Planted Albino Discus Tank

[TheRedSpotted]

Hi,

I'm not a big "posting man" here is a couple of pics of my tank, for those who know Yann and Fanatik discus you will probably recognize some photos
May 2013
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/photo_28.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=172&u=16895264)
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/photo13.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=173&u=16895264)

Today
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/dsc_0214.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=170&u=16895264)
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/dsc_0121.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=171&u=16895264)

Best regards

[sholvey]

Beautiful display! Never seen a tank and stand like that before very sleek. What do you have for a background? Is it one of those frosted/etched glass window tints or nothing?

[TheRedSpotted]

There's no background, just the wall plastering you see. Corner are dedicated to technical accessories and made of depolished-glass

[NAB]

Really sleek setup

[rdiscus]

First time I've seen albino in plant. Love them

[DiscusLoverJeff]

Beautiful setup. Looks like a 90 gallon tank?

[John_Nicholson]

Great looking tank.

-john

[Nick Klimkowski]

Beatiful tank.

[judijetson]

Absolutely lovely! Did you reduce the number of Discus or are they hidden by the plants?

Sent from my Galaxy S3

[rbarn]

very nice. Very "euro sleek".

You in europe ?

[joanstone]

Beautiful job, beautiful tank.

[Kal-El]

One of the best tank setup I've seen... Love the tank... Where did you purchase a tank like this? A perfect modern show tank ...

[TheRedSpotted]

Wouah! lot of congratulations and questions.
I will try to answer...
It is a 540L tank (142 US Gal)
This is a MP W1 Edition (brand name from Eheim) designed by Werner.
I purchased it in 2010 by e-trading based in France cause I'm located in france (Europe)
At the beginnings there was 7 Albino pearl diamond. Cause of algae, i caught all the fishes and select only two pairs (best in shape and color).
Maintenance is now reduced and parameter are regular.

[Second Hand Pat]

Your tank is indeed lovely and fits the fish and the decor. Well done. :)
Pat

[nvladik]

The whole setup is beautiful, congrats!!!

[Mariowa]

Great looking setup and beautiful fish

[jmf3460]

beautiful! congrats, its not easy maintaining planted and discus!

[Dallas Discus]

Very Nice.... Love the lighting, not a large bulky top.....

[dirtyplants]

Very nice tank setup, and a large tank at that. Rarely do I see set ups like this in a large format.

[Udeservit]

where in Canada could you find a modern tank and stand like that in 100 gal or more... I want one!!!

[OC Discus]

Very nice.

[ngarci13]

Great setup love the white room in contrast to the tank

[TheRedSpotted]

Great setup love the white room in contrast to the tank

Thanks, the white helps the fish ;-)
Your eyes focus immediately on the color of the fishes.

Volume is 140 gallon. A bit short but enough for gardening session : a 10 liters buckets of plant cuts each 15 days.

[TheRedSpotted]

where in Canada could you find a modern tank and stand like that in 100 gal or more... I want one!!!

I can bring you my tank ;-) I will travell to Montreal soon...
Contact an EHEIM dealer. This is an MP aquarium.

[sandy]

Awesome tanks, btw what do you feed?


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk - now Free

[TheRedSpotted]

The list of plants
Foreground :
Rotala Rotundifolia
Hygrophila Difformis
Cryptocoryne Wendtii green
Echinodorus Tenellus

On roots :
Bolbitis Heudelotii
Microsorum Pteroptus

Intermediate :
Hygrophila Difformis
HygHydrocotyle Tripartita
Echinodorus Dshungelstar

Background :
Hygrophila Guianensis
Alternanthera Reneckii

And completly CO2 free ;-)

[TheRedSpotted]

Feeding Time :
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/hugoc11.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=182&u=16895264)

Fishes are fed with Freeze dried blood worms , tubifex, artemia / frozen blood worms / pellets.

[sgchick]

Wow! Beautiful tank...love the white and the sleek , modern look.

[flutterbug]

Love this tank! That last picture with the child watching the tank is adorable! :)

[BODYDUB]

Wow, that is a beautiful tank!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Joe]

Very nice looking!

Joe

[sandy]

White and green colour combination looks great


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk - now Free

[musicmarn1]

HOLY CRAP !!!! dream dream set up right there....my gosh if only i was that good at plants !! wow. just wow dont suppose you would care to list every plant in there from left (to us looking at pic) to right would you? beautiful well done !!! one day ill get there. thanks for the inspiration !!

[TheRedSpotted]

Some recent pics of my planted tank :
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/dsc_1013.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=226&u=16895264)
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/dsc_1014.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=227&u=16895264)
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/dsc_1015.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=228&u=16895264)

[pcsb23]

Nice 'scape :) Like this a lot.

[jmf3460]

are the majority of your plants hygrophila corymbosa?? I see swords in there as well as hygrophila difformis around the bottom, what are the pinkish looking plants on the left??

[SMB2]

re you still running C02? There was a drop counter? in the first pics. Don't see it now.

[funnyray]

i want this

[Nick Klimkowski]

It looks great, love this tank.

[TheRedSpotted]

re you still running C02? There was a drop counter? in the first pics. Don't see it now.

It was a CO2 indicator.
I still use it but it was in the bleach bath.

Don'ont use CO2 anymore just to adapt some new plant occasionnaly.

[moto250mx]

Absolutely stunning aquarium...You did an excellent job...Fantastic round body shape of those Discus :)

Jason

[FischAutoTechGarten]

I will echo everyone else's sentiments. Very nice work.

[TheRedSpotted]

Absolutely stunning aquarium...You did an excellent job...Fantastic round body shape of those Discus :)

Jason

Thanks,
a focus on them

http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/dsc_1210.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=268&u=16895264)
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/dsc_1312.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=271&u=16895264)
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/dsc_1211.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=272&u=16895264)

[beastroy]

you need some clown loach to rid the snails in your tank.








Thanks,

a focus on them

http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/dsc_1210.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=268&u=16895264)
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/dsc_1312.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=271&u=16895264)
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/dsc_1211.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=272&u=16895264)

[Discus@323]

Awesome tank :p! Can you show us your equipment a photo will do hehe! If you dont use CO2 how do you keep such a great plant growth?

[kkdiscus]

Love the tank immediately on the first page once I saw it. Just WOW! White is really sleek!

However, I can't imagine how hard it is at maintaining such tank. Do you have to change the gravel? Do you need to empty the tank every few months? Do you have problem with worms growing in the tank?

