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jcardona1
12-09-2010, 09:00 PM
Hi folks!

I was referred to this site from a buddy of mine 'Herbicidal'. After seeing lots of pics of his awesome tank, and others around the web, I decided to take the plunge with a few discus. I've always loved these fish but never got around to buying some.

Well, the girlfriend and I took a casual trip to our LFS 'just to look' and came home with 3 beautiful new kids! I'm in love with them already! The tank is a 57g Oceanic Illuminata rimless. It's a high-tech planted tank with co2 and daily ferts. Anything I should be concerned about here? The tank is currently housing some smaller rasboras and tetras which I will be moving. Also are my roseline barbs, which I will be keeping.

Here's a quick cell phone pic of the new discus, and a shot of the whole tank

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l55/jcardona1/IMG_20101208_211444-picsay.jpg

The whole tank
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5225003283_2aeb938840_b.jpg



I've been keeping fish since I was a kid, so about 20yrs now :) Before I got serious with planted tanks, I was into the big tanks and big fish. This is my old 400g 6x3x3 cichla tank!

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=447027&thumb=1&d=1262374945 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=447027&thumb=1&d=1262374945)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=447032&thumb=1&d=1262375101 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=447032&thumb=1&d=1262375101)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=447036&thumb=1&d=1262375101 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=447036&thumb=1&d=1262375101)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=447026&thumb=1&d=1262374945 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=447026&thumb=1&d=1262374945)


Photography (not only aquarium photography) is also another one of my big hobbies. Here's a few of my best captures to-date

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5227883835_6f24c54035_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5228483606_3007943364_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5058957764_2b38340fff_b.jpg

Hope you enjoy my brief introduction!

jcardona1
12-09-2010, 09:03 PM
And here's some info on the tank from the day I set it up, this is a copy/paste from another forum:

Tank:
- 57g reef-ready Oceanic Illuminata, rimless, polished/beveled edges
- 36x18x21
- Stand, AGA

Lighting:
- Catalina Aquarium Solar fixture
- 36”, 4x 10,000k T5HO bulbs (only two bulbs used for lighting)
- 39 watts each, 156 total watts
- Built-in blue LED moonlights
- DIY suspension system using conduit, adjustable hanging brackets, and misc hardware

CO2 System:
- Regulator: Sumo 'Premier', Micromatic body, Sumo solenoid, Ideal needle valve, JBJ bubble counter
- CO2 tank: 10lb bottle
- Reactor: 24", 2" clear PVC, DIY based off Rex Grigg design with modifications
- Check valve: Clippard, brass
- Tubing: Clippard co2 tubing
- Drop Checker: 2x ADA-style glass drop checker, filled w/ 4dkh solution and bromethyl blue

Filtration:
- 10g sump
- Quiet One 4000 pump, 1017gph
- 2x 4x8" 25 micron filter socks for mechanical
- Ceramic media in basket for biological
- 1" plumbing all around
- DIY 'Durso' standpipe for drain
- DIY spray bar for return
- 1" garden valve stopped down to match drain with pump's output

Water Movement:
- 1x Hydor Koralia 1 power head (to be added)
- 400gph

Heating:
- Ranco ECTI-1R temperature controller, 1800w max load
- 500w titanium heating element

Electrical/Controls:
- 4x mechanical timers for each bank of lights, LED moonlights, and CO2 solenoid

Substrate:
- Eco Complete, black, 5x 20lb bags

Nutrients/Dosing:
- Estimative Index (EI) dry-dosing method using bulk fertilizers
- Nitrates: Potassium Nitrate (KNO3)
- Phosphates: Mono Potassium Phosphate (KH2PO4)
- Potassium: Potassium Sulfate (K2SO4)
- Trace supplements: Plantex CSM+B
- Iron Chelate
- GH Booster
- 50% water change every week



http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512154&thumb=1&d=1279767546 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512154&d=1279767546)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512155&thumb=1&d=1279767546 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512155&d=1279767546)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512156&thumb=1&d=1279767546 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512156&d=1279767546)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512157&thumb=1&d=1279767546 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512157&d=1279767546)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512158&thumb=1&d=1279767546 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512158&d=1279767546)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512159&thumb=1&d=1279767546 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512159&d=1279767546)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512160&thumb=1&d=1279767546 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512160&d=1279767546)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512161&thumb=1&d=1279767546 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512161&d=1279767546)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512162&thumb=1&d=1279767546 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512162&d=1279767546)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512163&thumb=1&d=1279767546 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512163&d=1279767546)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512164&thumb=1&d=1279767699 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512164&d=1279767699)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512167&thumb=1&d=1279767699 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512167&d=1279767699)

