My 6' Heavily Planted Discus Tank.

[Poppa Ryno]

Whats up guys?

I just thought I would share a few pics of my Planted Discus Tank that resides in my living room. I call her "Big Girl", lol. Im surprised to find a planted tank section as it seems many here dont like discus & plants together. I have kept many discus in here and all have been happy and healthy. Almost every batch of eggs laid in this tank have hatched and been raised. There is a batch of sapphire ruby discus fry attaching to parents, that I got from Kenny Cheung (Amazing Person by the way), as we speak.

Ill start with its journey through the last year up to the fry attaching today.

Before any discus graced the tank with their presence

http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150519_112601_zpstqmabcq3.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150519_112601_zpstqmabcq3.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150519_112549_zpsxxqidh1f.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150519_112549_zpsxxqidh1f.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150519_112520_zps312ppbp6.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150519_112520_zps312ppbp6.jpg.html)

[DJW]

Looks like Eco-Complete?

Anything underneath, or just the gravel?

[Poppa Ryno]

Its black diamond blasting sand. I like to charge my substrates myself. After learning abt taking water to 0 on everything and remineralizing it to exactly where you want it. It dawned on me. Why not do that with ferts and substrate too.

[Poppa Ryno]

Oh and nothing underneath.

[Filip]

Nice set up .
Some additional info about the tank and tech . woulde be good - size , lights , co2 or not , fertilizers ? , filtration, current stock , water changes ,etc.etc.
There is a questionnaire here on forum about tank introduction, that can be helpful.

[Poppa Ryno]

Tank- 125g
Filtration- 2 Fluval Fx6
Heaters - 2 300w aqueon pros
Ferts- homemade charging powder for the substrate, & homemade root tabs. No liquid ferts.
Co2- None
Current stock- 2 breeding pairs of sapphire ruby discus.
WC sched- 70% @3xwekly
Lights are green element 1-3w LED.
Been running for 2.5yrs

[Poppa Ryno]

I forgot to add that i also run 1 of the Fx6 cannister inline with a 4' 72w UV sterilizer.

[Poppa Ryno]

So once all plants were established i added Several 4"-6" discus that came from chicago discus... Minus the leopard.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150521_201047_zpsh128cpwy.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150521_201047_zpsh128cpwy.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150521_201102_zpshlxk2sy1.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150521_201102_zpshlxk2sy1.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150521_201656_zpspepg6qbb.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150521_201656_zpspepg6qbb.jpg.html)
The original reason for doing this was to have a place to put them all while i setup BB tanks for them. But in all honesty they love it in there. Many pairs formed and headed to there BB homes once identified as a pair. Like these 2.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150521_201735_zpsg3gykvdf.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/20150521_201735_zpsg3gykvdf.jpg.html)
Which have gone on to be very productive.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160409_164156_zpsi10grhwd.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160409_164156_zpsi10grhwd.jpg.html)

[rickztahone]

That is a nice looking group.

[Poppa Ryno]

Thanks

[Poppa Ryno]

Some pairs got removed after forming.
The albino yellow crystal - leopard pair, the blue diamond (dbg) pair, and the tiger turk - pigeon pair got their own bb 20g. I then moved the 3 oddballs to a bb 40.

In the meantime i added 4 bamboo shrimp and a group of L018 plecos to grow out for breeding.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/20150916_221846_zpsgyapj9zm.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/20150916_221846_zpsgyapj9zm.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160509_224300_zpsocq09r5n.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160509_224300_zpsocq09r5n.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_224255_HDR_zps4vusm3wx.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160418_224255_HDR_zps4vusm3wx.jpg.html)

[jmf3460]

beautiful tank, beautiful discus and very beautiful plecos!! Make sure they have plenty to eat so they don't start eating your discus. Kudos to you for being successful with a planted discus tank, its a feat that not many can accomplish.

[tvo]

Very nice tank! Congrats on your success.

