Pics of my planted discus tank.

[Iminit]

Here’s some pics from my planted discus tank :).12727812727912728012728112728212728312728412728 5

[captainandy]

very nice. What kind of lighting do you have?

[tacks]

Very nice

[Iminit]

Lighting is a pair of finnex 24/7 LEDs. One is a planted plus the other the HLC. Both at 48”. My tank is a 125 that is 60”long. I also have a green killing machine uv steralizer and a doctors 3 in 1. In the tank.

[Iminit]

Some pics when they were younger127391127392127393

[tacks]

What do you keep your nitrate at? What size tank? Thanks Ed

[Iminit]

Hey Ed. Got to say I’m not a tester :). Never bought into the watch out for nitrates thing:rolleyes2: with the water changes I do and the plants nitrates don’t matter. The tank is a 125. 5’ x 24”x18”.

[Ocellaris]

Lovely tank sir, well played

[Iminit]

127543127544127545

[danotaylor]

Looking good Tom! That's a nice spot to sit, inhale the ambience and exhale stress...aahhhhhhh :thumbsup:

[peewee1]

Tom, the Clown Loach is large enough to feed a family of three.

[Iminit]

Lol I’ve had those loaches for 6+yrs. that ones 6-7” the other is around 4”. Also have an 8” feather fin127546127547127548

[peewee1]

Lol I’ve had those loaches for 6+yrs. that ones 6-7” the other is around 4”. Also have an 8” feather fin127546127547127548

Very nice fish, Tom! Thanks for sharing.

[danotaylor]

I love how the CL's play dead...groovy fish!

[Iminit]

They’re just sleeping. Only fish I have that actually sleep. Yes they look dead but only sleeping :). Finally changed out the eco-compleat in there tank127599127601

[peewee1]

Here’s some pics from my planted discus tank :).12727812727912728012728112728212728312728412728 5

what is the red and blue in the 4th picture?

[Iminit]

That’s a discus I bought at a lfs. No clue what it’s called.127635i got 2 of them127636

[peewee1]

It's most interesting and striking, Tom. They suggest Dark Angel in a way to me.

[Iminit]

Funny I have one of Hans dark angels127639 it was supposed to be a silver pigeon blood but he sent this instead. Go figure!

[peewee1]

Funny I have one of Hans dark angels127639 it was supposed to be a silver pigeon blood but he sent this instead. Go figure!

I like it!

[Iminit]

Just some new pics.127977127977127978127979127980 what do you folks think of the bright orange discus? Male/female? It’s so bright it’s hard to focus :).

[peewee1]

In the reds females tend to be redder and because of dorsal fin I would guess female for this one.

[Iminit]

Thanks peewee but I’m talking about the orange one in the 2 pics before :). Just wondering if any in the 125 are male. It’s been a very calm tank with no attempts at breeding.

[peewee1]

Thanks peewee but I’m talking about the orange one in the 2 pics before :). Just wondering if any in the 125 are male. It’s been a very calm tank with no attempts at breeding.

Are you asking because you want to breed it? Do you have an empty breeder? Maybe a 20 gallon? Try putting the orange into the tank along with two others that have streamers on the dorsal. See what happens. I guess the orange to be a female. I was talking to Kenny last week and because I have all males, except for one, I asked him to send to me females. As good as he is and as long as he has been involved with discus he said that he can only guess unless he sees a breeding tube but he was going to try. That based on his best guess.

[Iminit]

Nope no intentions on breeding. Just wondering why it hasn’t happened? Is it because the planted tank? Or are all 13 female? What are the odds.

[peewee1]

Nope no intentions on breeding. Just wondering why it hasn’t happened? Is it because the planted tank? Or are all 13 female? What are the odds.

Thirteen will find you a pair. I think that a fish would be more at home in a planted tank rather then a bare one. I have 5 suspected male and 1 female based on my best guess. How old are the fish? They may not yet be developed yet. Water change, temperature change, ph change, food change all could trigger. If you know a storm is coming try a water change prior to the storm. I have said before that back in the day when there mostly only wild and first or second generation wild to be had it was pretty easy to breed discus. Now it seems dang hard to do. In breeding, cross breeding, out breeding, hormones, factory food and factory fish seem to have taken something out of these fish at the cost of decoration, size, and color. I think it was either willie or Al said that growth hormones can lead to sterilization. If indeed true then any sterile fish won't have reproductive interests.

