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View Full Version : 55G revamp to planted...



Xirxes
04-02-2008, 01:26 AM
Here is a shot of the 55... Currently only one discus, looking around for a good source locally... let me know what you think! In the process of setting up a 125 full planted discus tank with 8-10 fish!

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c39/NicholeS29/plantedfull.jpg

YSS
04-02-2008, 07:51 AM
Very nice setup! Well done.

Ringo
04-02-2008, 10:29 AM
Very nice:)

DiscusKeeper403
04-03-2008, 12:21 AM
It looks really good, but you really need some more Discus! You won't believe the difference in the fish once you get him some companions!

Xirxes
04-03-2008, 12:21 PM
i kept 3 before and they slowly picked themselves down to this one... i dont know if i will be able to support 4 in this tank either, so im still deciding

Dissident
04-03-2008, 12:56 PM
Nice start. But if you are looking to set up a big planted discus tank I would set up the 55gal as a BB, grow out 8-10 nice 2" discus for the 125gal. While you are growing out the discus it will give you time to learn the ins and outs of the planted tank on the 125gal. Once the discus are ready you will have plenty of experience on both to have a very successful planted discus tank.

GrillMaster
04-03-2008, 08:08 PM
You could always get 5 more about the same size to keep him/her company! Nice looking tank BTW!

tc
Mark

Lex2000
04-03-2008, 09:05 PM
very nice.

are you using a sump or canister?

DiscusKeeper403
04-03-2008, 09:07 PM
Sometimes low numbers don't work out, this is because there aren't enough Discus to spread aggression properly and the dominant fish causes too much stress. You are fine to add another 3-5 Discus in that tank, shouldn't be a problem. Discus prefer to be in schools anyways! :)

Xirxes
04-04-2008, 10:25 AM
im running two emperor 800's on it, wanted to make sure to have enough bacteria... I think i will be adding a few more discus here soon, the 125 will be a while before i can set it up. Definitely need to get the plants better situated before the discus go in though.

happygirl65
04-04-2008, 10:51 AM
I really like what you have done with your setup. :) You somehow made a 55 gallon look big. :)

I have something wrong with my eyes though....everytime I set up a bigger tank within a few months it looks small...now my 90 gal seems too small....I think I need to just go straight for the 300 next time...lol.

Xirxes
04-16-2008, 02:17 AM
Well i broke down and added a few more discus into the tank, after adding a lot more plants. No Full tank shot yet, but here are the new guys!

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c39/NicholeS29/redpassion.jpghttp://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c39/NicholeS29/mandarin.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c39/NicholeS29/bluey.jpg

Xirxes
04-16-2008, 02:18 AM
and all of them together, third day in! (White diamond hiding in the back)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c39/NicholeS29/group.jpg

happygirl65
04-16-2008, 08:55 AM
What a beautiful collection! :)

russianmd
04-16-2008, 09:10 AM
Beautiful collection indeed!

Somebody asked about sump vs. canister - I've been discouraged from the sump (degasses CO2 too quickly, I guess). Any other opinions/experiences?

(p.s. I hope this is not thread hijaking - if it is, please let me know via pm)

Xirxes
04-16-2008, 11:41 AM
Tomayto, Tomahto I'm using HOB on this one, and will use sump on the next, i have used Canister in the past. If u have CO2 then u have a needle valve and can control its rate.

Surferdave
05-01-2008, 02:18 PM
With the darker substrate and dark background have you noticed any peppering in some of the newer fish? Also, if anyone knows. If one were to grow out a discus to maturity, 12 -16 months, and then add it into a dark tank, will peppering still occur?

Dave

Xirxes
05-02-2008, 02:07 AM
They have all taken to hiding most of the day due to traffic in the area of the tank, but when they are not hiding they are picking at the walls ready to mate lol.

I am moving so i will finally be able to set up my 125 in about 2 weeks, CANT WAIT!

Apistomaster
05-05-2008, 05:06 PM
Nice job of 'scaping your 55 gal. I have one 55 gal a friend gave me. They are among the most difficult of commonly used aquariums to decorate for me. Their lack of width severely limits what can be done with them.

My friend has glued a mirror to the back of the tank.(He likes the illusion of depth) but it drives me crazy. It does have a few benefits though. The mirror helps get more light to the bottom if you are using standard lighting. This does benefit the plants. It is distracting that the discus spend time displaying to their reflections but that is time they aren't pestering the smallest discus. He broke the cross brace and failed to repair it correctly. I fixed it and am not one to turn down a free tank.

I think wet/dry filters are not the preferred design for a tank receiving supplemental CO2 and canisters(Eheim is my favorite) are the best choice for a CO2 supplemented planted tank. HOB come in next. I have one Eheim #2215 and a wet/dry running at 700 gph on my 55 gal. I just use it as a grow out tank for discus about 1 inch until I sell them at ~2-1/2 inches.