[Filip]

Great looking rainbow of discus you got there Ryno.
Too bad you took them out of this tank for breeding.
Do you plan on adding another group of discus in this tank ?

[Poppa Ryno]

Chasing fry around this tank to get them out is a PITA, LOL. Well with these guys boosting my confidence & my lady wanting to get me a birthday present. I looked into higher quality stock. Kenny was recommended to me by a friend out here in KC that used to breed discus. So after long consideration, I settled on 6 sapphire ruby @ 3" from Kenny in december. They went into QT for abt 60days first.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20151212_164019_zpssnlldaff.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151212_164019_zpssnlldaff.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20151215_222806_HDR_zpsruoj4xuf.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20151215_222806_HDR_zpsruoj4xuf.jpg.html)
Once they wete cleared to play... In they went.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160111_223033_HDR_zpsnak4l2or.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160111_223033_HDR_zpsnak4l2or.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160118_165641_HDR_zpsazd54y0v.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160118_165641_HDR_zpsazd54y0v.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160121_193022_HDR_zpst2uub7ul.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160121_193022_HDR_zpst2uub7ul.jpg.html)
These guys have grown to abt 4.5-5" and have just formed 2 pairs.

[Poppa Ryno]

So I move in a little over 3 weeks and had no intention on going full bore with the saphire ruby's yet. They had other plans. Pair #1 has claimed the left side. Pair #2 the right side. They bagan picking the 2 odds more than i liked so out they went to a BB 150g. It wasnt long after i did that that this happened on April 27th.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160331_195929_zpswqhiku5b.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160331_195929_zpswqhiku5b.jpg.html)
They hatched and were promptly moved to DW.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_224638_HDR_zpsi6jz1jcj.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_224638_HDR_zpsi6jz1jcj.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_224608_HDR_zps5aoknwc7.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_224608_HDR_zps5aoknwc7.jpg.html)
Mom n Dad
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_225920_HDR_zps33g3ye3y.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_225920_HDR_zps33g3ye3y.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_230030_HDR_zpsl0tump3g.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_230030_HDR_zpsl0tump3g.jpg.html)
They were good parents off the starting line.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160428_184106_HDR_zpsgkv2a2at.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160428_184106_HDR_zpsgkv2a2at.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160429_162921_HDR_zpse5kukzy3.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160429_162921_HDR_zpse5kukzy3.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160429_162925_HDR_zpsnoggsilb.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160429_162925_HDR_zpsnoggsilb.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160501_224453_HDR_zpsp0abl5am.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160501_224453_HDR_zpsp0abl5am.jpg.html)
They raised them just fine in a community planted tank. Until i removed them to a grow out tank.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160511_213213_HDR_zps6eru9och.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160511_213213_HDR_zps6eru9och.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160516_085210_HDR_zpsbd1th4h2.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160516_085210_HDR_zpsbd1th4h2.jpg.html)
Where they remain today at 35days old.
That same pair laid eggs again on the 27th, of may though lol,that hatched on the 29th and we now have batch 2 of fry being raised out in a planted tank.
Batch #2
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160601_202236_HDR_zpsfzkga0uf.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160601_202236_HDR_zpsfzkga0uf.jpg.html)

[Davidzil]

Awesome job, love the planted setup, what UV brand do you use?

[FischAutoTechGarten]

Poppa Ryno,
Stunning tank and fish. Those dark breeding and milking colors.. Wow! The pinacle of fish keeping.... Discus breeding and raising their own fry in a heavily planted aquarium. Love that you have the shrimp, plecos and rams in their as well...