[coralbandit]

I'll guess the orange is a female .
Looking at the group photo I don't see any nuchal humps ?
I am not skilled sexing discus but would think if there was a pair they would have spawned by now ?
That or it is possible with all the mixed colors none of the opposite sex want to mate up with a dis similar color ??
I don't believe that is a hard rule but do think some discus can be picky like that and have heard before given the choice they like to pair with their own ?

[peewee1]

If they can picky eaters they can just as well be picky partner pickers too.

[Iminit]

Not looking to breed was just wondering. The discus have been with me for a year to just over a year. All but 2 were bought at the 2-2 1/2 size.

[Iminit]

Today’s pics :). Tanks doing good. Though the rams do not live as long at this temp. All of my 2yr old rams have died. I still have 6 left that are about 6months. I’ve kept rams in my other tanks at 78-79 and they lived for up to 5 years. So my opinion is this water temp is to warm for rams.128362128363128364128365

[Iminit]

Corals rams laid eggs again!128422128423

[KylieShorta]

Great pics, thanks for sharing! :heart1:

[coralbandit]

Corals rams laid eggs again!128422128423

They must be happy !
They sure look good ..

[Thingsarefun]

Corals rams laid eggs again!128422128423

Any successful fry yet?

[Iminit]

No they eat the eggs still. Which is fine by me :).

[Iminit]

Some new plant pics! Dwarf Lily’s are all coming to life.128451128452128453

[Iminit]

128454128455128456

[Iminit]

128457128458

[danotaylor]

Looking good Tom. Plants are healthy and there's a distinct lack of black beard algae in your tank that's common to planted tanks. Must be that Long Island water hey! Love the lotus as well. Is it cork screw Val behind the lotus plant? Thanks for sharing :thumbsup:

[peewee1]

Tom, should that black guy with the red/blue spots ever spawn I would be interested in identical offspring.

[Iminit]

Dan I thought that was a Val or a crypt. But it is Vesuvius Angustifolia. It’s a sword plant. Had it for years but never grew. About a year ago it took off and is now growing great.
Peewee if it ever happens I will send some your way! But that tank has shown no interest at all in breeding. May be 13 females? Not sure. But they all get along great. No pecking order at all. All fish are 1 1/2+ years old and still no sign of breeding! Even added 6 of corals rams! They have been breeding regularly but the discus still learned nothing.

[peewee1]

Dan I thought that was a Val or a crypt. But it is Vesuvius Angustifolia. It’s a sword plant. Had it for years but never grew. About a year ago it took off and is now growing great.
Peewee if it ever happens I will send some your way! But that tank has shown no interest at all in breeding. May be 13 females? Not sure. But they all get along great. No pecking order at all. All fish are 1 1/2+ years old and still no sign of breeding! Even added 6 of corals rams! They have been breeding regularly but the discus still learned nothing.

The odds would allow you to have male discus. The few that I can see do appear to be female, however. I do know that with regard to human females that they all get along great and do not seem to have any pecking orders what so ever. So why not with discus as well? What you might do is get a hold of Kenny and order up one each male discus of your choice. Recently I had a pack of males with only one female to be seen anywhere. I told Kenny that I was in need of a beautiful lady fish for my boys. He obliged and within two week I had eggs coming out of my ears. There was a huge battle royal at first mind you as they all vied for the lady's attention but my best boy won out in the end.

[Iminit]

Peewee I have no intention to breed. If all female I got lucky. Lol you sure you don’t work for Kenny?

[gunnerschh2]

Tom is that long island gravel?

[Iminit]

No I bought it at pets warehouse :). Sorry I don’t even remember the company name. It’s a mix of walnut and river rock colors.

[peewee1]

No I bought it at pets warehouse :). Sorry I don’t even remember the company name. It’s a mix of walnut and river rock colors.

I am suspecting Lawn Guyland Sand and Gravel Quido "Big Tuna" Sarducci proprietor.

[Iminit]

A new pic and my stretchy pleco128624128625

[Larry208]

I am setting up a 75 gallon planted tank for discus, love your tank, andnit looks great, what plants do you have in there and do you run CO2 ?
Thx

[Iminit]

Thanks Larry!! No co2. I use api co2 booster and flourish comprehensive, potassium and iron. List of plants below128628

[peewee1]

Thanks Larry!! No co2. I use api co2 booster and flourish comprehensive, potassium and iron. List of plants below128628

I like that black one with the red. Tom, your tank is a lawn qwun to be sure. Very nice.

[Iminit]

Larry this is my next tank. Also a 75g. Have discus in a 45 now.128636128637

[peewee1]

Ahhhh, there its is. There it is..Baby Big Ben. But it would appear that the hands have fallen off. Notice how the Red/White discus is looking up to the clock thinking..."that's my pa, I want to be as big as him some day."

