First time tank build, for discus

[jvdbogaard]

Hello,

I currently have no discus fish but I'd like to start keeping discus fish.

My currently setup I have is a 30 liter superfish tropical aquarium, I have about 14 platy's, and 6 cardinal tetra's.

I want to make a new tank for discus fish and for my cardinal tetra's. I want a few plants but not too many. and some fine sand/gravel on the bottom of the tank.

my size's wich I have room for in my living room, is a corner next to the couch. is a good size 70x40x70 cm a good size? or 70x45x60cm. problem is i can't make it longer then 70 cm. the max width of the tank i can make is 45cm. and the height is no problem.

sorry if my english is not 100% correct because i'm dutch. :)

love to hear from you.

[rickztahone]

Honestly, I do not see much success with a tank with those dimensions. That is rather short and the smallest I would recommend on the long side would be 36" (91cm~). Anything under that and you may see too much aggression down the line.

[Lido]

I would agree with rick, the most successful keepers have a minimum of 40 gallons or 150 liters.

[LoGeek]

You need to get your priorities right - sell your couch!

[Lido]

You need to get your priorities right - sell your couch!

Yes, Discus do this to us. I took my dining room table to the garage because a round table didn't work with the asthetics of my tank.

[jvdbogaard]

it is actually 196 liters.

but will the discus use the height of the tank or not? i do have another spot in my living room but it is near a window sadly, size there could be L100cm x D45x H(80,70 or 60) cm

being:
1. 270Litres (60cm Height)
2. 315 L (70 cm height)
3. 360 L (80cm height)

only thing is that i need to move a few power outlets *:-/



*or make a stand around the outlets silly me haha

thx for the fast replies

[rickztahone]

it is actually 196 liters.

but will the discus use the height of the tank or not? i do have another spot in my living room but it is near a window sadly, size there could be L100cm x D45x H(80,70 or 60) cm

being:
1. 270Litres (60cm Height)
2. 315 L (70 cm height)
3. 360 L (80cm height)

only thing is that i need to move a few power outlets *:-/



*or make a stand around the outlets silly me haha

thx for the fast replies

Can you and would you block the window if you had to put them there?

Even as I ask that, I know that this isn't the greatest idea as windows transfer heat/cold very easily.

[jvdbogaard]

Yes i can block the window. And i will make the tank out of acrylic wich is more insulating i heard?

[jvdbogaard]

Any suggestions as for equipment? Filter/heater etc.?

[rickztahone]

For filter you can get away with sponge filters only if you do daily or every other day water changes. heaters there are hundreds of options but I personally like Jagers and Hydor's. Equipment? What kind of equipment are you referring to?

[jvdbogaard]

Lights, sand, food, etc.

[Filip]

Hi Jasper and welcome to Simply discus forum .
i would go with the 100x70cm = 315 liter tank and try to insulate the back of the tank from the window with a styrofoam . I would buy 2 heaters for winter months in case temps near the window gets too low .
For fiter you can use whatever suites your needs :sponges , HOBs , Canister, Sump etc.
For young discus growout , sand is not recomended because it fouls the water much quicker and may cause troubles . Barebottom tank is more preferable for a growout .

Light is also complitelly your preference and for food we ussualy feed them beef heart , FDBW , Artemia , Granulated food etc. etc.