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512168&thumb=1&d=1279767699 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=512168&d=1279767699)

William Palumbo
12-09-2010, 09:10 PM
SWEET!...Love the rimless tanks!...Your photos are top notch! Thanks for sharing...Bill

Jennie
12-09-2010, 09:15 PM
agreed! welcome

jcardona1
12-09-2010, 09:15 PM
Thanks Bill! The discus are still settling in (picked them up last night), so I'll do a real photoshoot in a few days and post the pics. I use eggcrate, a piece of raingutter, and mutiple wireless speedlights, so I don't want to freak them out just yet :)

Discus_1
12-09-2010, 09:17 PM
Why do tanks look soooooo much better without that black rim on it? thats what i wanna know xD

jcardona1
12-09-2010, 09:19 PM
agreed! welcome

thanks!


Why do tanks look soooooo much better without that black rim on it? thats what i wanna know xD

I kept asking myself the same question, so I just had to go out and buy one to see what all the fuss was about ;)

William Palumbo
12-09-2010, 09:26 PM
Why do tanks look soooooo much better without that black rim on it? thats what i wanna know xD

It's because your eye is visually stopped when it reaches the top rim. Without it, it makes it seem there is no definite boundaries...Bill...P.S. VERY neat set-up!

ockyra215
12-09-2010, 09:36 PM
Very nice tank Indeed!

Altum Nut
12-09-2010, 09:40 PM
jcardona1,

Now I know why I gave up on planted tanks....they never looked anywhere close to yours.
Great photos / fish / tank set-up's
Others may disagree, but you may want to consider putting something on tank top just in case your new Discus get spooked and perform an aerial dive onto your floor.

...Ralph

Airbrushie
12-09-2010, 09:42 PM
Great looking tank I'm sure your new kids will be happy

discuspaul
12-09-2010, 11:06 PM
You are going to do just great with that set-up !
You don't need any help - keep doing what you're doing ! -
And keep the pics coming as well !

dean9922
12-09-2010, 11:27 PM
Awesome set up you have and beautifull tank......my question is, how the heck do you get so organized.....LOL!!!!!!
Very Nice!!!!!

jcardona1
12-10-2010, 12:55 PM
Thanks for the kind words folks, and appreciate the welcome :)

dbfzurowski
12-10-2010, 01:38 PM
Welcome.
Indeed a beautiful and clean set up. Best of luck with those discus. Most recommend keeping a group of 5 or more, so you might want to add some.
Do you know how thick the glass was on that 400g???

Herbicidal
12-10-2010, 02:38 PM
Hi folks!

I was referred to this site from a buddy of mine 'Herbicidal'. After seeing lots of pics of his awesome tank, and others around the web, I decided to take the plunge with a few discus. I've always loved these fish but never got around to buying some. Hi Jose! Great to see you here! You have been bitten by the Discus bug! Haha!! And it's your fault I did a planted tank too! :p

:bounce2:

jcardona1
12-10-2010, 02:46 PM
Welcome.
Indeed a beautiful and clean set up. Best of luck with those discus. Most recommend keeping a group of 5 or more, so you might want to add some.
Do you know how thick the glass was on that 400g???

Thanks! You think I could fit more in that tank? I was thinking 3 would be my limit, since the tank isn't so big. As for the 400g, it was acrylic, 3/4" all the way around :)

Chad Hughes
12-10-2010, 02:46 PM
I absolutely love those first few shots with the dense planting! I'm a palnted tank buff, so those naturally grabbed my attention.

Your setup is very nice as well. Great job!

Best wishes!

jcardona1
12-10-2010, 02:47 PM
Hi Jose! Great to see you here! You have been bitten by the Discus bug! Haha!! And it's your fault I did a planted tank too! :p

:bounce2:

Thanks Herb! I guess now we're even ;)

jcardona1
12-10-2010, 02:51 PM
I absolutely love those first few shots with the dense planting! I'm a palnted tank buff, so those naturally grabbed my attention.

