’m so excited to pick up a couple from there

Thevfive we have are showing brilliant coloration and are active feeders’ my ph is 6.8.-7 temp is 85f nitrates and ammonia are both at zero!

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