[Poppa Ryno]

So I move in a little over 3 weeks and had no intention on going full bore with the saphire ruby's yet. They had other plans. Pair #1 has claimed the left side. Pair #2 the right side. They bagan picking the 2 odds more than i liked so out they went to a BB 150g. It wasnt long after i did that that this happened on April 27th.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160331_195929_zpswqhiku5b.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160331_195929_zpswqhiku5b.jpg.html)
They hatched and were promptly moved to DW.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_224638_HDR_zpsi6jz1jcj.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_224638_HDR_zpsi6jz1jcj.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_224608_HDR_zps5aoknwc7.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_224608_HDR_zps5aoknwc7.jpg.html)
Mom n Dad
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_225920_HDR_zps33g3ye3y.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_225920_HDR_zps33g3ye3y.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_230030_HDR_zpsl0tump3g.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160413_230030_HDR_zpsl0tump3g.jpg.html)
They were good parents off the starting line.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160428_184106_HDR_zpsgkv2a2at.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160428_184106_HDR_zpsgkv2a2at.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160429_162921_HDR_zpse5kukzy3.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160429_162921_HDR_zpse5kukzy3.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160429_162925_HDR_zpsnoggsilb.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160429_162925_HDR_zpsnoggsilb.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160501_224453_HDR_zpsp0abl5am.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160501_224453_HDR_zpsp0abl5am.jpg.html)
They raised them just fine in a community planted tank. Until i removed them to a grow out tank.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160511_213213_HDR_zps6eru9och.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160511_213213_HDR_zps6eru9och.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160516_085210_HDR_zpsbd1th4h2.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160516_085210_HDR_zpsbd1th4h2.jpg.html)
Where they remain today at 35days old.
That same pair laid eggs again on the 27th, of may though lol,that hatched on the 29th and we now have batch 2 of fry being raised out in a planted tank.
Batch #2
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160601_202236_HDR_zpsfzkga0uf.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160601_202236_HDR_zpsfzkga0uf.jpg.html)

Ill check next time im down there under the tank. Cant remember after a cpl yrs. Lol

[Filip]

Do you use RO water for WCs or is your municipal water soft enough for hatching and raising wrigglers in this tank?

[Poppa Ryno]

Ro/Di to 0 then self remineralze to proper tds.

[Poppa Ryno]

This is the first batch of fry those parents had. I took this during feeding time. They're 36days old.
https://youtu.be/B2saQd9YZUo
Also im looking for good books to get for the history, genetics, and show standards if anyone has suggestions. Thanks for the positive nods guys n gals.

[nofearengineer]

You're my hero, Poppa. Love that tank and the breeders....well, they're incredible.

[Poppa Ryno]

Thank you, nofear. Im doing well, but always have so much more to learn. Hopefully she does well through my move that starts monday. Abt 1000g to move. Arghhhh.

[two utes]

That's fantastic! Hope everything goes well for you on the big move. Good luck.

[Poppa Ryno]

Poppa Ryno,
Stunning tank and fish. Those dark breeding and milking colors.. Wow! The pinacle of fish keeping.... Discus breeding and raising their own fry in a heavily planted aquarium. Love that you have the shrimp, plecos and rams in their as well...
Thanks, peter. These guts are my favs so far. Good eye cat hing the rams. Most people miss them. They also breed like crazy. Ive got lil 2" clay flower pot trays they lay on. I just pull there eggs and artificially raise the rams too. There are Electric Blue & German Blue rams that gave resided in there. Both ttpes of rams now have their own 40b as not to bug the breeding discus. Im still shocked they raised them in a "bustling" community tank.

[Poppa Ryno]

a few last photos before the relocation. I'm still not positive if I'll keep the same scaping after the move.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160628_115626_HDR_zpszwzzi6tt.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160628_115626_HDR_zpszwzzi6tt.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160628_120142_HDR_zpsqxzy0sbe.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160628_120142_HDR_zpsqxzy0sbe.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160628_115835_HDR_zpspwbz09u7.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160628_115835_HDR_zpspwbz09u7.jpg.html)

[walt]

Those are some very nice discus good luck with them were did you get them?

[Poppa Ryno]

Those are some very nice discus good luck with them were did you get them?

I got them from kenny. AA Grade sapphire ruby.

[Poppa Ryno]

All but 1 tank (150g), the outdoor container ponds moved & all livestock safely moved without incident.

[jmf3460]

good jobRyan, got any pics of the fish in their new homes?

