Back in the Hobby after 8 years and got a Stocking/Equip List Please Advise

[Señor Discus]

Hello there! Glad to have my gills wet again! As the tiel reads you know what's up. I have kept the general predator fish i.e. Oscars, Texas Cichlid, Arowana, Clown Knife, etc. and then made my way over the African Cichlids (Assorted). Then I fell off because of the lack of time I had for them.
Well I am a bit older and more of a homebody who likes tranquility, and what better way than to have a fish with some personality and one that won't eat or in constant quarrel with its tankmates. Therefore I am going with Discus and some Angels with others in the mix, will provide full context.
I am aware of their needs and am no stranger to the nitrogen cycle or syphons. I am jumping in this well informed having gotten advice from all the youtubers and whatnot. So here goes the context.

From Houston Texas (Water from tap PH 7.4 , KH ~80 ppm , GH ~140-160)
90 Gallon Aqueon Aquarium with glass tops
48" Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus Light for Aquarium
40" Birch Black Stain Stand
Eheim 2217 (600)
Hydor Koralia 600 (600 GPH) Should I get the 800/800GPH?
Eheim 250 Watt Heater
UV Sterilizer? Does this matter much?

I plan to house Discus as mentioned prviously in the following stokcking list:
20 Cardinal Tetras
2 Roseline Sharks
1 Shortfin Betta
3 Albine Bristlenose Catfish
5 Cory Cats
2 Bamboo Shrimp
2 Black Angelfish
8 Discus
(I would also like to add a few snails if possible)

I also plan to aquascape it with a few small batches of some beginner plants like:
Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis
Anubias
Crypts
Jungle Val

Is this realistic?
I would plan to do about 20-30 gallon water changeds every week. Thanks for the advice in advance!

[Sabrina]

Hello and welcome to the site and back to the hobby! Exciting times ahead I'm sure :D

With your equipment, I'm not experienced enough to comment, hopefully someone else post about that for you.
With your stock, the sharks raise a red flag to me with discus, I'm not sure they are compatible. You may need to check temperature compatibility with the Betta, Bristlenose and shrimps, as discus like warmer waters than most tropical fishes.
The plants sound good, I love live plants.
Depending on what size discus you buy will determine how many water changes a week you will need to do.
I hope some of this was helpful, and that other more experienced members will chime in soon to help :)

[Filip]

Hi and welcome Senor discus.

If you want a good looking discus community tank right from the start , you should start with grown discus + 5" size .
With your given WC regime this is way too much bioload for your sistem . You should either cut it down to 6 discus only with a 20- 30 tetra fish , or consider much more WC % if you want to stick to your current stocking list .
About the other fish - Angels don't do well in small numbers - 6 should be minimal . The same goes for Rose.sharks and they are considered too boisterous for discus also.
Bamboo shrimps don't do well in pristine water conditions that discus like .
So I would try to keep it simple IIWY and stick to only discus and tetras .

Your light source is fine ,
800 gph would be enough flow ,
Plant selection is fine without Lileopsis B.

Good luck .

[Señor Discus]

Hello and welcome to the site and back to the hobby! Exciting times ahead I'm sure :D

With your equipment, I'm not experienced enough to comment, hopefully someone else post about that for you.
With your stock, the sharks raise a red flag to me with discus, I'm not sure they are compatible. You may need to check temperature compatibility with the Betta, Bristlenose and shrimps, as discus like warmer waters than most tropical fishes.
The plants sound good, I love live plants.
Depending on what size discus you buy will determine how many water changes a week you will need to do.
I hope some of this was helpful, and that other more experienced members will chime in soon to help :)

Yeah I was worried about the sharks being too fidgety if you will for the discus but I has seen them housed with them before in some youtube videos and at the fish store so I figured why not. Filip informed me of the necessities of the bamboo shrimp and will be withholding them from my stocking list. I just researched the betta: Water Parameters and it says 76 to 82ºF, soft and slightly acidic water. I think they will do well?

I also checked on the bristlenose plecos and their max temps hover at just about 80ºF so that may be a no go. Any other algae eaters someone can suggest if albino bristles aren't compatible with discus?

Thank you for your time to respond. It is greatly appreciated.

[Señor Discus]

Hi and welcome Senor discus.

If you want a good looking discus community tank right from the start , you should start with grown discus + 5" size .
With your given WC regime this is way too much bioload for your sistem . You should either cut it down to 6 discus only with a 20- 30 tetra fish , or consider much more WC % if you want to stick to your current stocking list .
About the other fish - Angels don't do well in small numbers - 6 should be minimal . The same goes for Rose.sharks and they are considered too boisterous for discus also.
Bamboo shrimps don't do well in pristine water conditions that discus like .
So I would try to keep it simple IIWY and stick to only discus and tetras .

