New 120 Build

[troyclark]

Hello all, been while LOL.

I am finally ready to get a few discus again I think. I am planning an in wall 120 tall in our soon to be finished basement. Thinking of a medium white substrate, maybe sand (as long as it doesn't move around much or get stuck in impellers), drift wood decor and no plants for now (want low maintenance). Thinking of a mix of 5-6 discus (MP's) from Jack Taylor, 4-5 rams, 12 corys of varying type, 6 ABN plecos (after tank gets established), 12 cardinals tetras. Back of tank is by floor drain and RO unit storage barrels so water changes are easy and quick. Going to be using 2 AC 110's and an Eheim 4+ 350 canister, 500 watt titanium heater on a temp controller. My tank is painted light blue with reflectix to help with heat loss.

Thoughts?

TroyClark

[jeep]

I'm no help with planted, but I can say welcome back buddy!!!

[troyclark]

I had hoped you would chime in Jeep. Hows it going?

Now to see if I still got it.

Was considering making this in wall tank a reef tank but the thought of the damn flat round fish got me all excited LOL.

[Pices]

Sounds like a great plan. I’m not sure what temp you’re planning, but some Cory’s don’t like higher temps that discus like. Also, I think a bigger school of cardinals would be better. I have 16 in a 75 gal and I was afraid it might be too many, but a bigger school just makes them stand out and looks really cool. That’s just my opinion. Picking just 5-6 discus will require more restraint than I possess. Good luck with that! Ha ha Glad you got the discus bug again. Look forward to seeing this tank.
Patty

[danotaylor]

What are MP's?

[jeep]

What are MP's?

Mandrin Passions... Very similar to my reds. They were the first high quality clean red/orange PB discus back in the day...

[Filip]

Welcome back to the hobby Troy.
Your plan ,equipment and stocking levels sounds reasonable for a low maintaining discus tank .
What kind of paint are you referring to , that prevents heat loss I wonder ?

The only thing to pay attention in your plan IMO would be to use quarantine tank as a test and be careful mixing all the species together in the tank.
I prefer starting with discus only , and adding all the rest after couple of months adjustment period using QT tank for any new addition .
Good luck Troy and please do share some photos when all gets set and ready

[Doogy262]

Welcome back to the hobby Troy.
Your plan ,equipment and stocking levels sounds reasonable for a low maintaining discus tank .
What kind of paint are you referring to , that prevents heat loss I wonder ?

The only thing to pay attention in your plan IMO would be to use quarantine tank as a test and be careful mixing all the species together in the tank.
I prefer starting with discus only , and adding all the rest after couple of months adjustment period using QT tank for any new addition .
Good luck Troy and please do share some photos when all gets set and ready

I think he is using this...https://www.amazon.com/reflectix/s?k=reflectix

[jeep]

I think he is using this...https://www.amazon.com/reflectix/s?k=reflectix

You are correct!


http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?38372-Tank-insulation-a-money-saver!&highlight=a+money+saver%21%21%21

[troyclark]

Getting closer. Tank and sump running, 2 Bolivian Teams, 2 Gold rams.

[troyclark]

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[Filip]

Very nice build in wall tank Troy. It looks great .
Maybe adding some more driftwood and stones instead of plastic plants would give this tank a more natural look .
I'm glad it's finally started and cycling and I'll be following your tank progress here .

[troyclark]

Getting closer. Tank and sump running, 2 Bolivian Teams, 2 Gold rams.

Bolivian Rams rather....... Dang spell check and fat fingers LOL.

[jeep]

Looks nice Troy!! No discus though ;)

[troyclark]

Looks nice Troy!! No discus though ;)


No discus YET !!!

As soon as I get some confidence in the sump, I will be on the hunt for some nice orange fish. Really missing that fish in my avatar... Plan on 6-8 of them. I was planning on hitting you and Jack up for some in the near future. Gonna get the Rams and some tetras settled in and up to temp before I add the main attractions.