Your setup is very nice as well. Great job!

Best wishes!

Thank you! Here's a few more pics, from a couple weeks ago. I had a lot more species of plants and some driftwood in there, however I removed them for a "simpler" and easier to maintain layout. Especially now with the discus, I'll need some more swimming room!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1100/5122608770_fe2e70049d_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/5122602308_2e968122a7_b.jpg


And of course, a full-room shot

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5225617112_5caf90ccc5_b.jpg

Dave B
12-10-2010, 02:52 PM
Stop following me!

Kidding... Those Discus are an excellent choice, color-wise, for that tank. Of course, one could say that of just about any fish with the way your plants and photos look.

rickztahone
12-10-2010, 02:58 PM
i just saw one of your posts on TPT :-). Welcome to SD, which was my first home for discus. Now i'm making the transition to the darkside (planted tanks). As mentioned prior, a group of 3 discus is not the ideal number. They like larger groups but that creates a problem with your size tank and the amount of plant load you have. The problem is that you can't really support more discus than the 3 and the 3 will eventually start bickering, and might hurt each other. with that being said, some have done it, but it is on a per-fish basis IMO.

Also, as mentioned prior, you might want to put a net on the top of the tank, i know the aesthetics are thrown off a bit due to it but it's better to protect your investment (discus) than to come home to a dried up dead discus, search around here, it has happened.

I saw that you mentioned you had ADA DC's but i only saw the ISTA one, how are you liking it? I just got a couple and they seem pretty cool and it's great that they take so little amount of the solution.

Lastly, what temp do you keep your tank at?

Welcome to the best place to learn about discus. I guess i'm heading the opposite way but Discus will always be in my heart. My goal is to eventually merge both worlds but it will take quite a while to find that sweet balance.

R1_Ridah
12-10-2010, 03:08 PM
Yo J... so you on this side of the fence now as well eh'.... Like I said bro, "It's a whole new religion"...lol

jcardona1
12-10-2010, 03:34 PM
i just saw one of your posts on TPT :-). Welcome to SD, which was my first home for discus. Now i'm making the transition to the darkside (planted tanks). As mentioned prior, a group of 3 discus is not the ideal number. They like larger groups but that creates a problem with your size tank and the amount of plant load you have. The problem is that you can't really support more discus than the 3 and the 3 will eventually start bickering, and might hurt each other. with that being said, some have done it, but it is on a per-fish basis IMO.

Also, as mentioned prior, you might want to put a net on the top of the tank, i know the aesthetics are thrown off a bit due to it but it's better to protect your investment (discus) than to come home to a dried up dead discus, search around here, it has happened.

I saw that you mentioned you had ADA DC's but i only saw the ISTA one, how are you liking it? I just got a couple and they seem pretty cool and it's great that they take so little amount of the solution.

Lastly, what temp do you keep your tank at?

Welcome to the best place to learn about discus. I guess i'm heading the opposite way but Discus will always be in my heart. My goal is to eventually merge both worlds but it will take quite a while to find that sweet balance.

Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on the bickering between the three. Do you think one more would help any potential issues? While I don't have any immediate plans to upgrade tank sizes in the near future, it's not out of the question. If I start to have problems with three, upgrading to a 90-120g is not a problem. I would just hate to have to get rid of this Oceanic tank since it wasn't cheap!

As for a lid, I have been placing a sheet of eggcrate over the tank, but only at night. So far they have been very calm, but all it takes is one spook. I've dealt with jumpers before, and it's definitely better safe than sorry :)

Drop checkers - yeah that is an old copy/paste. I was running those ADA-style drop checkers, then switched them out for the Ista brand. I love them! They are so much better than the glass ones and very easy to read with the white background.

The temp was a steady 78 degrees before discuss. I have bumped it up to 83-84, since the LFS kept them at 85-86. I don't want to go much warmer because of the plants. Given that I have a 500w titanium heater on a controller, adjusting the temp is very fast and easy.

Thanks!

cyberhog05
12-10-2010, 03:35 PM
Nice tanks! You thought Monster fish were addicting? Welcome aboard! And whats up with the fake tree next to the beautifully planted tank? J/k!

jcardona1
12-10-2010, 03:35 PM
Yo J... so you on this side of the fence now as well eh'.... Like I said bro, "It's a whole new religion"...lol

Yup Yup, made it over here. It definitely is man, and I'm loving it!

jcardona1
12-10-2010, 03:36 PM
Nice tanks! You thought Monster fish were addicting? Welcome aboard! And whats up with the fake tree next to the beautifully planted tank? J/k!