Your light source is fine ,
800 gph would be enough flow ,
Plant selection is fine without Lileopsis B.

Good luck .

I was thinking about getting some full growns or about 70 a piece at the LFS, they are of good quality in my opinion. I watched this video from Joey of King of DIY https://youtu.be/VXe3VKh7qF8 and used this to judge the quality. So if I were to keep lets say:
6 Discus
20 Cardinal Tetras
5 Cory Cats
2 Algae Eaters of some sort (autos?)

Thank you so much for helping me out Filip! Also why no Lileopsis? Too invasive?

[Sabrina]

Hello again Senor :)
The Betta in my opinion would be a risk, male or female, they are fighting fish after all, though there is no knowing how they might act with discus, I guess you could try and see what happens, but personally I wouldn't take the risk.
With an algae eater, a lot of discus keepers have Pleco suckremouth catfish, I'm not sure of their exact name but they are not the bristlenose type.
And your very welcome, please keep asking the questions and I'm sure you will get the right answers :)

[Señor Discus]

Hello again Senor :)
The Betta in my opinion would be a risk, male or female, they are fighting fish after all, though there is no knowing how they might act with discus, I guess you could try and see what happens, but personally I wouldn't take the risk.
With an algae eater, a lot of discus keepers have Pleco suckremouth catfish, I'm not sure of their exact name but they are not the bristlenose type.
And your very welcome, please keep asking the questions and I'm sure you will get the right answers :)

I see what you mean about the betta. I was more concerned about their water parameters than their temperment. I will consider this. Yes I have read up on them and it seems as though the bristlenose seem to stay on the smaller side. I was wondering why this was one of the most commonly seen pleco with Discus.

Any word on snails? I just read something about perhaps some nerites or Malaysian Trumpet Snails.

I just need something for algae!

[Sabrina]

I have no clue about snails sorry, I would hate to think a discus might try eating one and get poisoned or something, I honestly don't know. The only thing I have for algae is elbow grease lol I have a pole with sponge and scrubber on it :)

[Pices]

I made the mistake of getting discus from LFS. There are some good stickies here on “what not to buy” that I would read first. $70/each sounds cheap for full grown discus. How big are they? Maybe it’s true that everything’s bigger in Texas. Maybe take a pic of the discus at LFS and post here prior to buying? Is there gravel in the tank? Plants? Most LFS are unable to keep up with the wc needs of discus. Check out the sponsors here for excellent quality fish. I bought from Kenny and was thrilled with the quality, beauty, and selection. I could have saved a lot of money if I statrted there, instead of ending up in the emergency room section. I’ve had mine over a yr & 1/2 and I’ve only had one get sick recently and he is now back with his mates. Good luck! These fish should come with a warning as they are addictive and there’s no cure for it!

[Sabrina]

These fish should come with a warning as they are addictive and there’s no cure for it!

Haha

[Señor Discus]

I made the mistake of getting discus from LFS. There are some good stickies here on “what not to buy” that I would read first. $70/each sounds cheap for full grown discus. How big are they? Maybe it’s true that everything’s bigger in Texas. Maybe take a pic of the discus at LFS and post here prior to buying? Is there gravel in the tank? Plants? Most LFS are unable to keep up with the wc needs of discus. Check out the sponsors here for excellent quality fish. I bought from Kenny and was thrilled with the quality, beauty, and selection. I could have saved a lot of money if I statrted there, instead of ending up in the emergency room section. I’ve had mine over a yr & 1/2 and I’ve only had one get sick recently and he is now back with his mates. Good luck! These fish should come with a warning as they are addictive and there’s no cure for it!

I may have jumped the gun on full grown, but they are between 4 and 5 inches. Here are a couple I saw at one of my LFS with a decent selection

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g187/puff8706/0225181538.jpg (http://s56.photobucket.com/user/puff8706/media/0225181538.jpg.html)

These are a couple from one of the 3 LFS that have decent discus for 70 each. I would order them and I may even do that but I just really enjoy picking them out at the store. It is so exciting going in to a store and knowing you are able to buy something. I may order a couple though as I want a red turquoise with the bars on it, and I also want a Golden Sunrise or a Marlboro red. I found a sweet looking snake skin one I may scoop up when I get this thing established but we shall see. All the discus I have seen at my LFS's have been between 4 and 5 inches.

[farebox]

Since you live in Houston, TX., checkout the Houston Aquarium Warehoouse, 12999 Murphy Rd., Stafford, Tx. 77477, 281.741.9688. I got a few discus from there a couple of yrs. ago. I would start out with an bare bottom tank and cardinal tetra's and a few sterbai cories. Some driftwood with anibus plant attached. Maybe a amazon sword plant in an clay pot. Enjoy the hobby and go for it. Save money and you don't need an UV, because of the frequent water changed you will be doing....