[TheRedSpotted]

you need some clown loach to rid the snails in your tank.
dislike those fishes that have not to be mixed with discus. Some anentome helena could do this also properly

Awesome tank :p! Can you show us your equipment a photo will do hehe! If you dont use CO2 how do you keep such a great plant growth?
Just an eheim 2080. nothing to add. just waterchanges with minerals and some fertilizer in caps.
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/borneo10.png (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=278&u=16895264)http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/borneo11.png (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=279&u=16895264)
And the bottom release tool for fertilizer on left
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/tools10.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=282&u=16895264)

Love the tank immediately on the first page once I saw it. Just WOW! White is really sleek!

However, I can't imagine how hard it is at maintaining such tank. Do you have to change the gravel? Do you need to empty the tank every few months? Do you have problem with worms growing in the tank?
50% waterchange once a week and twice when I feel strong enough...no gravel but water plant soil this one for shrimps is very good :
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/ebi-go10.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=281&u=16895264)

[Bhu]

A fantastic aquarium. I'm also running a planted discus aquarium. What temperature do you keep them? My discus prefer being at 30'C any colder and they become lethargic and don't eat well. But this temperature makes it hard for the plants to grow well :( you have done a fantastic job. :) one we can only aspire to!

[ericNH]

It's pics like yours that make me not want to post pics of mine - I'd be laughed out of the forum! I'm gonna post one of mine anyway, soon. Just growing my discus out a little more first.

Stunning tank! Such an excellent, clean-looking little aquatic world you've created. Thanks for sharing!

[Caitie]

Absolutely amazing!!! You should be proud! :D

[TheRedSpotted]

A fantastic aquarium. I'm also running a planted discus aquarium. What temperature do you keep them? My discus prefer being at 30'C any colder and they become lethargic and don't eat well. But this temperature makes it hard for the plants to grow well :( you have done a fantastic job. :) one we can only aspire to!

tank is kept at 29°C if you want to increase the temp to 30°C you will need more light and CO2

[a.person61]

Dumb question here dose it have any storage space in the cabinet?

Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk 2

[TheRedSpotted]

Dumb question here dose it have any storage space in the cabinet?

Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk 2

A huge open space for filter technic.
Impossible to store anything...too hot!

[ALEXIS]

Nice Tank !!!

[gundala]

50% waterchange once a week and twice when I feel strong enough...no gravel but water plant soil this one for shrimps is very good :
http://i55.servimg.com/u/f55/16/89/52/64/ebi-go10.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=281&u=16895264)
Do you vacuum the water plant soil ?

[c_sir]

really stunning, everything! Ive been wanting an all albino tank.

[ajvdiscus]

fell in love ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[turbodriven04]

I'm just over here like, "WOW that's nice". I don't like my tank anymore lol. Very nice setup indeed.

[TheRedSpotted]

Thanks ;-)
some recent changes...
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/89/52/64/dsc_2519.jpg (http://servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=327&u=16895264)

[tj_718]

awsome!simply but beautiful

[musicmarn1]

Divine!!!! I want lessons

[TheRedSpotted]

more pics
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/89/52/64/dsc_2812.jpg (http://servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=338&u=16895264)
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/89/52/64/dsc_2813.jpg (http://servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=339&u=16895264)

[FischAutoTechGarten]

Redspotted,
Could you give us details on your Water Plant Soil?
Peter

[TheRedSpotted]

There's no secret :
Brand name EBI GOLD or FLORABASE and heating cable ;-) some old pics during the making :
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/89/52/64/mp-w1-10.jpg (http://servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=344&u=16895264)

http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/89/52/64/mp-w1-11.jpg (http://servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=345&u=16895264)

http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/89/52/64/mp-w1-12.jpg (http://servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=346&u=16895264)

[musicmarn1]

WOW ....sorry i cant help it im gushing in girly enthusiasm, i mean WOW !

[jmf3460]

you are going to have some baby swords soon, or may already have them,

[discuspaul]

Superb planted discus tank set-up - looks very well kept up. Adults or near adults like you have should do very well in that.

[TheRedSpotted]

you are going to have some baby swords soon, or may already have them,


This is the second time my echinodorus "oriental dream" produce swords.
the first ones were very pinky at the begining.

[TheRedSpotted]

Superb planted discus tank set-up - looks very well kept up. Adults or near adults like you have should do very well in that.

Thanks they are adult now as I groom them for more than a year before introducing them in the community tank.
They were 9cm long including tail and now the biggest is arround 18cm.
Day after shipment :
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/89/52/64/photo_12.jpg (http://servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=347&u=16895264)
Today :
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/89/52/64/dsc_0210.jpg (http://servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=348&u=16895264)
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/89/52/64/dsc_1310.jpg (http://servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=349&u=16895264)
Such variety never produce jumbo.
The previous strain which was Altum flora getting too big...I moved them in a breeding tank as they reach 20cm in diameter (body only)
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/89/52/64/photo_13.jpg (http://servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=350&u=16895264)
Too much polution with them...

[TheRedSpotted]

The biggest guy
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/89/52/64/photo_14.jpg (http://servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=351&u=16895264)

[mattgru]

Wow those guys are pretty! Your tank looks amazing! Good job.

[jmf3460]

i am so jealous of your plants. you make it look so easy

[flapjack24]

Awesome tank

[musicmarn1]

I really want to interview you ! on your technique

*"too much pollution", that suggests you track poop production and waste into the water, closely. How do you do that, tell us more?

*what filtration and cleaning regime are you using?

* your ideal fish:tank size ratio? (for a heavily planted tank)

*How long have you been doing planted tanks? what tech is used in this tank? lights, fert dosing etc?

*Would you recommend a beginner putting young discus into a heavily planted tank?

*What plants are in there?

*What exactly are your water perimeters? tds, kh, gh etc

* What has been the greatest learning curve for you or hardship with this tank?

* What advice do you give to those of us who want one like it!?

[TheRedSpotted]

I really want to interview you ! on your technique
Thanks Marnie
*"too much pollution", that suggests you track poop production and waste into the water, closely. How do you do that, tell us more?
I'm just controling by visual aspect, the rule is simple, no dust shall appear above the substrate to prevent from clogging
*what filtration and cleaning regime are you using?
Filtration : I rely on a eheim 2080, 50% water change weekly
* your ideal fish:tank size ratio? (for a heavily planted tank)
4 to 5 discus for this 540 liters tank, I will try to add two albino red cover soon to get a pinch of red
*How long have you been doing planted tanks? what tech is used in this tank? lights, fert dosing etc?
Hobby started in 2000 with a 270 liter tank and gold caps, move to discus in 2005, no special tech, light comes from original eheim set up : 4 T5 54W each, put some reflector on tubes, fert as discribed previously some caps inserted directly under substrate
*Would you recommend a beginner putting young discus into a heavily planted tank?
Never, too much polution to raise them at full potential, when young they need food in great demand and huge warterchanges
*What plants are in there?
Think allready answer in page 2 but i have add some special echinodorus like an oriental dream which gives beautiful pinky leaves
*What exactly are your water perimeters? tds, kh, gh etc
Not strictly controlled but :250µs, kh2, pH not measured or controlled
* What has been the greatest learning curve for you or hardship with this tank?
The nature power and patience, some plants disappear, some stay small and suddently grow, moss were not introduced in the tank and today they are exceeding 5 liter volume...nothing is fixed and the landscape moves
* What advice do you give to those of us who want one like it!?
One more time : "patience" you have to accept the rythm of nature, you are not god and plants don't obey...to be honest do it simple and properly, a heating cable and a good substrate are the best friends, you only have to change the water regulary

Hi Marnie, i tried to answer, hope you will get the plant fever ;-)
Kind regards

[musicmarn1]

i have plant fever !! these answers are brilliant thank you so much. i had never thought about a heating cable until now, great idea, would a sump heater work as well or would you not go near a sump because of too much o2 for the plants?

do you add Co2?

