Thanks everyone for their comments! It really does help to have such a helpful group!
As I've mentioned before, I tend to over think things, waffle a bit and ask too many questions...
So I'm very concerned about my water. I've been doing some testing and on average after 12-24 hours my readings are-
Ph 6.4 (out of tap 8.4)
Ammonia .5ppm
Nitrite .25ppm
Nitrates 5ppm
I'm really not happy with those readings but apparently that's quite normal for tap water these days? I am going to add some other tests to my arsenal too, like kh, gh and I am going to buy another brand ammonia kit just to compare. Am I worrying too much for these readings?
I'm trying to work out if this is a feasible venture for me, considering how much I work, my dogs and other fish, hobbies and husband! Though I do love a busy life
Now I'm wondering/hopeful if the below is the way for both healthy happy discus and have a happy life (and husband).
* Buy the biggest discus I can afford! Probably 3.5-4.5" if not bigger . A group of six as I'm going to be double/triple my budget. Can get more from the same source in the future. Buy them bigger, healthier, easier to keep. I'd rather grow out from small but if it's the difference between this working out and not then I'll do it.
* A big barrel (40-60gal) in my garage for aging, add a large internal filter to this for both aeration and to build up a bacteria colony to start breaking down the ammonia and nitrites.
* Get an ro machine to help, although this will only be 20 gallons or so.
* Water changes 2-3 times a week of around 40 gallons which is 50% each time. More if I can, but 3 times seems probable. Spot cleaning detritus daily.
* Keep them bare bottom for the first couple of months or more while I get used to keeping them and then once more confident, add a thin layer of sand and some more decor and a little bit of greenery. I prefer hardscape over greenery so it would only be a little green.
Thoughts? If this seems like it's not enough then I'll probably have to sadly hold up my hands in defeat for now and step away. I always want to do things properly and it may be that for now, my needs and the Discus' needs don't match.
Are there any types I should avoid/seem weaker? I'm particularly interested in snakeskin/Turks, pigeon bloods/rafflesia, Cobalt blue. I'll happily switch to sturdier types!