Haha thanks! My gf hates the tree, but I have it just as a 'space filler'. I've been meaning to find a REAL replacement :)

lpiasente
12-10-2010, 03:52 PM
I'm so jealous that you can take pics like that. i have never looked at big fish like yours and liked them but it looked great. Your tanks look great

dbfzurowski
12-10-2010, 04:35 PM
I think you could easily add 2 more. With all those plants and a sump I dont see any problems. Just maintain water quality. I keep my 5 discus in 37g bare bottom with few potted plants and amazon frogbit which is an awesome small plant btw:) Only problem I see with that, most likely the fish wont grow to monster size. Mine didn't, but that's ok
I know I said it already, but thats one awesome looking tank!

dielectric
12-10-2010, 04:55 PM
wow nice tanks and photos! good job!

rickztahone
12-10-2010, 05:12 PM
You seem to have a handle on things. With regards to a bigger tank? I think you should work with this one, its such a nice tank!! Another option you have which you may or may not like is a confirmed pair. You can get a large pair from Hans and your size tank would be perfect for them.

Man, your 400g would of been awesome with discus!

Eddie
12-10-2010, 07:25 PM
Awesome shots!

Disgirl
12-10-2010, 09:23 PM
Wow what a tank! And the pictures are great, the pic of the turquoise rainbow makes me miss my rainbows that I had for years. Now I want them again! Oh no, another tank...
Barb

jcardona1
12-12-2010, 05:38 AM
Thanks for the comments and feedback, it's much appreciated. Here's a few 'real' pics of the discus.

Enjoy!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5046/5250510475_015a0024df_b.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5046/5250510475_015a0024df_b.jpg)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5164/5250510477_776c3f2b30_b.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5164/5250510477_776c3f2b30_b.jpg)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5250510481_c692b5eccf_b.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5250510481_c692b5eccf_b.jpg)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5210/5250510491_79dd6ca18c_b.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5210/5250510491_79dd6ca18c_b.jpg)

BONUS SHOT - denisonii yawn http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5251117222_0229367b97_b.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5251117222_0229367b97_b.jpg)

RudeDogg1
12-12-2010, 08:07 AM
what is the grass like plant? Btw your tank looks great much better than mine :(

jcardona1
12-12-2010, 03:34 PM
Thanks! That plant is blyxa japonica

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

Arjunpun
12-12-2010, 04:22 PM
That's a beautiful tank. I was wondering what lens did u use. What was the shutter speed ,focal point and iso for the camera?thanks. I usually do landscape picture but still cudnt do tank picture. How did u make the background black. Thanks.

Herbicidal
12-12-2010, 06:51 PM
Outstanding pictures as always Jose! WOW! I did not realize the Roseline's have a Fu Man Chu mustache until seeing your picture! I just checked my wife’s Roselines and sure enough, they do! However, they seem to 'tuck' it away most of the time.

inmisawa
12-12-2010, 09:30 PM
Great tank! I'd love to do a tank like that some day! Oh, and totally awesome pics!

dadecountyalan
12-12-2010, 09:47 PM
beautiful

dadecountyalan
12-12-2010, 09:48 PM
where did you get those fish at?

scottishbloke
12-12-2010, 09:58 PM
That is a beautiful tank!

I think with the equipment you have and maybe an extra w/c added into your weekly regimen, you could add 1 or 2 more discus without too much of a problem. I thought your foreground carpet plant was Pygmy Chain Sword like I used to have, it looks so similar but I guess I was mistaken. I also think your photo skills are amazing. After seeing that pic of the Turquoise Rainbow yawning (the folks over on rainbowfish.info would love that pic, you should post it there too), I too am regretting tearing down my 55g planted rainbow tank of 7 years. Anyway, love your rimless tank- totally gorgeous setup, and I think you could still put in a stick or two of that really branchy driftwood in there at the golden rule spot, would look awesome IMHO.

