Feedback on Tank Before Adding Discus

[Dionysius]

Hi there friends,

I have had this 55 gallon tank set up for over a month now, slowly improving it in preparation for adding discus. This is my first go at discus and so I’ve moved forward quite slowly and cautiously. Right now, I’m facing a couple of issues that I’d like to resolve before I add the fish.

First, my filtration is a Top Fin 75 HOB (came with my tank) and a Fluval 206 canister with custom media. I’m really quite concerned that my fish will be blown away with the amount of flow these two filters seem to have together.

Second, I took the advice of a local fish store owner and purchased plants that I later learned may not be fully compatible with the temp range required for discus. Since I don’t yet have my discus in, with the accompanying feeding schedule, I also believe that a number of these plants are suffering from nitrogen deficiency.

I have included a short video of my tank, I hope it is high quality enough to make out the details. I would love any advice form the more highly experienced members here.

Dylan

https://youtu.be/sQe7BIlMre4

[jeep]

You certainly have enough filtration in that tank. You have a gravel/planted tank already established with other fish. The main issue I haven't seen addressed is quarantine.

I always QT new arrivals for 4-6 weeks, using separate tanks, cleaning supplies and even a different part of the house. This way, if they get sick you can automatically eliminate cross-contamination as a cause. At the end of QT, I add a single fish to the main tank for 2-3 weeks. If it stays healthy, chances are you are good to go.

How many discus are you getting? How big are they?

[Dionysius]

Better to have too much than not enough

I will definitely look into getting a quarantine tank. I don’t have quite the setup that I’d like, my wife hasn’t yet caught the discus bug and has given me quite a tight budget.

By the way, I’m originally from Spring Hill! Nice to see a fellow Kansan on here.

Dylan

[jeep]

By the way, I’m originally from Spring Hill! Nice to see a fellow Kansan on here.

Dylan

Nice! I fish at Hillsdale quite often!

[Second Hand Pat]

Hi Dylan and welcome to the forum. You will not like what I am going to suggest but this is your first go with discus I would suggest going with a bare bottom tank with no tank mates or plants. This could be done in a separate tank.
Pat

[Dionysius]

Hi there Pat,

Thank you! Yes, I discovered the wisdom of a barebottom tank after I had already set up this one. For now because of limited space, this 55 gallon is my only option. I realized the delicate balance you need to have when planning a discus community tank. Plants need nutrients, yet discus need pristine water quality.

[danotaylor]

Plants need nutrients, yet discus need pristine water quality.

The question is, which are you gonna focus on?

If you are able, buying 4.5-5"+ discus will increase the discus tolerance of less than pristine conditions in a planted tank as they are already beyond the rapid growth phase. They're more expensive because the hard work has been done, but IMO well worth the money. I spent $640 on 8 x 5" discus and love them.

In your situation though you still have the QT issue to overcome since your tank already has other community fish in it which potentially harbor pathogens that could make your discus sick. Mine all came from 1 reliable source and are in BB tank with some wood and a few rock only. I have had 0 issues since my purchase from Dennis's discus fish 3 months ago.

[Dionysius]

The question is, which are you gonna focus on?

If you are able, buying 4.5-5"+ discus will increase the discus tolerance of less than pristine conditions in a planted tank as they are already beyond the rapid growth phase. They're more expensive because the hard work has been done, but IMO well worth the money. I spent $640 on 8 x 5" discus and love them.

In your situation though you still have the QT issue to overcome since your tank already has other community fish in it which potentially harbor pathogens that could make your discus sick. Mine all came from 1 reliable source and are in BB tank with some wood and a few rock only. I have had 0 issues since my purchase from Dennis's discus fish 3 months ago.

Very true. It’s funny, discus are a totally different world. Sitting here almost regretting doing a planted tank and not just going back to saltwater Going to go back to the drawing board to see if I can add a QT tank etc.

[fljones3]

You will want another tank for QT or hospital anyway. Then, if they pair up

[Dionysius]

You will want another tank for QT or hospital anyway. Then, if they pair up

Now I just need a good basis for my argument when I bring it up to my wife. I’ve already gone over budget

[Dionysius]

“Calm down dear, at least it’s cheaper than a reef tank!”

[fljones3]

Now I just need a good basis for my argument when I bring it up to my wife. I’ve already gone over budget

She will probably not be won by a sick discus healing, or just another 4-6 week holding tank; however, discus babies can win them every time! lol!

[Dionysius]

She will probably not be won by a sick discus healing, or just another 4-6 week holding tank; however, discus babies can win them every time! lol!

Haha! That’s the master plan