[Poppa Ryno]

good jobRyan, got any pics of the fish in their new homes?

Thank you, Jacklyn! I do have pics. But as im building new racks etc for my breeding projects everything is a bit of a mess in the fishroom. Im trying to dedicate 1000g to discus & breeding them. I've been painting tanks for days lol. Here is my humble start.

The new fish rooms.
https://youtu.be/KYQuWq345Zg

http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160712_000653_HDR_zpslm5zvl8e.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160712_000653_HDR_zpslm5zvl8e.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160711_225316_HDR_zpszsgayx8d.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160711_225316_HDR_zpszsgayx8d.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160711_202930_HDR_zps1lxkh057.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160711_202930_HDR_zps1lxkh057.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160711_165656_HDR_zps2azkzp13.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160711_165656_HDR_zps2azkzp13.jpg.html)

[Poppa Ryno]

Cont'd.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160712_223605_HDR_zpsguehq2ji.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160712_223605_HDR_zpsguehq2ji.jpg.html)
Even the batches of youngins made a seemless transition.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160709_234149_HDR_zpsss8awqhl.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160709_234149_HDR_zpsss8awqhl.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160709_234328_HDR_zpsjwahege1.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160709_234328_HDR_zpsjwahege1.jpg.html)

[two utes]

Looking good. Neat work with those timber stands.

[pastry]

Awesome awesome Ryan. Love seeing threads like this and I'm a sucker for brown based reds. If I lived closer I' d definitely ask to buy a few of those SRs

[Poppa Ryno]

Thanks guys.

[Poppa Ryno]

The SR's
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160723_224621_HDR_zpsgbfgrd6t.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160723_224621_HDR_zpsgbfgrd6t.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160723_224625_HDR_zpsmnzceo1w.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160723_224625_HDR_zpsmnzceo1w.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/20160723_225229_HDR_zpsjouozxgt.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160723_225229_HDR_zpsjouozxgt.jpg.html)

[wannafish]

Hello Poppa,

Love seeing and reading about successful breeding. Very nice and interesting setup. Discus with plants and driftwood.
Nirvana. Can I ask you without going to the water section, how you re-mineralize your water to get to 0. Is 0 tds.
the ideal number for breeding. I thought it was somewhere between 56 and 76.
Thanks, Jeff.

[Poppa Ryno]

Hello Poppa,

Love seeing and reading about successful breeding. Very nice and interesting setup. Discus with plants and driftwood.
Nirvana. Can I ask you without going to the water section, how you re-mineralize your water to get to 0. Is 0 tds.
the ideal number for breeding. I thought it was somewhere between 56 and 76.
Thanks, Jeff.
Just an RO/DI UNIT. RO will get ya close and DI will get ya to 0. Yes mine actually breed at around 50-100tds with noissues. Once im at 0 i then re-mineralize.

[Poppa Ryno]

Awesome awesome Ryan. Love seeing threads like this and I'm a sucker for brown based reds. If I lived closer I' d definitely ask to buy a few of those SRs

I have a childhood friend in Charleston, SC. Ive been meaning to visit him. If I do, wouldnt be til next year, but i would just bring ya a few. Spread the love dude.

[pastry]

I have a childhood friend in Charleston, SC. Ive been meaning to visit him. If I do, wouldnt be til next year, but i would just bring ya a few. Spread the love dude.

Hell yeah Ryan. I'd take them in a heart beat. Still would love to give something in return if that happens. May have some little ones as well (RR's or rt x VR)

[flutterbug]

I love this! I had my Discus lay eggs a couple times a while back but the eggs disappeared over night. I was thinking the Shrimp did it but it looks like you don't have a problem with that?

[Poppa Ryno]

Hell yeah Ryan. I'd take them in a heart beat. Still would love to give something in return if that happens. May have some little ones as well (RR's or rt x VR)

Anytime, pastry! Like i said it wouldnt be til next may. But iid gladly make a trade with ya. This is my fav part of the hobby. Spreadin happiness while makin friends & trades. I put you in my calender to get a reminder abt this.