[Filip]

- Starting with 4-5 inch discus will give you less headaches along the way .

-Those LFS discus from the photos looks decent to start with IMO .

-Lilaeopsis B. Is a fairly demanding and carpeting plant on top of that , and carpets collect a lot of dirt and hard too keep it clean .

-Any other fish or plant that comes from another source or tank ,poses a potential risk for cross contaminating your discus . That's why I would hesitate to mix too many fish from different tanks with discus .My Point is : Is one Betta or other diether fish fish worth the risk ?

[Señor Discus]

Since you live in Houston, TX., checkout the Houston Aquarium Warehoouse, 12999 Murphy Rd., Stafford, Tx. 77477, 281.741.9688. I got a few discus from there a couple of yrs. ago. I would start out with an bare bottom tank and cardinal tetra's and a few sterbai cories. Some driftwood with anibus plant attached. Maybe a amazon sword plant in an clay pot. Enjoy the hobby and go for it. Save money and you don't need an UV, because of the frequent water changed you will be doing....

I was going to go there when my girlfriend and I were touring all the fish stores here, we just didn't have time to get to that one. Thanks for the advice, I will check it out and save my money on the UV!

[Señor Discus]

- Starting with 4-5 inch discus will give you less headaches along the way .

-Those LFS discus from the photos looks decent to start with IMO .

-Lilaeopsis B. Is a fairly demanding and carpeting plant on top of that , and carpets collect a lot of dirt and hard too keep it clean .

-Any other fish or plant that comes from another source or tank ,poses a potential risk for cross contaminating your discus . That's why I would hesitate to mix too many fish from different tanks with discus .My Point is : Is one Betta or other diether fish fish worth the risk ?

Why would starting with 4-5" discus be less of a headache? Isn't it cool to see them grow up?

This was one of the stores that had the not so best of the best. I would have to say that was X-treme Fish and Pets or the Fish Gallery.

I see your point about the lila. I was honestly wanting a carpeting plant as they look cool, but I could see how they can be a pain to keep clean.

I see what you mean about the big mix. I am going to keep it simple. I got my stocking list, it is just on the computer at work. I will post it tomorrow though!

[Señor Discus]

I also just got my tank today and am super stoked!

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g187/puff8706/The%20Tank%20and%20some%20wood.jpg (http://s56.photobucket.com/user/puff8706/media/The%20Tank%20and%20some%20wood.jpg.html)

Thanks for all the help so far you guys! I am very grateful!

[Second Hand Pat]

Why would starting with 4-5" discus be less of a headache? Isn't it cool to see them grow up?

This was one of the stores that had the not so best of the best. I would have to say that was X-treme Fish and Pets or the Fish Gallery.

I see your point about the lila. I was honestly wanting a carpeting plant as they look cool, but I could see how they can be a pain to keep clean.

I see what you mean about the big mix. I am going to keep it simple. I got my stocking list, it is just on the computer at work. I will post it tomorrow though!

Hi Señor Discus, if you are asking why start with larger discus you have not done enough homework. While I know you have stated that you have kept a variety of other fish discus are different. In your opening post I see several beginner mistakes. Before adding plants, community fish and please, do not add snails (carry parasites) just keep a group of six or more discus 4 inches or larger. Get your feet wet with larger discus as they are way more forgiving.

If you decide to start with smaller discus raise them in a BB tank with large daily water changes. They need plenty of fresh water and food to grow properly. We have had many beginners come here trying to raise discus under the conditions in you describe in your first post and run into a variety of issues. Issues include sick and/or stunted discus.

Please read the stickies in the beginner section of the forum, here's a few to start with;

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?122038-Are-you-new-to-discus-WATCH-THIS-VIDEO!

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?46982-What-not-to-buy

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?125704-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Getting-Started-with-Discus

There are other stickies also worth reading. Please check them out.
Pat

[Señor Discus]

Hi Señor Discus, if you are asking why start with larger discus you have not done enough homework. While I know you have stated that you have kept a variety of other fish discus are different. In your opening post I see several beginner mistakes. Before adding plants, community fish and please, do not add snails (carry parasites) just keep a group of six or more discus 4 inches or larger. Get your feet wet with larger discus as they are way more forgiving.

If you decide to start with smaller discus raise them in a BB tank with large daily water changes. They need plenty of fresh water and food to grow properly. We have had many beginners come here trying to raise discus under the conditions in you describe in your first post and run into a variety of issues. Issues include sick and/or stunted discus.

Please read the stickies in the beginner section of the forum, here's a few to start with;

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?122038-Are-you-new-to-discus-WATCH-THIS-VIDEO!

