I will be moving in about a month, and this provides me with the opportunity to redo one of my tanks. The intention is to plant the tank this time around, and use it as a discus show tank. The tank is a 110 breeder (52X20X20 IN). I figured that the extra depth would allow for a easier delineation between front middle and back. The filter is an eheim 2217, I figured the flow was enough as previously there were only 4 bichirs in the tank, and now it will be largely filtered by the plants. I have a main heater and a spare in the tank, so pumping the temp up to 84 degrees should not be a problem. The intent is to purchase a set of t5 ho lights with roghly 200 watts and individual reflectors. I have a co2 bottle regulator etc from a previous planted tank, so if it looks like I need injection, it should not be an issue to get that set up. The substrate at the moment is a thin layer of white sand which i intend to keep, but i also intend to put down a layer of fluorite before hand.
As far as stocking is concerned, the intent is to have 6-15 coridoras schwarzi, 10-20 cardinals, 6-10 rummy nose tetras, 6-10 marble hatchets, and of course my 6 discus. The discus will not be moved in to the tank until everything is stable etc.
My intention was to use the rocks and driftwood hardscape i have for my bichirs at the moment, and plant 2 thirds of the tank quite heavily leaving a band in front for swimming. I was hoping for some advice on the plants I should be using that can withstand the temperatures that discus need to be happy. With luck I should like to get a good mix of plant shapes and colours, as added contrast is part of the appeal of switching to a planted tank. I was really hoping to be able to have a red tiger lotus in the tank, but have never seen one with discus. Anyway, any advice on such things, ex. need more light, should probably try co2, this plant is nice, avoid this plant etc. would be greatly apreciated.
As far as stocking is concerned, the intent is to have 6-15 coridoras schwarzi, 10-20 cardinals, 6-10 rummy nose tetras, 6-10 marble hatchets, and of course my 6 discus. The discus will not be moved in to the tank until everything is stable etc.
My intention was to use the rocks and driftwood hardscape i have for my bichirs at the moment, and plant 2 thirds of the tank quite heavily leaving a band in front for swimming. I was hoping for some advice on the plants I should be using that can withstand the temperatures that discus need to be happy. With luck I should like to get a good mix of plant shapes and colours, as added contrast is part of the appeal of switching to a planted tank. I was really hoping to be able to have a red tiger lotus in the tank, but have never seen one with discus. Anyway, any advice on such things, ex. need more light, should probably try co2, this plant is nice, avoid this plant etc. would be greatly apreciated.