[Poppa Ryno]

I love this! I had my Discus lay eggs a couple times a while back but the eggs disappeared over night. I was thinking the Shrimp did it but it looks like you don't have a problem with that?

Thank you. I had 0 problemsm with shrimp. This saph ruby pair is the best patents ive had out of discus. They had every aquatic creature on lock down near those eggs.

[pastry]

Anytime, pastry! Like i said it wouldnt be til next may. But iid gladly make a trade with ya. This is my fav part of the hobby. Spreadin happiness while makin friends & trades. I put you in my calender to get a reminder abt this.

Sounds good Ryan! My thoughts the same. Actually haven't met many other discus owners.

[Allwin]

Nice updates so far Ryan, what kind of Rams you have in one of your videos? Looks very nice, is that half golden/electric, can you shed some insight?

[Poppa Ryno]

Nice updates so far Ryan, what kind of Rams you have in one of your videos? Looks very nice, is that half golden/electric, can you shed some insight?
Thank you, Allwin!
Those are my German Blue Rams (mikrogeophagous ramirezi). Ive been breeding rams for quite some time now. I have electric blue, german blue, bolivians & gold rams. Im very proud of my rams. They have great genes & vibrant markings. Ive actually been looking at snookins wild rams. Id like to strengthen my gbr line.

[BmoreBraap]

Hey man...this tank is absolutely fantastic. I actually just picked up a 125 myself and was researching if black diamond was good for discus substrate(cant do the BB). Glad I found this post! By the way I had also picked up 1 Fx6 filter(horaay for Black friday) and notice you use 2. Is one sufficient considering the 900 gph rate? I thought it was even a little overkill using just one but guess I'm wrong. I was a little concerned about how much flow this filter will put out as to not bother the discus. Did you use anything like a spray bar to minimize the flow pressure? Thanks for any help, diving in head first here :)

[Poppa Ryno]

Many say black substrate causes peppering... I cant disagree. But i spend hours a day in my fish room & i do huuuuge daily water changes. up to 90% a day. I think this helps. At first i was only using it as a holding tank until i got their old tank broke down & the new 150g up for them. But they colored up, paired up, and began laying eggs. So i left them in. No peppering. No issues what so ever. I do agree that BB Or a light colored sand is better. But to each their own. Theyve spawned many times in this tank & raised them for a few weeks until the bad man (ME) takes their babies from them.

Even my pigeon bloods didnt pepper in there When they were in this tank. 1 FX6 may seem adequate but i optimally shoot for 12-15x water turnover per hour. I also wipe down the tank daily. I use no Co2, just homemade root tabs. I dont use a spray bar. Theres also a 3ft UV sterilizer that runs through 1 Fx6. Im just religous with my tank husbandry & believe thats part of my success with using black diamond substrate.

[BmoreBraap]

Many say black substrate causes peppering... I cant disagree. But i spend hours a day in my fish room & i do huuuuge daily water changes. up to 90% a day. I think this helps. At first i was only using it as a holding tank until i got their old tank broke down & the new 150g up for them. But they colored up, paired up, and began laying eggs. So i left them in. No peppering. No issues what so ever. I do agree that BB Or a light colored sand is better. But to each their own. Theyve spawned many times in this tank & raised them for a few weeks until the bad man (ME) takes their babies from them.

Even my pigeon bloods didnt pepper in there When they were in this tank. 1 FX6 may seem adequate but i optimally shoot for 12-15x water turnover per hour. I also wipe down the tank daily. I use no Co2, just homemade root tabs. I dont use a spray bar. Theres also a 3ft UV sterilizer that runs through 1 Fx6. Im just religous with my tank husbandry & believe thats part of my success with using black diamond substrate.