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?46982-What-not-to-buy

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?125704-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Getting-Started-with-Discus

There are other stickies also worth reading. Please check them out.
Pat

I was unaware of the needs of smaller discus, I will look for anything 4"-5" now thank you.
I have seen the long video already and have also read the what not to buy post.
I will refrain from adding too many other fish as well. Perhaps just the Discus, some cardinals, and some cories. I will try to get all the discus at once and from the same store if possible. I doubt that will happen but it is a shot. Thank you so much for the advice Second Hand!

[Señor Discus]

Hi Señor Discus, if you are asking why start with larger discus you have not done enough homework. While I know you have stated that you have kept a variety of other fish discus are different. In your opening post I see several beginner mistakes. Before adding plants, community fish and please, do not add snails (carry parasites) just keep a group of six or more discus 4 inches or larger. Get your feet wet with larger discus as they are way more forgiving.

If you decide to start with smaller discus raise them in a BB tank with large daily water changes. They need plenty of fresh water and food to grow properly. We have had many beginners come here trying to raise discus under the conditions in you describe in your first post and run into a variety of issues. Issues include sick and/or stunted discus.

Please read the stickies in the beginner section of the forum, here's a few to start with;

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?122038-Are-you-new-to-discus-WATCH-THIS-VIDEO!

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?46982-What-not-to-buy

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?125704-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Getting-Started-with-Discus

There are other stickies also worth reading. Please check them out.
Pat

SHP, I was unaware of their needs at smaller sizes. I have since then done my research and yo are right, I will be going with 4"-5" Discus. I assumed they would have needed similar care. Thank you for the info, that's what forums are for ay? Also I have taken a look at the stickies, very helpful! I had already seen the one Joey posted, that one was helpful.

So I have another question regarding KH.
My pH is 7.4, KH is 80 ppm and GH is 120 ppm, I wanted to know if adding acid buffer to my aquarium to drop the pH to 6.6ish and leaving the hardness alone as I don't have RO water would be okay for Discus. Or must I mix my tap with RO as there is no way to remove TDS from water chemically i.e. with an additive. Thanks guys for the help!

[Señor Discus]

Hi Señor Discus, if you are asking why start with larger discus you have not done enough homework. While I know you have stated that you have kept a variety of other fish discus are different. In your opening post I see several beginner mistakes. Before adding plants, community fish and please, do not add snails (carry parasites) just keep a group of six or more discus 4 inches or larger. Get your feet wet with larger discus as they are way more forgiving.

If you decide to start with smaller discus raise them in a BB tank with large daily water changes. They need plenty of fresh water and food to grow properly. We have had many beginners come here trying to raise discus under the conditions in you describe in your first post and run into a variety of issues. Issues include sick and/or stunted discus.

Please read the stickies in the beginner section of the forum, here's a few to start with;

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?122038-Are-you-new-to-discus-WATCH-THIS-VIDEO!

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?46982-What-not-to-buy

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?125704-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Getting-Started-with-Discus

There are other stickies also worth reading. Please check them out.
Pat

I checked out the stickies thank you SHP. I also wasn't aware of their needs as young fish so thanks for that advice as well. I am going to go ahead and stock it with

7 Discus 4"-5"
15 Cardinal Tetras
7 Cory Cats
2 Bristlenose Plecos

Thanks for all the advice guys!

[Filip]

Don't mess with your water parameters . It isn't necessary at all and it can be very dangerous on top of that .
Small discus require a lot of care . That is a lot of feedings and waterchanges on a daily level . Grown ups are more tolerant to the water quality and they can get away without many feedings per day and w/o daily water changes .

[Second Hand Pat]

SHP, I was unaware of their needs at smaller sizes. I have since then done my research and yo are right, I will be going with 4"-5" Discus. I assumed they would have needed similar care. Thank you for the info, that's what forums are for ay? Also I have taken a look at the stickies, very helpful! I had already seen the one Joey posted, that one was helpful.

So I have another question regarding KH.
My pH is 7.4, KH is 80 ppm and GH is 120 ppm, I wanted to know if adding acid buffer to my aquarium to drop the pH to 6.6ish and leaving the hardness alone as I don't have RO water would be okay for Discus. Or must I mix my tap with RO as there is no way to remove TDS from water chemically i.e. with an additive. Thanks guys for the help!

There is no need to change the ph for domestic discus. Using an acid buffer will just make your ph bounce which is not good for the fish.
Pat

[Señor Discus]

So since I added the 3 tsp of buffer as the water changes happen it will just gradually go away right? I mustn't change all the water to remove it right? I mean it seems so minimal but I just want to be safe!

[Second Hand Pat]

So since I added the 3 tsp of buffer as the water changes happen it will just gradually go away right? I mustn't change all the water to remove it right? I mean it seems so minimal but I just want to be safe!

Water changes will take care of it.
Pat

[Señor Discus]

Water changes will take care of it.
Pat

Thanks Pat!