[TheRedSpotted]

i have plant fever !! these answers are brilliant thank you so much. i had never thought about a heating cable until now, great idea, would a sump heater work as well or would you not go near a sump because of too much o2 for the plants?

do you add Co2?

Would not try this. This heating cable help to create a water flow in the substrate. It avoid clogging and keep a gentle aeration inside soil substrate. Roots plants can develop easily without putrifying.
No more cyanobacteria also ;-)

I don't use CO2 continuously. Actually yes to help new delicate plant establishing.
CO2 is disolved in a reactor set in by-pass of main filtrer.

[musicmarn1]

Would not try this. This heating cable help to create a water flow in the substrate. It avoid clogging and keep a gentle aeration inside soil substrate. Roots plants can develop easily without putrifying.
No more cyanobacteria also ;-)

I don't use CO2 continuously. Actually yes to help new delicate plant establishing.
CO2 is disolved in a reactor set in by-pass of main filtrer.



fascinating!

[TheRedSpotted]

Yesterday pics:
Aquarium stand:
http://i74.servimg.com/u/f74/16/89/52/64/dsc_2810.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/352)
Some Macro on echinodorus swords : (natural color)
http://i74.servimg.com/u/f74/16/89/52/64/dsc_2910.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/353)
An other macro on a reddish plant which actually turn to violet :
http://i74.servimg.com/u/f74/16/89/52/64/dsc_2911.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/354)
Will add soon pic of a beautiful plant I plan to set : Hygrophyla pinnatifida.

[Frankr409]

Delightful tank, really have enjoyed reading and looking at the photos. How quickly did the penny wort spread from your original planting. Any drawbacks with it along the way?

[TheRedSpotted]

Never drawbacks but constant evolution
Nov 2011
- Placing roots :
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/mp-w1-14.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=70&u=16895264)
- Setting in place the heating cable:
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/mp-w1-15.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=71&u=16895264)
- Soil leveling :
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/mp-w1-16.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=72&u=16895264)
- beginnings in landscaping :
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/mp-w1-17.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=73&u=16895264)
- Waiting for growing.
First try with my discus collection nothing strike me regarding color and unity!
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/dsc01611.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=86&u=16895264)
Not relly happy with this mix.

Then I tried to find a group of the same variety to make it more "natural looking".
I found beautiful altum flora which looks close to wild in aspect.
June 2011 some tank shots at retailer facility:
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/photo_30.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=74&u=16895264)
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/photo_31.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=75&u=16895264)
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/photo_32.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=76&u=16895264)
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/photo_33.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=77&u=16895264)
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/photo_34.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=78&u=16895264)

Waiting End of QT

July 2011 arrived at home:
- during Acclimatation
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/photo_35.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=79&u=16895264)
- Just after releasing:
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/photo_36.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=80&u=16895264)
September 2011 : evolution of discus group good growing rate!
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/dsc01911.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=81&u=16895264)
October 2011 : they still growing pattern start to shade and let appear bleu like cobalts.
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/photo_37.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=82&u=16895264)
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/photo_38.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=83&u=16895264)
December 2012 : they look more and more like cobalts, deep metalic blue shine:
http://i71.servimg.com/u/f71/16/89/52/64/photo_39.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=84&u=16895264)
Mars 2013 : soil becomes poor...send the fish in my tank racks located in in my fishroom

[treylcham]

Glad to see im not,the onfly,one who thinks that its ok to do one 50% water change a week with adults and to have a fully planted tank and not have a problem with to much waste! Seems like most people on the forum will call I crazy but this post jut kinda showed them that it is possible!!!!! THANKYOU

Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2

[rickztahone]

Glad to see im not,the onfly,one who thinks that its ok to do one 50% water change a week with adults and to have a fully planted tank and not have a problem with to much waste! Seems like most people on the forum will call I crazy but this post jut kinda showed them that it is possible!!!!! THANKYOU

Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk 2

If you look through the forum you will realize that most ADVISE members not to do it, but no one claims it is impossible. Experienced discus and planted tank people can successfully do this, but there needs to be a balance in the tank.

OP, beautiful tank, thanks for sharing those beautiful looking AF, one of my favorites.

[Miss_Fish]

If you look through the forum you will realize that most ADVISE members not to do it, but no one claims it is impossible. Experienced discus and planted tank people can successfully do this, but there needs to be a balance in the tank.

OP, beautiful tank, thanks for sharing those beautiful looking AF, one of my favorites.

Agreed! If you look at the thread the OP said he reduced the number of fish to reduce the maintenance on the tank. Also there are many other variables such as the heating coil that helps aerate the soil, and the type of soil used. The OP also stated that when he can, he does like to do twice weekly water changes. I have a planted tank with a bunch of large fish in it and I wouldn't dare let them go longer than 2 days without a big water change; although I prefer to do every other day 80% water changes.

[treylcham]

Agreed! If you look at the thread the OP said he reduced the number of fish to reduce the maintenance on the tank. Also there are many other variables such as the heating coil that helps aerate the soil, and the type of soil used. The OP also stated that when he can, he does like to do twice weekly water changes. I have a planted tank with a bunch of large fish in it and I wouldn't dare let them go longer than 2 days without a big water change; although I prefer to do every other day 80% water changes.

