How important is BB?

[JMIZ16]

My main goal is to have an awsome Planted tank. My tank is 220 gallons 78*22*30. Filtration is 3 canisters( module,Ocean clear in line powered by an Iwaki md70( 1500gph). I also have a 25 watt UV. I MUST HAVE SAE'S(siamese algae eaters). to help maintain my algae. I dont care to breed fish. Just have a healthy thriving tank. Can I keep discuss? Or better should I?

[Ardan]

Hi,
If you have adult discus, it would be better under those conditions imo. It is a bit more difficult to grow discus with plants and gravel.
Cleanliness and wc's are important.
Low nitrates are best.

I don't know how the SAE's will fair under 83 to 84 F temps needed for discus.

hth

[Carol_Roberts]

You clearly know what your goals are - an awsome planted tank. Do not attempt to grow out juveniles. I would only try adults and then no more than 6.

[JMIZ16]

thanks for the info, thats what I gathered from reading various debates . Can I only keep 2 or 3 discuss or do they get lonely? The other thing is should I just declorinate the water or do they need RO? Or maybe a 50-50 mix dechlorinated tap and ro?

[JMIZ16]

Oh yeah I forgot to ask...Are these home breed discus stronger than Wild in the home aquarium like tank raised Salt water clowns and tangs or have they been in-bread so much that they are whimpy?

[Carol_Roberts]

RO use depends on your normal water hardness and pH. Most likely you will not need RO unless your water is pretty hard - GH 14 or more. Common domestic strains like red turks and pigeons are very hardy. ADult discus do good in pairs.

[JMIZ16]

OK I think I understand. NOW THE AST Q.

If everyone has treated discus(tank raised for a couple generations) with meds. and what not. Why do discus still need to be dewormed? I mean if they are in these sterile tanks, and they are the first and only 2 fish that are going to be in my tank, why will they get sick from worms and fungus?

[Carol_Roberts]

Same reason puppies and kitties need to be wormed. They pick them up from the parents and surroundings.