Oh damn, peppering meaning black spotting on their coloring? Because I made sure to avoid picking any fish with that color marking. I've also been washing the black diamond and it seems to take a while to clean.
So I don't think I can handle doing 90% daily changes on a 125. I do 50% daily on my 40g and was going to do 40% 2-3 times per week with the 125.
Have you heard of any other negatives with the black diamond? It was only $16 for 100lbs so I don't mind throwing it out and going with white pool filter sand if that's a better option, although I did prefer the look of the black sand.

[BmoreBraap]

Went ahead and got some white pool filter sand instead. Don't want to risk having to change out the black diamond if they do darken or pepper up. Least it was only a $16 lesson! Love this site for this reason.

[Poppa Ryno]

Rsorry i didnt respond sooner. Busy at work. Yes the PFS would be a great option. Hope it works well for you.

[Jack L]

This tank looks great!

What is your recipe for diy root tabs?

[Phillydubs]

Anyone ever use the black sand or substrate with wilds?? Is it different or same issues ?

[Pompadour Discus]

Yes I would also like to know your root tab recipe as well and what you are using to re-mineralized your water?

[Neptune]

Do the rams ever pair up in there?

[Poppa Ryno]

Yes. I have raised many spawns from eggs in there. I just yank the tray of eggs and artificially raise.

[Cindy O'Hara]

Amazing tank!!!! I just joined and also have 3 planted tanks with discus and I'm learning! How do you get such huge Amazon Swords?

[LoGeek]

This tank is amazing!

How can you grow plants like that without CO2 in discus temperatures? I can barely get any plants to even survive in these conditions...

[Poppa Ryno]

Thank you for the compliments everyone.
I really just use my own homemade root tabs. Equipment wise i just run a fluval Fx6, susun 304b, & a UV sterilizer the size of my leg. For lights i use 4 x 36" green element 3w LED. Im torn on posting my root tab recipe as i sell quite a bit of them on my website.

[Poppa Ryno]

Luuuusssshhhhh
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/20151107_220259_zpsaiz1ixy0.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/20151107_220259_zpsaiz1ixy0.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/20151107_220253_zpspxkw30oy.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/20151107_220253_zpspxkw30oy.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/20151107_220211_zpss1jpt1ag.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/20151107_220211_zpss1jpt1ag.jpg.html)

[Poppa Ryno]

The rams
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/20151031_180021_zpscroo3hxx.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/20151031_180021_zpscroo3hxx.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150706_194234_zpsya466haa.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150706_194234_zpsya466haa.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150706_194227_zpsmpmnvsxw.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150706_194227_zpsmpmnvsxw.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150706_194135_zpsj1zxvdqh.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150706_194135_zpsj1zxvdqh.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150705_195817_zpsmzwtkpb4.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150705_195817_zpsmzwtkpb4.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150705_195233_zpsf9fbtm9e.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150705_195233_zpsf9fbtm9e.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150705_195128_zps5yvclezj.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-07/20150705_195128_zps5yvclezj.jpg.html)

[Filip]

Whoooa . Lush indeed Ryan .
Plants and discus in a great shape and a tottaly algae / dirt free tank is a huge plus on you too.
Just Keep on doin what you doin and keep us posted with your beautiful pics .

[two utes]

Very nice Ryan. Looking awesome! Must be very satisfying sitting in front of that tank.

[Poppa Ryno]

Whoooa . Lush indeed Ryan .
Plants and discus in a great shape and a tottaly algae / dirt free tank is a huge plus on you too.
Just Keep on doin what you doin and keep us posted with your beautiful pics .

Thank you very much. Ii try my best

[Poppa Ryno]

Very nice Ryan. Looking awesome! Must be very satisfying sitting in front of that tank.

Indeed it is. Thank you for the compliment.

[DeboInRRTX]

Duuuude beautiful tanks.

[BmoreBraap]

Love your rams. How many do you keep in ther tank? I have 2 pairs that I was going to put together in a 125, but am a little worried about that males clashing...

[Poppa Ryno]

Love your rams. How many do you keep in ther tank? I have 2 pairs that I was going to put together in a 125, but am a little worried about that males clashing...