[Iminit]

Peewee you crack me up! Thanks for the laugh :).

[peewee1]

Peewee you crack me up! Thanks for the laugh :).

Either that is a cup of Lawn guyland Lawn Lager sitting atop of that tank....or a recent urine sample. Actually one in the same...that Lawn Lager is basically piss water
to my way of thinking. Speaking of beer how about the Jets this year. I think that now the Patriots are crap it might give the old Willie Joe's team a shot at the championship.

[danotaylor]

I've never heard of anyone soaking FDBW's in liquid amber before...I wonder how they like it, or if it's bitter and nasty to them like when I tried to be a man and drink beer at 15 lol

[Iminit]

Got to say Dan I looked that up here and nobody recommended it. So I’m just soaking in water :). Peewee will be peewee! And COME ON! Peewee championship!! The Jets! Willed have to get out there and qt! Hey we just like watching football we have no expectations!! Have you ever seen the crowds at a Jets game!!

[peewee1]

Got to say Dan I looked that up here and nobody recommended it. So I’m just soaking in water :). Peewee will be peewee! And COME ON! Peewee championship!! The Jets! Willed have to get out there and qt! Hey we just like watching football we have no expectations!! Have you ever seen the crowds at a Jets game!!

I saw that one guy once. Most of the Jets now play for the Seahawks. At least that one guy is going to be good. Jamal Adams.

[Iminit]

So my attempt at bare bottom went out the window. Just not for me. I put the little guy back with his sibling and into the 75 and both seem happy.128663 not going to add a lot of plants. Just what’s left in the 45 will be it. I’ve also added shrimp from the big discus tank and even though it’s a new tank they are allready reproducing. Saved 2 shrimplets during yesterday water change. Kind of surprised it being a new tank and all. Also the ottos seem to be doing fine and ignoring the wafers I drop in. So next will be adding the next 6. So do I add them all at once or 2 at a time daily?

[Iminit]

Just some updated pics of my tanks.128934128935128936

[danotaylor]

Looking good Tom :thumbsup:

[tacks]

very nice tank Ed

[dornblaser]

Nice looking tanks Tom!

[Iminit]

Thanks guys I appreciate your comments:).

[pastry]

Tom, how have you liked that LED light on your big tank? I just got one that looks to be the same (remote, white, red, blue, green lights).

[Iminit]

I have 2 on the 125 both finnex. Ones a HLC the other a planted plus. I’m happy with them. The 75 has one and it’s an HLC.

[Iminit]

Just a few pics129075 129076

[coralbandit]

Tank and fish look very good !

[famtsberg]

looks great, way to hustle.

[Iminit]

Tanks doing good!! A video :).
http://youtu.be/MaFI-1G9SQ4

[danotaylor]

Nice Tom. Very serene!

[Iminit]

The tanks at night.129517129518

[Iminit]

All’s good! Plants still growing and fish all well :). No co2 gas used. I do use api co2 booster and the flourish line of ferts. Lighting is a pair of finnex lights. Also using a doctors 3 in 1.129754129755129756

[FLBlue]

Very nice fish room setup, I like the stands a ton and love clowns. I keep 11 myself, awesome fish but patience is a must while they grow!

[Iminit]

I changed the tank a bit. Removed some rocks and moved some plants. Gave the discus some more swimming room.130115and my new 125130116

[danotaylor]

Looking fabulous Tom!!

[Iminit]

Thanks Dan! Wish I could do this with 1 30% water change!! Though I’ve got to say I didn’t try. I’m almost tempted to try!

[danotaylor]

Lol, you're welcome Tom. When you're on a good thing stick to it mate...it's not worth the headaches or risking your precious discus ;)

[pablos]

Both your discus and plants are looking great.
You mentioned that you are using doctor 3 in 1 product. Do you see some positive effect when using it? Is it a good product?

