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Thread: How do I set up my first discus tank?

  1. #1
    Registered Member Carol_Roberts's Avatar
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    Default How do I set up my first discus tank?

    Here is how I grow out juvenile discus

    Equipment
    55 gallon bare bottom tank.
    Aqua clear 500 (two internal sponges - one prefilter sponge on the intake)
    250 Watt heater and thermometer. Temp 84 degrees
    Siphon hose to clean tank
    Water storage container (pump and hose optional)

    Discus
    6 - 10 healthy juvenile discus from a reputable breeder

    Care
    50% daily water change with aged (dechlorinated, warmed, aerated) tap water.
    Wipe down inside of tank with paper towels at least every week.
    Rinse prefilter daily, sponges and internal filter once a month.

    Food
    Feed juveniles 4 - 6 times per day. (Quality flakes and bits, black worms, beefheart) Don't overfeed.

    Grow out the juveniles in this tank with no additions. You will have to remove some discus as they grow. These can be sold to other hobbiests or the local fish store. A 55 gallon tank will hold 5 or 6 fully grown discus.

    Later, when you get other tanks, especially large show tanks, remember . . . Quarantine all new fish and plants 4 - 6 weeks before adding to your existing stock
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    Last edited by Carol_Roberts; 11-07-2004 at 12:32 AM.

  2. #2
    Registered Member Ardan's Avatar
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    Default Re:How do I set up my first discus tank?

    This is great information!
    Nice post Carol! I put a sticky on it for now, hope you don't mind.

    WC's are very important. SO is stability in water parameters.
    Check for ammonia, and nitrite often in new tanks. They should not be present or should be kept near 0.

    hth

  3. #3
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    Default Re:How do I set up my first discus tank?

    Excellant post , Carol. keep them coming.

    I use a ''dedicated'' foam to wipe down the insides of my tanks. Foam - on - a - stick. Home made , of course!!!

    Smokey

  4. #4
    Registered Member Carol_Roberts's Avatar
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    Default Re:How do I set up my first discus tank?

    Hi smokey:
    How do you make your homemade sponge on a stick?

  5. #5
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    Default Re:How do I set up my first discus tank?

    AHHHHHHH, I love the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) method of raising discus. Simple and to the point Carol

    GARY

  6. #6
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    Default Re:How do I set up my first discus tank?

    Excellent advice Carol for us newbies Carol.

    Smokie I am also interested in your sponge on a stick.

    Karen

  7. #7
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    Default Re:How do I set up my first discus tank?

    Very sound advice! good job Carol!

    Smokey I will have 2 sponge on a sticks, one with bbq sauce the other with tomato and mustard thanks ;D ;D ;D

    Chong

  8. #8
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    Default Re:How do I set up my first discus tank?

    LOL Chong.

    Carol, i always wondered why you use paper towels for the wipedown? Transferring something from one tank to another?? I'm using a dedicated algae scrubber just specific to my discus tank. Isn't that OK? ??? Jen K.

  9. #9
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    Default Re:How do I set up my first discus tank?

    Take a piece of wooden dowel or what ever; a piece of foam - A/C 300 spongers work well. Stick the dowel into the foam and glue. silicone or even super glue will work .
    Actually , mine are held on with a rubber band!!!
    Been using the same one now for 5 years.

    Works for my tanks.

    Smokey

  10. #10
    Registered Member Carol_Roberts's Avatar
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    Default Re:How do I set up my first discus tank?

    A dowell and a rubberband . . . I think I can do that, lol.

    I use paper towels because the tan diatoms on the galss cling to it and can be thrown away. Spnges are better for scrubbing the algae spots you can see, but just knock stuff loose rather than remove it from the tank.

  11. #11
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    Default Re:How do I set up my first discus tank?

    Very good information indeed, especially for a beginner like me, what is the size of your 55 gal carol?

    thanks
    Andy

  12. #12
    Registered Member Carol_Roberts's Avatar
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    Default Re:How do I set up my first discus tank?

    55 gallons tanks are 4 feet long . . I think that is 120 centimeters long and 220 liters?

  13. #13
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    Default Re:How do I set up my first discus tank?

    Andy / Carol: A Hagen tank is - 36'' L x 18'' W x 20'' High.

    Remember - the size of the tank is not a true 55 G. You would have to measure the inside dimensions - to get the actual ''TRUE'' volume.

    ex: - a 50 G. tank using 3/8'' glass, with a raised bottom has an interior measurement of - 35.375 x 17.375 x 18.875 has a volume of = 50 gal. us./ 190 Liters. Actual water volume is only 47 us gal. / 177.6 Liters.
    { a tank is never filled to the top ].

    Smokey

  14. #14
    Registered Member Carol_Roberts's Avatar
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    Default Re:How do I set up my first discus tank?

    You are right Smokey, 55 gallon tanks come in different dimensions. My favorites are the standard All Glass that are about 48 long x 13 wide x 21 high. Easy to reach into to clean and give enough swimming room

  15. #15
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    Default Re:How do I set up my first discus tank?

    Carol,

    Do you ever have problems with paper towels coming apart and leaving tiny tiny pieces floating in the water. I tried it once and had a mess. I use sponge now, but you are right I just feel like it moves the dirt around

    Karen

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