I keep 6 pairs. I dont have much if any trouble with them being aggressive. I usually breed them in 40b dorm style and have 0 trouble. The electric blues & bolivians are IME very mild mannered. My GBR & Gold rams peacock a lot, but 0 attacking. In a 125g they have more than enough room to have seperate territory. When they pick a spot they usually set up abt a 30cm territory. I think youll do just fine with 2 pairs in there.

[BmoreBraap]

Thanks for the info. Cant wait to get them out of QT...I'm about to purchase an RO unit due to my crappy well water having high Nitrates(and everything else at the higher end for rams & discus). What water parameters do you keep this tank with discus and rams at?

[Poppa Ryno]

Duuuude beautiful tanks.

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[undel]

This tank is gorgeous!

I'm going to fixate on an odd thing here, but how are the Malaysian trumpet snails working for you so far? I'm interested in their ability to aerate the substrate and prevent anaerobic bacteria pockets, but I really don't want them all over my glass. In your photos, yours seem to be sticking to the substrate. Are you clearing them off your glass before you take photos, or do they stick to the ground naturally? I read that they tend to come out at night. Do you find that to be the accurate?

[Poppa Ryno]

This tank is gorgeous!

I'm going to fixate on an odd thing here, but how are the Malaysian trumpet snails working for you so far? I'm interested in their ability to aerate the substrate and prevent anaerobic bacteria pockets, but I really don't want them all over my glass. In your photos, yours seem to be sticking to the substrate. Are you clearing them off your glass before you take photos, or do they stick to the ground naturally? I read that they tend to come out at night. Do you find that to be the accurate?

Thank you. Lol, no i dont wipe them off the glass. They mainly stay in substrate for me. I have a ton in there. They do excellent at aerating my substrate. Mine are very active at night, but are active during day. Just not as much. I put them in most of my planted tanks.

[undel]

I may have to look into cultivating some of these little guys then! They're not pretty, but they seem darned helpful. Thank you for sharing.

[Poppa Ryno]

Thanks for the info. Cant wait to get them out of QT...I'm about to purchase an RO unit due to my crappy well water having high Nitrates(and everything else at the higher end for rams & discus). What water parameters do you keep this tank with discus and rams at?

I mix & age my water for a minimumof 24hrs to gas. I use RO and remineralize to 90tds when breeding them. I keep the tds at 200+/- in display tanks. I keep my water between 82 & 84. I do daily WC's. Run 4 @3w led green element lights. I use a sunsun406b and fluval FX6 cannisters for filtration. These are linked in with a 4' UV sterilizer. My nitrates i keep beliw 10ppm but honestly havent tested for anything but TDS in years. If your husbandry is true discus style (daily WC & spot clean after feedings) your params will stay fairly consistent. The rams breed readily in here. I just stealthe eggs like a thief in the night & artificially hatch & raise them.

[Poppa Ryno]

I may have to look into cultivating some of these little guys then! They're not pretty, but they seem darned helpful. Thank you for sharing.

Anytime, my friend.

[DiscusAl]

Just jumped in on this thread. I too have a small planted Discus/planted tank that I have been trying to keep up for years. What you have done is truly amazing. When you are done feeding how do you clean up without disturbing the plants? Or do you just rely on snails, etc?

[Poppa Ryno]

Daily WC's with a 1" ID hose. I swirl my hand around the plants and suck up the muck that comes up. But the snails, rams & bamboo shrimp do a great job of cleaning up if imiss anything.

[Phillydubs]

Man oh man ryan no idea how i missed the last pic update end of December but I am sure glad I am seeing it now... I mean this as a high compliment... those plants look fake! They are so lush and green and perfect, job very well done!!

Those rams are beeefy, great markings and size on those dudes really cool to see... Any full tank shots?

[Poppa Ryno]

Of course, brother dubs! Thanks for the compliments on the rams. I breed them all myself.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/20151107_220322_HDR_zpstlpdk5wk.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/20151107_220322_HDR_zpstlpdk5wk.jpg.html)

[Bala de Plata]

Great looking tank!