I have been in the planted tank side of things for almost 2years now and feel that i am well prepared to handle that side=) I am doing a almost full ada setup in a 50gallon and i will only have corys neons and discus in the tank. Yes 5discus would never work for it but instead i will be getting a proven pair to put into the tank. I have never had discus before, but to make sure that i first learn how to properly care for them i will be doing a 2 month long quarantine bare bottom tank to get the feel with them and how much they eat and what not. During this time i will be doing daily 50%water changes=) I really do want the best for the fish and i am still looking into the matter but it just made me happy to see someone on the forum with a great looking planted tank with discus to top it off!
Trey

[Miss_Fish]

I have been in the planted tank side of things for almost 2years now and feel that i am well prepared to handle that side=) I am doing a almost full ada setup in a 50gallon and i will only have corys neons and discus in the tank. Yes 5discus would never work for it but instead i will be getting a proven pair to put into the tank. I have never had discus before, but to make sure that i first learn how to properly care for them i will be doing a 2 month long quarantine bare bottom tank to get the feel with them and how much they eat and what not. During this time i will be doing daily 50%water changes=) I really do want the best for the fish and i am still looking into the matter but it just made me happy to see someone on the forum with a great looking planted tank with discus to top it off!
Trey

I totally get that, as someone who also had lots of planted tank experience, I can understand where you are coming from. The only thing I can tell you is that Discus really are as sensitive as people say. They need pristine water conditions, and feeding them in a planted tank presents its own set of problems aside from maintenance. I do wish you the best of luck in your endeavor.

[treylcham]

Thanks yea thats about the only draw back i can find about keeping them which if i do im sure ill find a way to make it work =). So far my thoughts on feeding is floating pellets and live worms to replace for beef heart and then anything that falls to the bottoms the corys can have at it haha=') We will see what happens.

[TheRedSpotted]

Some recent pics of the tank.

Landscape is slightly moving..Discus strains also.

http://i38.servimg.com/u/f38/16/89/52/64/dsc_3410.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/364)

http://i38.servimg.com/u/f38/16/89/52/64/dsc_3411.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/365)

[ericNH]

Your tank is, in a word, STUNNING. It's unreal. Bravo!

[rickztahone]

As always, beautiful. You can easily sell your shots as advertisement for this company :)

[discuspaul]

Gorgeous tank & fish - well done !
Great advertisement for the tank kit supplier as well ! They should pay you for that.
If you made it yourself, bravo, it's fantastic.

[TheRedSpotted]

Thanks for your kind comments.
This landscape is really made by my own two hands...unfortunately no external helpers.
Sometimes I would appreciate a little help.
Lots of good and continuous cares too get this result.
But it worth it...a pinch of Mother Nature in the living room.

[jmf3460]

WOW BEAUTIFUL!! are you now down to 4 fish? I think your temple plant (hygro corymbosa) in the back left is really my favorite part.

[loltune]

The white color of the rim and the stand really added to the effect of pure cleanliness and elegant of the tank overall look. Somehow, I think you haven't found the right group of discus for this tank. I like the altum flora group better than the albino group. The albino discus looks perfect the tank looks perfect but sometimes 2 perfect looking things when together does not produce that perfect look something still missing? No doubt the tank overall looks very beautiful but it could be better but yet don't know what to add or look for to make it looks better IMHO. That is how I feel when looking at this beautiful tank.

[TheRedSpotted]

New tank shot where discus are more visible :
http://i19.servimg.com/u/f19/16/89/52/64/dsc_3410.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/366)
May can I add a pinch of red...
ALSS will move to a dedicated tank for breeding soon.
I hope that some red melon will replace them.

[Solid]

This tank is ridiculously good looking! Fantastic!

[ayobreezie]

This tank is sex. Maybe I should've went with a planted discus tank. Lol.

[zergling]

Lovely tank sir! It takes a lot of experience, skill, and patience to have a working system like that!

My apologies if I missed it, but what is the strain of this albino?
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/89/52/64/dsc_0210.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/348)

[TheRedSpotted]

Lovely tank sir! It takes a lot of experience, skill, and patience to have a working system like that!

My apologies if I missed it, but what is the strain of this albino?
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/16/89/52/64/dsc_0210.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/348)

It's a female albino pearl diamond

[zergling]

It's a female albino pearl diamond

Thank you! The white halo is so nice! Now I know what to look for :)

[TheRedSpotted]

It's only visible on female :grin:
The Albino Red Cover which are actually replacing them have it also :
http://i19.servimg.com/u/f19/16/89/52/64/img_7210.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/367)

[zergling]

So nice! I'm jealous! If Kenny gets that in his shipments, I'm going to go broke LOL!

[TheRedSpotted]

So nice! I'm jealous! If Kenny gets that in his shipments, I'm going to go broke LOL!
Sometimes breeders could named them as APD white rim.

[zergling]

Sometimes breeders could named them as APD white rim.
Thanks, now I know what to look for :) - Albino Red Cover and/or Albino Pearl Diamond white rim

[Maven]

Your tank is stunning! I originally wanted to aquascape my discus tank. However, I felt the task was a little overwhelming so I chickened out and went with some fake plants. Your set-up is inspiring! :D

[TheRedSpotted]

A shot of the landscape I have in front of me during Diner :D
http://i19.servimg.com/u/f19/16/89/52/64/dsc_3511.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/369)

[zergling]

Beautiful! My discus tank is next to the dinner table too, I bet you really enjoy watching your tank while eating!

[jmf3460]

I can imagine the dinner scenarios at my house if I had a discus tank in my kitchen/dining room. I would never converse with my husband ha. beautiful tank OP, really this is a stellar example of how to maintain a planted discus tank. I really like the contrast of colors and textures among your plant layout. The pinks/reds/pale greens/dark greens and orange from the fish really compliment each other.

[Twistofer]

Jealousy +1 +1 +1 I hope one day to just barely rival you setup.

[Blademan]

Wow this setup looks really nice

[jmf3460]

any update here OP??

[TheRedSpotted]

No changes :(
Still being tuned on same landscape for month...:D

[MadMatt]

Smoken tank!
Very nice!!!

[TheRedSpotted]

From my last shooting
89029

[TheRedSpotted]

An other one with a small "Boke" 89048

[TheRedSpotted]

A little "remodel" this week-end :
http://i21.servimg.com/u/f21/16/89/52/64/img_7611.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/384)
Hope it will offer more swiming space

[jmf3460]

beautiful, are you down to 2 discus?

[TheRedSpotted]

beautiful, are you down to 2 discus?

Yes the albino leopard snake paired few weeks ago and those red also.
Will try to raise Alss soon

[jmf3460]

damnit, more goodness for you, my jealousy level has risen :)

[TheRedSpotted]

damnit, more goodness for you, my jealousy level has risen :)
Don't sure you will be able to survive to this :
http://i21.servimg.com/u/f21/16/89/52/64/img_7612.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/385)
Male is impressive in size for an albino, female is more humble but gives good quantities of eggs

[TheRedSpotted]

Hello,


New shooting two weeks after rebuilt:


http://i21.servimg.com/u/f21/16/89/52/64/img_7710.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/386)


Jungle ! ...this pair doesn't seem to be annoyed by this forest...

[Disgirl]

How could they possibly be annoyed when they are living in a tropical paradise? It is beautiful!
Barb

[Mattzilla]

that's stunning

[jmf3460]

beautiful op, what is floating at the top? a plant?