[troyclark]

What are MP's?

This is a MP. This fish was my favorite for a long time.

125220125221125222

[jeep]

No discus YET !!!

As soon as I get some confidence in the sump, I will be on the hunt for some nice orange fish. Really missing that fish in my avatar... Plan on 6-8 of them. I was planning on hitting you and Jack up for some in the near future.

Is this orange enough?

125245

[Mando]

The first photo from post 16, the left Discus looks like my marlboro. I love these fish!!

Brian, how many different strains do you have? Jeesh those red ones are beautiful.

[jeep]

I have Turqs, Curipera X's, SS, red Covers and these Red or Orange ones. The "Tangerine Dreams" as someone called them, are the only ones spawning at the moment...

[troyclark]

Is this orange enough?

125245

Exactly what is was thinking. I'll take the lot LOL. Are you selling any of those or are they future breeders?

[danotaylor]

Why add the Rams and tetras first Troy? Then you have to QT your discus outside the main tank, or risk cross contaminating them with any pathogens your Rams and tetras may be carriers of. With all the effort you've gone to to establish a great looking display it seems very risky to do it the way you're planning...

[troyclark]

Why add the Rams and tetras first Troy? Then you have to QT your discus outside the main tank, or risk cross contaminating them with any pathogens your Rams and tetras may be carriers of. With all the effort you've gone to to establish a great looking display it seems very risky to do it the way you're planning...

I agree with that if I was getting my discus from unknown sources. But, I will only be getting discus from people I know who are even pickier and more dedicated to quality and health than I was or am (if you knew me that would explain a lot LOL) and I am lucky to be a 2 hour drive from both so quarantine will not be necessary. I want all the kinks and cycling established before I introduce the discus into my display. Hope that makes sense...

Plus, the tank mates will all be thoroughly quarantined and healthy before I even think I'm ready for the discus.

Thanks for the input.

[jeep]

I usually hang on to my adults... I get too attached, lol... For you I may consider, let me think on that.

Otherwise, I have a possible pair and a confirmed pair and I'm setting up a tank for them this weekend. Hopefully there will be little ones soon!

[danotaylor]

Troy whilst your plan has the appearance of being water tight based on your reasons, it is inherently flawed. I would spare you potential disaster and encourage you to read through this thread I created called "hero fish question". It outlines my experience bringing 2 groups of healthy fish together after literal months of QT, good health, eating like pigs, etc. Outstandingly healthy looking fish can be carriers of pathogens that other outstandingly healthy fish will succumb to. Plz read and consider your next move carefully mate.
Al also wrote a thread recently outlining his thoughts over decades of keeping discus. I would check it out as well as it's a treasure trove of insight & wisdom. Point one is about QT.
I wish you well mate! :)

[troyclark]

I usually hang on to my adults... I get too attached, lol... For you I may consider, let me think on that.

Otherwise, I have a possible pair and a confirmed pair and I'm setting up a tank for them this weekend. Hopefully there will be little ones soon!

Any luck with the spawns? Do you have any subadults your willing to part with? If not, no biggie, just like to start with who and what I know LOL. Planning on checking with Jack and Ryan also....

[jeep]

Since I moved them they're on strike.

[Mando]

Since I moved them they're on strike.

is it me or it seems like discus have a seasonal temperament despite not experiencing any seasons lol. Maybe an internal clock? Seems like everyone's discus are on strike. Mine sure are. Troy, can't wait to see your tank full of these! They are one of my favorites.

[Willie]

Jack is still doing discus?

[Cove Beach]

Ok I have the exceptions, I have two pairs laying eggs 2 days apart for the last couple weeks. But they were on strike for 4 months.

[pantherlax]

Awesome build, always love the in-wall look!

[troyclark]

Ok Brian, do you have any who didn't make the final cut and are willing to let go?

[Mando]

cannot wait to see this tank full of fish!

[troyclark]

OK Brian, I have been patient. Give me an update on what you have available... LOL