Newbie Questions for a new Discus Tank

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J

juventino79

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 25, 2008
5
0
0
Montreal, Canada
Hi Everyone,

I am new to this site. I am looking to getting back into fish. I used to have an aquarium way back about 5 years ago. I had african cichlids and i kept them for 4 years.

Pretty soon I will be looking to buy a new tank and i would like to get some discus fish.

I live in Canada, and the best price i found for a new tank was 449$ CAD for an 83 Gallon tank including the stand. Or is it built into the stand i should say.

Anyhow, i saw all kinds of photos of planted Discus tanks and I realize that is what i want. I have a few doubts on my setup. Biggest one being the filter and which one to get. Can anyone give me a hand?

I am planning on getting 6-8 discus fish and I only want a display tank.

Tank - 83 Gallon

Filter - This is my biggest dilemma, should i got with an eheim, fluval 405, Rena ? which one is best for the planted discus tank. I am aware of all the different types of filtration, but which choice is best?

Gravel - Should i get just regular gravel, or get the special one for planted aquariums

Water Heater - 250W (any brand recommended)

Tap Filter - My last question is about tap water, do i have to filter it? Most filters cost lots of money is a basic one good enough?

Decoration - Obviously some rocks, driftwood and plants

Hopefully there are some Discus experts here that can give me a hand?

Thanks a bunch
G.
 
I run a planted discus tank, very tricky. My advise would be to get your planted tank well established and add the discus later, preferably adult discus.
 
thanks for the tip.

What filter do you use?
Which fist do you own? plants?
what substrate is in the tank? do you use a CO2 diffuser or something similar and would i need one?
 
you could go with a fluidized bed filter. A fluval fx5 might be overkill but with discus there is no such thing. Also, a uv is pretty important on planted tanks or you will get green water. For gravel, there is flourite and laterite gravels that give the plants nutrients, mostly iron. If you are keeping a heavily planted tank, you will need co2 injection. Also, plants need really intense lights, 4-5 watts per gallon. Compact floresant or metal haliades. You'll be spending a lot to do it right...and then buying 6-8 adult discus will set you back another 300-500. good luck with your tank!
 
FX5 might be a little too much current for discus. I run an eheim 2217 and an AC110 on my 125 gallon. Pool sand for substrate, coralife 2x65 running 12-14 hours, change 40% every other day, ph 7.2, temp 83.........10 discus, 25 HRasbora, 12 rummynose tetras, 5 ottos, 2 BN plecos, 2 SAE, 4 cory cats, 2 Clown Loaches, and I think that's it........My discus are from 3.5" to 7" and if you can afford it, go with adults and you can keep the feedings to 2x's daily and do less water changes...........I'm growing out and feed 3-5 times a day and do more water changes because of it.............there is a balance with going planted and discus.............It's worth it in my opinion! Enjoy!
 
I have an Rena XP3 filter and I love it, 2 on my 120g.
Seachem Flourite is my substrate, comes in 3 colors and black sand.
 
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