[TheRedSpotted]

beautiful op, what is floating at the top? a plant?

It is salvinia natans. it helps me to fight green algae when needed, I have to remove most of them as this fight is alredy finished.
Normaly I'm keeping two or three roots and let them developp to absorb nitrat when required.

[TheRedSpotted]

Some minor changes in the layout :
http://i68.servimg.com/u/f68/16/89/52/64/dsc_4510.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/395)
http://i68.servimg.com/u/f68/16/89/52/64/dsc_4511.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/396)
White sand on the breach soil for better contrast and some echinodorus oriental cuttings on foreground as pink touches.

Hope you will 'like!' :)

[Filip]

How have i missed this thread so far ?
Seeing your last post made me go back to first page and instantly read the whole thread.
As you allready know and being told :) , wonderfull , modern and stylish aquarium stand , beautifull discus speciments and stunning healthy and clean plant growth put all together in a neatly done setup .

The only new compliment i can add is that i also like your stylish kitchen and the palm tree next to your aquarium :)

P.s. I liked the reddish shrimp soil better than the sand . It gave more calm and natural look to your set up and brings the focus to fish and plants colours more.

[discuspaul]

Fabulously aqua-scaped set-up - truly outstanding work !

[Las Vegas]

wow, really beautiful tank. I hope it all works out for the Discus. I love how it looks!

[TheRedSpotted]

Quick update with my new pets :
http://i68.servimg.com/u/f68/16/89/52/64/img_8711.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/403)

[jmf3460]

you're going to have to rename this thread now :) like the turks, man those background plants are growing really bushy, great tank.

[TheRedSpotted]

you're going to have to rename this thread now :) like the turks, man those background plants are growing really bushy, great tank.

Not completely...but discus will probably have to be changed in the coming weeks :D

[kiwdahc]

Mind if I pick your brain for a minute? I am assuming this tank is injected co2 with some kind of DIY reactor. What macro and micros do you use? What root tabs do you use? Have you found any that the discus can tolerate a bit more?

[TheRedSpotted]

Mind if I pick your brain for a minute? I am assuming this tank is injected co2 with some kind of DIY reactor. What macro and micros do you use? What root tabs do you use? Have you found any that the discus can tolerate a bit more?

CO2 is only used as a starter when introducing new demanding plants and then reduced day by day.
Fert is limited as fishes are producing the requiered quantity.
All my set up is described in page 4. The key point to succeed is the soil quality and the heating cable inside which avoid clogging.
Potassium can help your plants in the photosynthesis. ADA brighty K is very usefull

Hope you will get the plant fever after reading this :)

[Dhavalsp]

nice setup and well documented work over the years. I don't know how you do it but your tanks including the breeding tank was crystal clear. Let alone some algae, but I didn't even see a small finger print smudge any where....keep up the good work. I am working on a lightly planted tank, but with juvies. May be I will garner some courage to do something like this in the future.

[TheRedSpotted]

nice setup and well documented work over the years.

Thanks for your comments, a regular maintenance is the key



I don't know how you do it but your tanks including the breeding tank was crystal clear. regular cleaning with razor blades ;) and water changes


Let alone some algae, but I didn't even see a small finger print smudge any where....keep up the good work. I am working on a lightly planted tank, but with juvies. May be I will garner some courage to do something like this in the future. with patience and Good cares you will succeed.

Kind regards

[modealings]

You have a beautiful aquarium! Can I ask you for more info on the heating cable? Was this a DIY or commercial product? I see a few available on Amazon in the 15-25ft range with 25-50W. Is there a calculation for wattage and spacing in planted tanks? This is the first time I've seen it used in a planted tank and as you said it seems to be one of the real keys here. Thanks for giving us all some inspiration!

[TheRedSpotted]

You have a beautiful aquarium! Can I ask you for more info on the heating cable? Was this a DIY or commercial product? I see a few available on Amazon in the 15-25ft range with 25-50W. Is there a calculation for wattage and spacing in planted tanks? This is the first time I've seen it used in a planted tank and as you said it seems to be one of the real keys here. Thanks for giving us all some inspiration!

It's a 100W heating cable from DENNERLE. The key value is the length : space between coils not exceeding 5cm in my set up I had to look for the maximum length available the results was the 100W cable.
To achieve good results don't forget to choose a good substrate like ADA Amazonia product and use also the thermocontroler like DENNERLE Duomat 1200 or equivalent.

Kind regards

[TheRedSpotted]

Hi,

Some news about my setup...
As announced in the title things are moving but not in a bad way.
After a serious cutting plants are resized :)
http://i35.servimg.com/u/f35/16/89/52/64/img_9611.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/414)
Population has been changed and will be changed one more time soon.:o
Now you have to guess :confused:

[rickztahone]

Looking good as ever :)

[jmf3460]

beautiful as always OP. you have got a tank most people would dream of.

[Phillydubs]

Turning Wild... Is that just a cruel teaser? Or are you going to share more info??

[Kal-El]

Amazing tank. What kind of light do you have?

[TheRedSpotted]

Looking good as ever :)
Thanks some minor changes but it remains on the same aquascape

beautiful as always OP. you have got a tank most people would dream of.
thanks I think it is achievable by many of us :o those plants are not so demanding, with patience and good cares you can succeed :D

Turning Wild... Is that just a cruel teaser? Or are you going to share more info??
A cruel teaser I confirm...for sure i will share more info...not before august :( time to adapt parameters and make it as clean as possible to avoid maintenance for a long period and provide a quiet environment (i think you have guessed why...).

Amazing tank. What kind of light do you have?
You will be surprised...nothing special only 4 x T5 of 54W each plus a led stripe for a smooth moonlight.

[jmf3460]

WILDS!!! yahoo!!!

[TheRedSpotted]

WILDS!!! yahoo!!!

Bulls eye!
But not only discus :o

[William1]

Very 'artsy'. I like it. I would make your path a little more interesting. Like curvy and disappears to one side behind a plant bunch. It is a focal point. It's a bit too narrow, and straight, and centered too much for my eye as it is now. It looked cooler in the beginning. Hey, I'm feeling artsy, what can I say. I like it!

[TheRedSpotted]

WILDS!!! yahoo!!!

I'm also excited....:bounce2:

A preview of the new tank mates :
http://i35.servimg.com/u/f35/16/89/52/64/img_9613.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/418)
http://i35.servimg.com/u/f35/16/89/52/64/img_9614.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/417)


Very 'artsy'. I like it. I would make your path a little more interesting. Like curvy and disappears to one side behind a plant bunch. It is a focal point. It's a bit too narrow, and straight, and centered too much for my eye as it is now. It looked cooler in the beginning. Hey, I'm feeling artsy, what can I say. I like it!
Fully agree, the plants are growing so much...the path becomes ridiculous.
Some dwarf cory are actually in QT and will need more place.
I will perform a serious cutting session to make the path wider, I will be able to change it's shape with the cisors.