[Iminit]

Thanks Pablos! I’m using it in my 2 older tanks with a uv sterilizer. Algae is always a problem. To keep it away you need lots of plant growth. Tough to do with discus and I just don’t care for the overgrown look. Even with the heavily grown
Planted tank you can still get bba. The uv and the doctors do keep it at bay. I’ve moved things around to see what happens and my 90 now has the least algae. It’s been running with both devices for at least 2 years. Also has ottos and SAE in it too.it’s a community tank. In my original 125 I removed the uv and put it in the new 125. The old tank now does have a growth of black algae growing on some of the plants. 2 weeks ago I added the uv back. That tank also has ottos and SAE. It also had a strong colony of rcs. But the discus and rams have done a number on them. And I kind of let the shrimp tank go. But I’ve got them growing again and have been adding 10 a week to that tank. The new 125 doesn’t have the doctors in it and is a new tank. Running for about 3 months. This tank is getting green algae growing on all the driftwood and also some bba. So I’ve shut off one of the lights to see if that kills off the algae. Next I’ll install a doctors in it.
Thing with these devices is they just kill what’s in the water. Anything established has got to be removed. The doctors is for new tanks not for existing tanks unless you can get rid of the algae before you install. But yes I like them. My water is neutral and they seem to last for a long time. With hard water they will only last about 6-9 months than you need to replace the activator.

[Iminit]

Some pics..130347130348130349
Ok how do I rotate pics?

[dspeers]

I had this issue with some of my pics which would rotate either 90 or 180 when posted. Someone else pointed out that if you crop the top and bottom just a little the problem goes away and voila, it worked. Of course I can't tell you what the minimum crop requirement is, but you can play and repost, we won't mind although some of us might get sore necks tilting our heads....nice discus.

[Iminit]

130352

[Iminit]

130353 nice thanks Don!

[Iminit]

Water change time!!130685130686

[Michael A]

how long does it take to drain the water and refill it?

[Iminit]

Fastest would be an hour but this tank has shrimp in it. So when I dump the water(from 5g buckets) I remove the shrimp before letting it drain. That takes time. So it’s usually about 2hrs. That’s with plant maintenance.

[Michael A]

thats a lot of work :eek:

[danotaylor]

Work? What are you talking about? Labor of love is what it is! Lol

[Michael A]

It can be relaxing at times especially with jazz music playing in the background during tank maintenance. But at times I just prefer to enjoy the ambience and watch my fish, seeing them interacts with each other. After all, isn't this is what hobby is for? for our enjoyment. I guess doing tank maintenance is similar to working out imo. It gives sense of accomplishment and we can periodically see the progress of our fish size (muscle sizes in gym).

[pablos]

Every time I see your tank I really enjoying it, especially nice colors and and your great looking discus ... but I always have a feeling that something doesn’t match there. Is it harmony?

I think it’s about scaling and where your plants are placed. You might consider moving them as central island or some triangle shape. Take a look there

https://aquascaper.org/understanding-the-golden-ratio-in-the-aquascape
https://www.easylifeint.com/articles/aquascaping-theory-and-praxis

It how lines work in my case

130688

[Iminit]

Pablos your right. I have no skill at aquascaping!! I would buy a plant and just stick it where there wasn’t one :). Those plants are all cutting from other tanks. I’ve also removed most of the wood and rocks so I can vacuum everywhere. A lot of the plants are set like they are so the shrimp have places to hide. All the westeria on the top is there to house the shrimp.
Went different with the new tank. Lots of hard scrape with just plants in the back.130693

[Shan_Evolved]

Still looks legit tho Tom

[Iminit]

Thanks Shan! How your new tank going? And your red scribbles? Waiting for pics :).

[Iminit]

Just saw your update!

[pablos]

Pablos your right. I have no skill at aquascaping!! I would buy a plant and just stick it where there wasn’t one :). Those plants are all cutting from other tanks. I’ve also removed most of the wood and rocks so I can vacuum everywhere. A lot of the plants are set like they are so the shrimp have places to hide. All the westeria on the top is there to house the shrimp.
Went different with the new tank. Lots of hard scrape with just plants in the back.130693
Yes, I like it more :) ... maybe try to simulate more natural look and place rocks in more random order.

[Iminit]

Rocks and wood serve a purpose. They hide my planters. 130701130702

[Iminit]

Just some pics after water change :).130836130837130838130839

[pablos]

They growing great! What about this little fella hiding in the corner? Is everything going good with him?

[Iminit]

???? The magnetic algae scrapper??

[pablos]

???? The magnetic algae scrapper??

Oh no! That looks healthy :) I’m a little bit worry about that guy
130843

[Iminit]

Lol that’s the other tank! It’s fine but stoped growing a few months back when in the 45. No reason I can tell. It’s partner also stoped growing and was only eating enough to live. It ended up being my hero fish with the last 4 I got. Did great with the new fish but still only ate enough to live. It did pass. This one eats like a pig but just hasn’t grown. It’s about 3.5” and will be a year in may I’m thinking. I got them in July.130844 that’s him top center.