[502mad]

Ryan..... the tank looks fantastic and lush! Amazing looking Discus. I am brand new to this forum and wanted to ask about a specific piece of hardware. What type/brand/model of UV sterilizer are you plumbing in-line with your FX6? Like you I have 2 FX6s on my 180G and want a excellent quality UV unit that will be compatible with the flow rate of the FX6.

Thanks,

Matt

[Phillydubs]

Do you sell the Rams ? If so... ship?

[Poppa Ryno]

Do you sell the Rams ? If so... ship?

Yes to both

[Poppa Ryno]

Ryan..... the tank looks fantastic and lush! Amazing looking Discus. I am brand new to this forum and wanted to ask about a specific piece of hardware. What type/brand/model of UV sterilizer are you plumbing in-line with your FX6? Like you I have 2 FX6s on my 180G and want a excellent quality UV unit that will be compatible with the flow rate of the FX6.

Thanks,

Matt

I honestly dont remember the brand. I just inspected it & cant find a brand anywhere. If i come across the name I will definitely post it for you.

[Poppa Ryno]

End to End shot
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-08/20150808_200242_zpszi6xbnc7.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-08/20150808_200242_zpszi6xbnc7.jpg.html)
Top down. Staurogyne repens carpet.
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-08/20150808_200313_zps2nk7fowa.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-08/20150808_200313_zps2nk7fowa.jpg.html)
Bamboo shrimp chillin on sword plant
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/022_zpswei4poq0.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-09/022_zpswei4poq0.jpg.html)
A few random pics
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/20151031_175857_zpsolhoq3ow.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-10/20151031_175857_zpsolhoq3ow.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/20151125_170337_zpsuo6kn2l6.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/20151125_170337_zpsuo6kn2l6.jpg.html)
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o746/popparyno/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/20151125_181649_zps51ysq6tv.jpg (http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/popparyno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-11/20151125_181649_zps51ysq6tv.jpg.html)

[Phillydubs]

So nice man! LUSHHHH amazing, can I have that tank with no work please? Great thanks, send one over! LOL

So if you feed pellets or any sinking food and it gets in that carpet, do the scavengers dive in there and get a lot and the rest sits on the top so you can siphon off?

[Poppa Ryno]

Only do live foods on this tank. Brine, blackworms, etc... I do use Als fdbw though. Rarely does much hit the ground. What the discus miss, the rams get on its way down. But when things do, like brine, its hillarious. Funny because youll look over and all you see are back half of discus stickin straight up, & rams tails wiggling down in the Staurogyne repens carpet. Lol. So its a carpet full of tails. Lol

[Phillydubs]

Hahaah!! You def need to get a pic of that up here one of these days! I was just cracking up watching my corries rock dive for food, just butt up tail waggin trying to get into a crack or corner!

[Filip]

Wonderfull balance and harmony between discus and plants .
Great looking tank Ryan .

[navarro1950]

Your tank is the greatest.

[Ryan925]

Tank is looking great Ryno. Is the carpet S Repens? Just started a community planted tank for my son.

[Rayzor]

Truly a masterpiece Ryan, great job! This is my inspiration

[Poppa Ryno]

Tank is looking great Ryno. Is the carpet S Repens? Just started a community planted tank for my son.

Thank you brother. Yes its a staur repens carpet. Hope your son enjoys his tank.

[Poppa Ryno]

Truly a masterpiece Ryan, great job! This is my inspiration

Thanks Ray. I appreciate the kind words.

[Poppa Ryno]

Your tank is the greatest.

Thanks.

[Ryan925]

Thank you brother. Yes its a staur repens carpet. Hope your son enjoys his tank.

Thanks my friend I'm hoping to make a nice S Repens carpet myself. Looks great and definetely different than the baby tears or DHG that everyone else does. Gonna send you a pm about rams though as I'd love to add some more to this community planted