Kind regards

[jmf3460]

beautiful wild discus, mind sharing who imported these?

[William1]

Are those wild discus? Wow, those are really amazing looking fish. How many do have and where are they from? Very nice.

[TheRedSpotted]

beautiful wild discus, mind sharing who imported these?


Are those wild discus? Wow, those are really amazing looking fish. How many do have and where are they from? Very nice.

Those two are Royal Urucum. They still wait at KL Discus France facility. Originaly catched by Hudson.
They are waiting the end of QT in importer (Frederic Gobert) tanks
I only booked firmly those two and may two other Super Red Urucum if the importer is able to find the same as this one i pre ordered :
http://i35.servimg.com/u/f35/16/89/52/64/fullsi10.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/419)

[rickztahone]

We love royals around here ;)

[Davidzil]

Awesome setup, whats the trick - not using CO2

[TheRedSpotted]

Awesome setup, whats the trick - not using CO2
Not using CO2 !
Excellent tap water, frequent water changes with aged water, regular cutting with cisor to have clean cuttings help plant to regenerate with phiton-git, adding some potassium when leaves start to yellowish, very few ferts and when needed brought directly close to roots using ferts in caps. Fishes doing the remaining part of the job :)

[TheRedSpotted]

My proud Goh son in love with camera ;)
http://i35.servimg.com/u/f35/16/89/52/64/dsc_4710.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/420)
Ready for breeding :o

[TheRedSpotted]

Little work on the "path" :
http://i35.servimg.com/u/f35/16/89/52/64/img_9810.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/421)
Cutting 'litle by little', add on some ADA La Plata sand and some ADA La Plata BIG on the border with plants.

Some dwarf cory actually in QT will join the tank in the coming days.

Hope you will enjoy.

[Filip]

Great planted scape Redspotted .
I got couple of questions regarding the maintenance.
What kind of plants are those 2 big groups
in the back and in the front of your tank ?
Why do you keep turning on and off Co2 occasionally ?
Do you think it bothers discus too much to be constantly on ,or you just want to slow down the plant growth?

And why only 2 discus ? Can this kind of planted setup be manageable with 5-6 discus ?

Sorry for the short interview here and thanks for sharing.

[TheRedSpotted]

Great planted scape Redspotted .
I got couple of questions regarding the maintenance.
What kind of plants are those 2 big groups
in the back and in the front of your tank ?
Why do you keep turning on and off Co2 occasionally ?
Do you think it bothers discus too much to be constantly on ,or you just want to slow down the plant growth?

And why only 2 discus ? Can this kind of planted setup be manageable with 5-6 discus ?

Sorry for the short interview here and thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the kind comments, don't be so shy :) We are here to share
For the plants you can check post number 26 you will find all varieties used in this layout.
Related to your question : Hygrophila guianensis :) and a pinch of red with Alternanthera.

The use of CO2 is limited in order to avoid to bother discus with low level of dissolved oxygen.
The more CO2 you have the fewer dissolved oxygen you had :( .
Co2 help new plants to settle well. This is the main reason.
If you add too much CO2 you have also to bring a lot of ferts and potassium to have a complete photosynthesis.
With High CO2 and low ferts leaves will start to yellowish.

With CO2 and ferts it correspond to a gardening of 10 liters bucket a week...could be boring...I have tried

I keep only two discus because it is a pair. The two others were placed in a breeding tank but a serious bacteria stopped this project :(
Bye bye snow leopard try out.

When pairs are formed they battle contantly. So I prefer to pair discus in this tank and select the best pair for eye pleasure.
Others go into the battery rack located in backstage for breeding projects.

As announced in post 139 I anticipate a wild turn...not the bad one.
I have selected some wild and expect a more natural look.

You can run this setup with 7 discus without doubt but you have to plan stringent and regular waterchanges (minimum 50% twice a week).
If not you will face to algae growth. (even it could be killed quickly with peroxyde it is always surgery...time...and cares)

Remember also to keep a good space for swiming. Consider 50 liters per discus (free space).
As it is heavy planted I consider 50% of the total volume available i.e. 270 liter.
4-5 fishes is OK.

Hope you will get the plant fever.

[Filip]

@The Redspotted, thank you for answering my questions.
I already have the plant fever, that's why I asked so many questions about your planted discus tank. :-).
I used to run a high tech planted discus tank , but it all end up bad for discus at the end .
So now days I'm trying to balance things up more in favor to discus than plants but stil have a planted look of the tank.

[Siddhartha Saive]

Awesome tank :o
Don't you wanna add any dither fish? A school of small tetra would make it look better. Or do you want to try raising fry in there ?

[TheRedSpotted]

Awesome tank :o
Don't you wanna add any dither fish? A school of small tetra would make it look better. Or do you want to try raising fry in there ?

Thanks, don't want to add too many fishes.
Tetra can bring lot of matters in term of diseases and especially bacteria. they don't live longer than 3 years :(
Prefer to keep my group of cory pygmaeus in lower part of the tank and some hatchet fish in on top.

[TheRedSpotted]

It's a pitty:mad: a month before recieving my wilds I'm facing a big trouble:embarassed:
During vacations a storm caused a tripping...
Total black out for 10 days.
I'm starting to reload as fast as I can.

[Filip]

I'm sorry to hear that you had some troubles Red spotted.
What's the outcome of the 10 day w/o electricity?
Are your discus or your plants in the display tank still alive ?
And i dont get it .What do you have to reload again ?

[TheRedSpotted]

I'm sorry to hear that you had some troubles Red spotted.
What's the outcome of the 10 day w/o electricity?
Are your discus or your plants in the display tank still alive ?
And i dont get it .What do you have to reload again ?

Hi Filip,

The discus seem to be ok, inspite of low temperature 22°C and no filtration at all during 10 days.
I feel lucky.
Hygrophila Guianensis and Alternanthera Reneckii are totally pumped.
I decided to replace them with new ones (this is why I said reloaded).
One week after soil regeneration on the background with ADA amazonia new plants settle well.
I hope to recover very quickly.

[jmf3460]

good luck OP. I cant believe your fish went 10 days with no heater and no filtration, that's awesome. I would guess your tank gets some sunlight?? Thus causing photosynthesis each day allowing your plants to produce oxygen for the fish?? Otherwise I would assume the fish would have suffocated. Were they at the top gulping air when you came home?

[TheRedSpotted]

good luck OP. I cant believe your fish went 10 days with no heater and no filtration, that's awesome. I would guess your tank gets some sunlight?? Thus causing photosynthesis each day allowing your plants to produce oxygen for the fish?? Otherwise I would assume the fish would have suffocated. Were they at the top gulping air when you came home?