Colin

Len
12-12-2010, 10:14 PM
That tank is absolutely incredible, and your photography skills are awesome too.

jcardona1
12-13-2010, 01:33 PM
That's a beautiful tank. I was wondering what lens did u use. What was the shutter speed ,focal point and iso for the camera?thanks. I usually do landscape picture but still cudnt do tank picture. How did u make the background black. Thanks.

Thanks! The pictures were taken with a Nikon D90 and a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8. These recent pics were at f/5, 1/125th, and ISO 250. The background of my tank is painted black, so no special effects there :)

Here's a thread I posted showing how exactly I take fish pics http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?84434-My-DIY-guide-to-getting-great-fish-pictures!&highlight=


Outstanding pictures as always Jose! WOW! I did not realize the Roseline's have a Fu Man Chu mustache until seeing your picture! I just checked my wife’s Roselines and sure enough, they do! However, they seem to 'tuck' it away most of the time.

Thanks Herb! Yeah they sure do, but like you say, it's hard to see since they keep them tucked away.


Great tank! I'd love to do a tank like that some day! Oh, and totally awesome pics!


beautiful

Thank you!


where did you get those fish at?

Got them from a local fish store


That is a beautiful tank!

I think with the equipment you have and maybe an extra w/c added into your weekly regimen, you could add 1 or 2 more discus without too much of a problem. I thought your foreground carpet plant was Pygmy Chain Sword like I used to have, it looks so similar but I guess I was mistaken. I also think your photo skills are amazing. After seeing that pic of the Turquoise Rainbow yawning (the folks over on rainbowfish.info would love that pic, you should post it there too), I too am regretting tearing down my 55g planted rainbow tank of 7 years. Anyway, love your rimless tank- totally gorgeous setup, and I think you could still put in a stick or two of that really branchy driftwood in there at the golden rule spot, would look awesome IMHO.

Colin

Thanks for the kind words Colin! My main reason for not thinking I could get any discus would be the small size of the tank. But I'm getting the sense from folks that the size should be fine for even more discus, which is good news! Another water change won't be too hard to manage :)


That tank is absolutely incredible, and your photography skills are awesome too.

Thanks!

snookn21
12-18-2010, 10:11 PM
Nice crisp pictures Jose.

Good to see you signed up over here on Simply discus now. Welecome aboard buddy.

And nice to see all those big bass again. Memories... :)

Herbicidal
12-19-2010, 12:26 AM
Hey Jose, saw your truck this afternoon at Exotic just as we were pulling out. I was there with my wife and son. I looked over and there it was! You were already inside somewhere. Find anything? No Discus there of course... :p We picked up a Clown pleco for my kids 32g cube.

jcardona1
12-22-2010, 01:18 PM
Nice crisp pictures Jose.

Good to see you signed up over here on Simply discus now. Welecome aboard buddy.

And nice to see all those big bass again. Memories... :)

Thanks John! I'll be hitting you up soon enough for some of those wilds :D

jcardona1
12-22-2010, 01:19 PM
Hey Jose, saw your truck this afternoon at Exotic just as we were pulling out. I was there with my wife and son. I looked over and there it was! You were already inside somewhere. Find anything? No Discus there of course... :p We picked up a Clown pleco for my kids 32g cube.

Hey Herb, yeah I was there! Just browsing around, looking at their tanks. I've never been impressed with their fish selection. JoJo is my go-to spot for fish, even though they're a fraction of the size!

ExReefer
01-23-2011, 01:25 PM
I don't think anyone mentioned this, but an adult pair of discus would look nice there. Just have to be sure they have paired up and then they will get along nicely. A pair of Albino's would stand out with the green plants and black background. Very nice tank you have there. I love those rimless 57G, but I can't find them too easily in Chicago. I want to replace my 40G Breeder with a 57G rimless. I found one in stock at a LFS and they refused to sell me the tank by itself. I might have glasscages build me one. I think the 36x18x21 size is is nice. My 40G is only 17" and it's somewhat limiting for taller fish like discus and angels.

ExReefer
01-25-2011, 06:19 PM
You seem to have a handle on things. With regards to a bigger tank? I think you should work with this one, its such a nice tank!! Another option you have which you may or may not like is a confirmed pair. You can get a large pair from Hans and your size tank would be perfect for them.

Man, your 400g would of been awesome with discus!

I missed this. Good suggestion. A pair in there would really stand out.