Originally Posted by
Aqualoon
Putting together a 72g Bowfront tank for the office that has a 30g sump.
Tank will have a sand bottom and then will be using limited driftwood and fake plants, maybe a rock here and there - basically keeping it simple and with a natural look.
1. How many discuss can I put in this tank size? Was looking at something around 5 (for some reason I like odd numbers)
2. I'll be looking to buy adult discuss because I'm not doing a BB setup, looking at aquabid they offer a sizes next to the listing, 3", 4", etc. what size should I be looking for?
3. Tankmates - wanting to keep it colorful, how are rainbows (instead of tetras) with them? Any specific ones I should be staying away from or others that seem to work really well? Bottom feeders - looking at loaches or corys - potential issues with either of these?
4. Office has hard tap water, I know Discuss prefer something softer but stability is key. I can bring in a 3 stage RO unit that I'm not using and mix that with tap or I can just use straight tap. Since I'm going to be looking for older fish, which route should I be going? I'll be using an Apex Controller that will allow for small daily water changes. Obviously it will be easier to just prep the tap water but if needed can do 50/50 tap/RO in 55 gallon barrels.
Basically office wanted a reef tank, I have never done salt and don't have the time to be learning salt so want to do a colorful freshwater setup that has some unique looking fish. Have been keeping cichlids for 10+ years now, just never discuss but they have always been on my list of fish to keep someday. So this tank will scratch that itch.