I can't believe also but that's real.
My automatic feeder stopped 4 days after leaving home.
Fishes were extremely quiet and no signs of suffocation.
Except they were shy.
All windows were closed so no natural light inside the lobby.
It is unreal and I feel very lucky

[TheRedSpotted]

Hi,

I have good news inspite of the title :p
I have recovered from the serious black out.
New plants settle well and the tank doesn't seem to suffer from this matter.
Hope to recieve the mother nature gifts tomorrow :bounce2:

[Filip]

Eagerly waiting for your update pictures ,Redspotted :-) .

[TheRedSpotted]

Teaser :
http://i35.servimg.com/u/f35/16/89/52/64/fullsi11.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/422)
Apologies for bad pics :)

[Filip]

Looking big , round and very nice .
Are theese wild caught discus?
What's the name of the strain?
I can only imagine your excitement right now :-)

[William1]

Looks like a royal something. Not a heckel.

[TheRedSpotted]

Looks like a royal something. Not a heckel.
you are Right : he is at royal Urucum

Looking big , round and very nice .
Are theese wild caught discus?
What's the name of the strain?
I can only imagine your excitement right now :-)
He is a wild caught from Hek and now on the road...and his little female on the right also.

[TheRedSpotted]

Hi,
A picture few minutes after releasing the wilds
http://i35.servimg.com/u/f35/16/89/52/64/img_0210.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/423)
New plants are growing well, in a few weeks it would come back to normal.

[Filip]

I haven't expected to see your wilds in this high- planted setup :-) .They look gorgeous.
Are they a proven pair ? Did you got only two of them , and do you have any plans of breeding them in future?
And who is Hek ?

And one more question. What kind of water do you use now for your wilds , regarding TDS and PH values ?

And sorry if I sound like a quiz again :-) .

[TheRedSpotted]

I haven't expected to see your wilds in this high- planted setup :-) .They look gorgeous.
Are they a proven pair ? Did you got only two of them , and do you have any plans of breeding them in future?
And who is Hek ?

And one more question. What kind of water do you use now for your wilds , regarding TDS and PH values ?

And sorry if I sound like a quiz again :-) .

Hi Filip,

I can breathe now, the setup run well, I didn't modified the parameters yet.
They stay at 260µS and pH around 7.
I will slowly reach 100-150µS.
Till now I work with tap water which is excellent in my city (it comes from a spring water collection point)
I will add gently osmosis water to the rate of 50%.

They have a very good potential as they were sold as show fishes from Hudson Crizanto.
Unfortunatly I can only get 2 specimen because only 4 fishes of this grade were recieved in this shipment.
http://i35.servimg.com/u/f35/16/89/52/64/img_0211.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/424)
One of them (showned above on left side of the picture) it had pre-ordered was kept for show by the importer and was priced in milano show it is also a male.
My female is on right side of the same picture. there's a lot of job to make her recovering the original pattern.
The remaining one will be involved in a breeding program by the importer.

They land in france in may and stay at importer facilities for all the last month.
It's not a confirmed pair as they never spawn.
They use to stay together at importer place.
So I don't want to disturb this natural choice at all.
The male size is very impresive for a wild and has small eyes. I expect to bring them to their full potential in the coming month.

At the moment I just hope to bring them the best cares and probably try to make them spawn.

[Galvatron]

Beautiful tank!

[jmf3460]

your plants look awesome to have had 10 day blackout. that is crazy how well they have bounced back. I have mixed feelings about your wilds in this planted set up but its just a personal hang up I have with putting wilds in biotope tanks and not planted tanks.

great looking wilds you have gotten there. they need some friends soon I hope.

[TheRedSpotted]

your plants look awesome to have had 10 day blackout. that is crazy how well they have bounced back. I have mixed feelings about your wilds in this planted set up but its just a personal hang up I have with putting wilds in biotope tanks and not planted tanks.

great looking wilds you have gotten there. they need some friends soon I hope.

Thanks,
You are right with the biotop which fit better with the wilds.
But I'm not queen on biotop I like so much green!

Kind regards,

[Filip]

You put them in a established tank without quarantine and directly in tap water parameters ?
I really thought that wild caught discus are more sensitive and unforgiving regarding the soft and acidic water parameters and domestic pathogens.

[TheRedSpotted]

You put them in a established tank without quarantine and directly in tap water parameters ?
I really thought that wild caught discus are more sensitive and unforgiving regarding the soft and acidic water parameters and domestic pathogens.

They were kept in similar parameters from may till now at importer facilities.
I don't want to stress them much more I decided to place them directly in their new environment to avoid a lot of fishing sessions.
Regarding pathogens I have a little helper. Just have a look to the right corner :) in the background a twinstar is running to prevent from pathogen.
I start to adapt gently the paramaters to better ones.

Kind regards,
Best regards,

[TheRedSpotted]

100790
Seems to settle well

[TheRedSpotted]

coming better day by day...
http://i97.servimg.com/u/f97/16/89/52/64/royal-11.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/427)

[jmf3460]

here is the thing OP, I am incredibly jealous of you. Like want to get on a plane, come to your house, and steal your discus tank jealous. you have an incredible gift friend and have successfully accomplished what many of us find impossible, and that is a perfectly balanced planted discus tank. I...............LOVE..................THIS........ ........TANK. Have you ever thought of entering in any contests?

[TheRedSpotted]

here is the thing OP, I am incredibly jealous of you. Like want to get on a plane, come to your house, and steal your discus tank jealous. you have an incredible gift friend and have successfully accomplished what many of us find impossible, and that is a perfectly balanced planted discus tank. I...............LOVE..................THIS........ ........TANK. Have you ever thought of entering in any contests?

Hi Jacklyn,

Happy to ear from you again.
You can catch a plane and come to my house. It will be a pleasure but keep out from my tank :)
I try my best to bring them the better conditions possible but don't put so much effort to achieve those results.

Patience and cares are the best words.

I tried to recover from a 10 days electricty black out two month ago.
I restarted from my strong planted base. Only background plants were damaged.
I decided to find new plants to replace them. It grows slowly but gently.
Regular use of cisors waterchanges and the aquascape is coming back to old shape.

For the fishes... good water parameters no real focus on pH just conductivity and temperature.
Good varied food and no more.

I'm just their groomer and try to be humble in front of these mother nature gifts.

I could be interested in contests but so scared for the fishes. If I would compete I thought It will be with hybrid from my own breeding program.


Just to tease you a quick shot of the pair female on left, male on right:
http://i97.servimg.com/u/f97/16/89/52/64/pair_r11.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/429)
Kind regards,
Stephane

[jmf3460]

sheesh

[Phillydubs]

Those babies are just stunning...

