I need some serious help!

[LuigiD68918]

So, I have recently been given two aquariums. One is acrylic 100 to 125 gallons, not sure, the other is glass 75 gallons. The acrylic tank has 5 holes driled in the bottom, as well as two large rectangles for access from the top. It also has two long, narrow rectangles and with circles next to them at the back of the tank on the top (possibly for overflow boxes?) This is not my tank, but the top looks just like this: http://www.aquarium-design.com/rectangular-100gal%20-01.jpg I really have my heart set on a Discus tank, but have no idea where to begin! Other than a few small Betta bowls, this will be my first tank. I'm a diver at an aquarium, so I know quite a bit about saltwater (mostly Caribbean) fish, but like I said, I'd really like to do Discus. I was thinking of trying to turn the 75 gallon into a sump. Is that way overkill? I'm totally starting from scratch and need as much advice as I can get haha! How do I do the plumbing? Is it custom PVC that leads into a "sock" and then into the sump or something? What's the deal with "overflow"? What are the holes on the bottom for (draining to the sump, return??) I've tried doing my homework, but as you can see, I'm totally clueless. I need to build a stand for the acrylic display tank, and the tank itself still needs to be polished up. I have absolutely no idea what to do for lighting. I'm totally open to attempting to rig lights from the ceiling. However, it would probably be easier if there were lights that could just sit in the holes on top of the tank. Does something like that exist? I would love for there to be lots of live plants in the tank, but I have no idea what kind of bottom and lighting to use and what types of plants are best with Discus. Also, for the sump, I assume I can just get some cut glass and use silicone to secure it in place? If the 75 gallon sump is a good idea, how many sections do I need, and what should be in each section? I assume a heater to keep the water around 75 degrees F? Do I need any lighting over the sump? I was looking at this protein skimmer: http://www.ebay.com/itm/261441437845?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT - do I even need a protein skimmer? I would assume I also need a section for bio balls? What are the water parameters for a healthy Discus tank? What is the best way of monitoring the levels and is there a certain D.O. level that needs to be maintained? Sorry for all the questions and being completely ignorant, but I am totally clueless and could really use all the help I could get! :confused:

[rickztahone]

First, I will start by saying welcome! Second, and I hope you don't take this the wrong way but your text font and bold is horrible on the eyes here. Especially since there is no structure to the writing. May I suggest using the default settings?

Moving on...I will link to a whole bunch of sites that explain how sumps work for you. I had been doing sump research myself and I may as well share it here with you. It is a whole lot of reading, but in the end you should know sumps back and for.

here's the list:
Understanding Sumps (http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/saltwater-aquarium-equipment/understanding-sumps-15943/[/URL)

Everything you need to know about sumps (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-01/gt/)

here's a sump thread on Simply! (http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?49139-sump-journal-sorta)

Bulk head sizes (http://www.diyfishkeepers.com/forum/showthread.php?329-Hole-saw-size-for-bulkheads)

DIY 55g Sump (http://www.diyfishkeepers.com/forum/showthread.php?11530-DESIGN-A-DIY-55-GALLON-SUMP-WITH-ME)

Youtube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZW2UVRlfMM)

Hope some of that helps.

[vanslam]

I dont have a clue but will enjoy reading the responses...if any.

[musicmarn1]

First, I will start by saying welcome! Second, and I hope you don't take this the wrong way but your text font and bold is horrible on the eyes here. Especially since there is no structure to the writing. May I suggest using the default settings?

Moving on...I will link to a whole bunch of sites that explain how sumps work for you. I had been doing sump research myself and I may as well share it here with you. It is a whole lot of reading, but in the end you should know sumps back and for.

here's the list:
Understanding Sumps (http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/saltwater-aquarium-equipment/understanding-sumps-15943/[/URL)

Everything you need to know about sumps (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-01/gt/)

here's a sump thread on Simply! (http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?49139-sump-journal-sorta)

Bulk head sizes (http://www.diyfishkeepers.com/forum/showthread.php?329-Hole-saw-size-for-bulkheads)

DIY 55g Sump (http://www.diyfishkeepers.com/forum/showthread.php?11530-DESIGN-A-DIY-55-GALLON-SUMP-WITH-ME)

Youtube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZW2UVRlfMM)

Hope some of that helps.


Thankyou .Rick, bless your cotton socks for this!! I'm stumped with my sumps lol the plumbing is weird


Luidgi, you could also try www.plantedtank.com for more plant advice did you decide on what to do yet? I'd make the 75g a sump, be ace!

[ronald sherman]

I wasn't going too reply but felt a compusation, especially after having salt water myself my yr's ago, 1 major difference in any discus tank, the large percentage of water changes makes such a filter unnessary, when 55- 75 percent is being changed daily, and cleaniness is of the most impotyant as all my gilter's get cleaned about every 10 day's just my opiuion