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Thread: jmaldo's Discus Build

  1. #1
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    Default jmaldo's Discus Build

    2 years into this wonderful "Wet Pet" journey. With the help and advise from members here and a few other forums. Finally, I think I am ready for "Discus". I have been researching, researching and then more researching.

    On to the build. Starting with a 55g, I know people advise the larger the better. And when I am successful, I will be upgrading to a 125g.

    55g - Bare bottom for now, considering the addition of black diamond blasting sand eventually?
    Filtration - Eheim 2217 along with 2 sponge filters
    Lights - Fluval Aquasky and Finnex 24:7 SE (4 hrs on - 3 off- 4 on then off)
    Heater - 2x Aqueon Pro set @ 84 degrees
    Chihiros doctor
    2 Thermometers

    Plants in Pots or tied to 3 pcs of driftwood:
    2x - Red Tiger Lilly
    2x - Anubias
    2x - Java Fern
    2x - Aponogeton
    2x - Bolbitis
    1x - Echinodorus Red Flame

    Ferts: NilocG DIY EI dosing along with NilocG root tabs

    Inhabitants:
    4x - Electric Blue Acara (size from 1/2' - 2")
    1x - Mystery Snail
    Just for the bio-load
    All will be moved before adding the Discus.

    Maintenance - for now.
    70% weekly water change
    Water Parameters:
    ph - 7.6
    0/0/15
    TDS - 200

    And here is a pic, of course not ready for prime-time.

    https://i.imgur.com/mJT9x5D.jpg


    Plan on starting with 6 Blue Diamonds 3"+
    Have been in contact with a number of "Discus" sellers:

    A breeder on another forum:
    Poppa Ryan: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMv...GRADVSx1-cde6g
    along with:

    Hans Discus - https://discusfishstore.com/

    Jack Wattley Discus - https://wattleydiscus.com/

    Discus Madness - https://www.discusmadness.com/

    Dennis Discus - https://dennisdiscusfish.com/shop-di...sPage=products

    Stay Tuned!
    "Patience Young Grasshopper"

  2. #2
    Administrator and MVP Dec.2015 Second Hand Pat's Avatar
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    Default Re: jmaldo's Discus Build

    Hi Joe, since you have no kept discus yet I would suggest starting with a bare bottom tank and adding no bio-load to the tank prior to adding the discus. Please consider doing a fish less cycle instead. This is to avoid contamination from other fish/snail.
    Pat
    Your discus are talking to you....are you listening


  3. #3
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    Default Re: jmaldo's Discus Build

    Hi Pat,
    Thanks for the reply and will consider your suggestion. I have gone back and forth with the bare-bottom tank start with plenty of discussions on other forums and research. The plants are in pots or attached to driftwood, so they can be easily removed. Good point with the present inhabitants. Plan on picking up the the Discus the end of May.
    "Patience Young Grasshopper"

  4. #4
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    Default Re: jmaldo's Discus Build

    Ok, I have contacted 3 different breeders for purchase of Blue Diamonds. Here are a few pics they sent on offer. I understand it is very difficult to rate based on the pics. Would appreciate any comments based purely on what you see.

    https://i.imgur.com/4MLiPFB.jpg

    https://i.imgur.com/sBn8vrk.jpg

    https://i.imgur.com/H6DBsgM.jpg
    "Patience Young Grasshopper"

  5. #5
    Registered Member Cove Beach's Avatar
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    Default Re: jmaldo's Discus Build

    What part of Northeast Ohio? Always looking for others interested in keeping these fish.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: jmaldo's Discus Build

    Quote Originally Posted by Cove Beach View Post
    What part of Northeast Ohio? Always looking for others interested in keeping these fish.
    Hey, fellow Ohioan, about 1/2 hour away in Brooklyn.
    Just a little over 2 years into my "Wet Pet" journey. Have had success breeding Electric Blue Acaras and Bolivian Rams. About to start a "Discus" chapter. Since I am new to the "Discus" world.
    Would appreciate some feedback on the pics of the options available from breeders I have contacted.
    "Patience Young Grasshopper"

  7. #7
    Registered Member + MVP danotaylor's Avatar
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    Default Re: jmaldo's Discus Build