[Filip]

Great vibrant colours on that discus Stephane .
I'm not used seeing wilds in lights this bright , but they look great this way too.
Waiting frontal pics from the whole tank as soon as your plants recover .

[TheRedSpotted]

In Love :
http://i97.servimg.com/u/f97/16/89/52/64/pair2c10.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/view/16895264/435)

[Second Hand Pat]

These two wilds are gorgeous :) Were they sold to you as a confirmed pair?
Pat

[Phillydubs]

Wow those fish are just gorgeous... Then again I expect nothing less from you, you seem to only have stunning fish!!

Now you are making me want to have full royals, I have some semi's but that royal is nice!

[TheRedSpotted]

These two wilds are gorgeous :) Were they sold to you as a confirmed pair?
Pat
Thanks. They were originally catched by Hudson and the retailer is Frederic GOBERT. They were showing signs of pairing in his facilities during QT. It seems to confirm also in my tank.

Wow those fish are just gorgeous... Then again I expect nothing less from you, you seem to only have stunning fish!!

Now you are making me want to have full royals, I have some semi's but that royal is nice!
I'm really exited during selection of fishes I really like this moment inspecting each detail.
We are lucky in France to get such skilled retailer as Frederic.
He is doing a fantastic job with both hybrid and wilds.

[William1]

Wow! Those are a couple of real beauties. That would be incredible if they raised a brood. Can only imagine what the offspring would look like. A tank full of those beautiful blues... Wow! Best of luck.

[JohnniG]

Very impressive!:)

[TheRedSpotted]

A Quick update of the wilds...
Still dancing in front of tank glass but no attempt in spawning :(
https://i37.servimg.com/u/f37/16/89/52/64/dsc_5013.jpg (https://servimg.com/view/16895264/439)
The proud male:
https://i37.servimg.com/u/f37/16/89/52/64/dsc_5012.jpg (https://servimg.com/view/16895264/438)
Plants have recovered and start to develop like before.
I will try to shoot the complete tank soon.

[pavlos]

Magnificent!

[AngryBird]

Love the colors. From the look of the fish, I can say that they are happy and healthy.



A Quick update of the wilds...
Still dancing in front of tank glass but no attempt in spawning :(

[jmf3460]

jealous still. beautiful OP simply beautiful

[rickztahone]

absolutely beautiful. Very nice as always.

[Filip]

Great looking pair of Wilds TRS.
im more interested in your full tank planted scape shots though :) . They sure are a piece of art .

[Kev29]

Unreal is all i can say!!

[TheRedSpotted]

Great looking pair of Wilds TRS.
im more interested in your full tank planted scape shots though :) . They sure are a piece of art .

Thanks Filip,

Still working on this photo, always something to change or cut :)

I'm waiting for the right moment.

A new shooting session with the pair :
https://i37.servimg.com/u/f37/16/89/52/64/rru_pa10.jpg (https://servimg.com/view/16895264/440)

Kind regards,

Steph

[Filip]

Excellent coulours on your discus pair Steph.
And as for full tank pics , I can fully understand your scapers mindset thinking there is always something to be improved with the scape and watching closely every single leaf or stem that gets in your way in that perfect stage you have in mind. So you always postpone that desired "perfect look " picture :)

[TheRedSpotted]

Excellent coulours on your discus pair Steph.
And as for full tank pics , I can fully understand your scapers mindset thinking there is always something to be improved with the scape and watching closely every single leaf or stem that gets in your way in that perfect stage you have in mind. So you always postpone that desired "perfect look " picture :)

Thanks Filip,

seems you are in my mind lol !
I ve started the cutting session last sunday...It's on a good way.
Just need perfect light conditions in the living room to avoid mirror effect on the tank glass

Kind regards,

[TheRedSpotted]

Hi Filip,
Just to tease you a preview of the new landscape
https://i58.servimg.com/u/f58/16/89/52/64/dsc_5110.jpg (https://servimg.com/view/16895264/441)
Still have some snails to remove...it is nature
Kind regards,
Stephane

[TheRedSpotted]

108062

the Big guy ;)

[Filip]

Just saw your update Stephane.
Your teaser close -up pics looks very promising to me .
Your plants are in an excellent condition , lush , spotless and algae free and your discus pair is stunning .
I just can't wait for a full tank update Stephane :) .

[TheRedSpotted]

Hi Filip,

End of teasing, here is the pic : not under better light conditions (low sunlight and fluorescent lighting on in the living room), need to refresh during this week-end with natural daylight to get the complet tank and the aquarium stand.

https://i58.servimg.com/u/f58/16/89/52/64/dsc_5211.jpg (https://servimg.com/view/16895264/443)


and a pic of my work in backstage : Albino Pterophyllum and Aro ;)

https://i58.servimg.com/u/f58/16/89/52/64/dsc_5210.jpg (https://servimg.com/view/16895264/442)

best regards,
Stephane

[Tindomul]

Amazing and inspirational! Are there any updates on this?

[LoGeek]

I can't believe this, your tank is amazing!

There must be a secret :)

How can you grow plants that big and healthy without CO2? And with barely no algae at only 50% water change per week?!

I am struggeling big time with algae and stunted plant growth in spite of co2 and daily water changes... I find plants really challenging in 29C. Can't understand how you succeed!

[TheRedSpotted]

I can't believe this, your tank is amazing!

There must be a secret :)

How can you grow plants that big and healthy without CO2? And with barely no algae at only 50% water change per week?!

I am struggeling big time with algae and stunted plant growth in spite of co2 and daily water changes... I find plants really challenging in 29C. Can't understand how you succeed!

Hi All,
Here is the update :
https://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/16/89/52/64/mp10.jpg (https://servimg.com/view/16895264/450)
New discus will be added in the coming weeks just time to select and perform QT.
I will continue with wilds.
Apologies but no secret. Just water changes good substrate and minerals.
Tubes need to be changed regulary to avoid algae (each 8 month maximum).
Tap water quality is also one of the most important thing.

Kind regards,
Stef

[kalawai]

Amazing tank! Thank you for the inspiration! My jaw dropped when I saw the first pictures...

[TheRedSpotted]

Hi,

Here's the latest picture :
https://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/16/89/52/64/mp210.jpg (https://servimg.com/view/16895264/451)
I'm trying to reduce the footprint of plants.

I will add some more brighty sand in the coming days...

[Tindomul]

Looks really good!

[houstonreef]

Amazing!!!
Do you inject CO2?

[TheRedSpotted]

Amazing!!!
Do you inject CO2?

Hi,
As mentionned before I don't use CO2. I don't use it anymore for years.
Don't remember when I was looking for filling the bottle last time.
It's unbelivable but it grows perfectly with my poor lighting system.
Just waterchanges and minerals.