    I too am a fellow Ohioan, but down in Cincy.
    With 3" fish a 70% weekly wc will not be enough if you are wanting them to reach their full growth potential. Discus grow rapidly (in the right conditions) until they hit 4.5"+. The right conditions include 3-5 high protein feedings per day with lots of clean water. If you want your blue diamonds to reach 6"+ I would consider BB only, 75% daily WC's and 4 feedings per day until they hit 4.5-5". At that point add your potted plants and wood etc, back off the 2-3 feeds per day and still change 50%+ water as frequently as you can reasonably do it.
    The high maintenance needs of juvenile fish is why I spent money on 4.5-5" sub-adult fish. I knew realistically that I wasn't gonna be able to get them to their fullest potential with my work/life schedule, so I bought fish past the rapid growth phase.
    Last edited by danotaylor; 05-04-2019 at 11:54 AM.

  8. #8
    Registered Member + MVP danotaylor's Avatar
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    Default Re: jmaldo's Discus Build

    The 3 fish in the last pics seem to have the most consistent color. It is very hard to tell shape from still images. I wish Dennis had BD's cause he would send you videos where you can see the fish swimming from all angles. I would ask the seller the separate the 6 you're intending to buy and send you a video if possible...

  9. #9
    Registered Member Cove Beach's Avatar
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    Default Re: jmaldo's Discus Build

    I did the same as Dan, buying the larger less demanding fish. My original plan was to go planted as well but have decided to stay with driftwood and pool filter sand only.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: jmaldo's Discus Build

    @danotaylor
    Been awhile since I was down south. As a matter of fact the last pic are Dennis Discus fish, I checked him out after reading your thread. That is a capture of the vid he sent me. Not sure to post the vid.
    Anyway, how are the fish doing?

    @Cove Beach
    I am considering the bare bottom with just 1 large potted plant and 1 Large driftwood with attached plants. The last two water changes I simulated the thorough cleaning as recommended by the successful keepers (Vacuuming, wiping down the glass and hardware) I ended up removing everything to do it. It took me an entire hour when previously it took me not quite 2 hours to do the 5 tanks I have.

    Learning all the time.
    "Patience Young Grasshopper"

  11. #11
    Registered Member + MVP danotaylor's Avatar
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    Default Re: jmaldo's Discus Build

    Ah cool. I had an amazing experience buying from Dennis. My fish are healthy and happy, no issues since day 1. I thoroughly recommend him. He just got a new shipment as well. Lots to choose from!
    20190428_193710.jpg
    20190428_195159.jpg
    20190428_195110.jpg
    20190428_194813.jpg
    Love these fish!

  12. #12
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    Default Re: jmaldo's Discus Build

    They look absolutely "Stunning"

    "I thoroughly recommend him".
    "Thanks" for the endorsement, it helps, especially since these are not $10 fish.

    Yes, Dennis is a "Good" Guy
    I spent nearly an hour on the phone with him and he answered all my questions and then some.

    Oh, I plan on bending your ear and others here for advise.
    "Patience Young Grasshopper"

  13. #13
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    Default Re: jmaldo's Discus Build

    Well, I have narrowed it down to Dennis Discus and Discus Hans which is expecting a delivery in a couple of days.

    Just an observation: I have been researching for awhile now. Viewed quite a few vids. With all the talk of pristine conditions (water/tank). I noticed some dirty/filthy tanks, even a well known breeder/distributor apologized for the condition of his tanks. during a few of his vids. What?
    "Patience Young Grasshopper"

  14. #14
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    Default Re: jmaldo's Discus Build

    Update.
    Decided on 8x 3"+ Blue Diamonds from "Dennis Discus".
    http://dennisdiscusfish.com/shop-dis...sPage=products
    When contacted we spent almost an hour on the phone. He answered all of my questions and then some. Also, sent me a vid of them. See Below:
    A Big "Thanks" to "Simply Discus[" for all the information, the members that replied and especially "danotaylor" for sharing his positive experience with Dennis. Due to my schedule should have them in 2 weeks.




    https://youtu.be/0U_RQh3og7g
    Last edited by jmaldo; 05-10-2019 at 10:33 AM.
    "Patience Young Grasshopper"

  15. #15
    Registered Member + MVP danotaylor's Avatar
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    Default Re: jmaldo's Discus Build


    Awesome mate!!

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