[Shan_Evolved]

Damn your tanks look clean af. Love the blue background and lighting combo

[pablos]

3.5" for 1 year old is nor much. How do you feed them?

[Iminit]

Not the feeding. 2 are 6” 3 5” 1 4.5” that guys 3.5”. He just didn’t grow. It’s like the others so I’ve got no clue why it isn’t growing? It was the best grower for the first month and that was it :(. Last group of 6 I had 3slow growers but they all grew after a year. So it could still grow. Feeding fdbw,flake foods,pellets and for treats twice a week they get frozen blood worms and brime shrimp.

[pablos]

Choices like in a restaurant. I’m not so generous for mine and they have no choice: beef heart every day :)

Actually it’s interesting with a grown rate. I have a fry which is growing in different speed. Same parents, same food, same water, same tank..but some are 2 times bigger than others.

[MrToyMan]

Here’s my 180 gallon

130864

[tacks]

Very nice tank Ed

[pablos]

Nice ... what plants do you have there?

[BrendanJ23]

Nice tank mate. Is it a sumped tank?

[Syris71]

Tom, Very nice tanks. So clean and and the plants look great with the Discus.
I like the idea of potted plants, I assume it helps when you gravel vac? Very stealthy the way you blend them in.

[MrToyMan]

Nice ... what plants do you have there?

Mostly Anubias, some nana petite and bolbitis .

[MrToyMan]

Nice tank mate. Is it a sumped tank?

Yes, it’s a DIY sump.

[MrToyMan]

Tom, Very nice tanks. So clean and and the plants look great with the Discus.
I like the idea of potted plants, I assume it helps when you gravel vac? Very stealthy the way you blend them in.

Thank You.

[Iminit]

Well if you’ve read my other threads this tank took a beating!! I had a cross contamination problem and needed to medicate. So the tank looks like this now after 13 days of treatment130993 but. Saved most of the plants. 130994. Not sure what I’m doing next. I moved the plants into planters and removed 2/3 of the gravel. So if plants do go back they will stay in the planters.

[Shan_Evolved]

Still looks really good man! The curved edges are sweet

[pablos]

Just watch out for ammonia spike as you removed 2/3 of your bacteria

[Iminit]

I havnt checked but will. I’ve got an fx6 on that tank and still doing daily 50% water changes :). So it would have to be in the tap.

[Iminit]

Well the tank is back to normal. It needed a change! So it’s looking like this for now.131188131189
http://youtu.be/eZazQvxlrW8

[danotaylor]

Nice Tom. Bossy pleco, lol :thumbsup:

[johnlfc]

Lovely looking tanks and fish. Will be well happy if I can get mine to come along as nicely.

[Shan_Evolved]

Letsgo tommmm

[Iminit]

131475131476131477

[danotaylor]

Looking good Tom! :thumbsup:

[Rockfella]

What a thread! Beautiful tanks!

[Iminit]

Thanks!!

[pablos]

Great photos. You are motivating me to update my pictures

[Iminit]

Always good to keep the pics coming!!

[EddyRockSteddy]

New member here - Hi All.

131510

131509

[Iminit]

Nice looking tank. Just saw your other post. If just looking for lighting. I use the finnex and at half the price the vivagrow 24/7 LEDs. Both have blue moon lights that go darker as the night goes on but always has some light. Been using for 3 yrs now no problems.

[JeffK44]

Awesome tank. What kind of Rams are these?131727

[Iminit]

Electric blue rams. Same family as German blues.

[Iminit]

Hi all!! Tanks are both running well. First tank now has the last 2 new guys in it. Also moved 2 of my originals out and are now in the 50. Plus 132130moved one of Kenny’s blue tigers from the second tank into this tank. Added one of (the not so yellow) Dennis’s in here too and these 2 have been laying eggs regularly. 132131132132132133132134

[Iminit]

The other tank now has the 3 not so red raffleisa’s. The 2 red tigers are breeding again. They’ve been changing place’s in the tank and the eggs are regularly getting to wigglers. One of the raffleisa has joined with the other blue tiger and have been laying eggs where the other guys use to. 132135132136132137132138132139

[Iminit]

Tanks all doing good. Been getting some new plants and I’m trying to reintroduce the cherry shrimp into the tank. Taking cull out of the shrimp tank at around 10 a week. But I’m thinking most are just becoming snacks. 132589132590. Some of the future plants.132591. Got them grow and qt in here for awhile. The other 125 is also doing fine.132592132593. Got some new plans :).

[Iminit]

So I ordered an acrylic 180. Not sure when I’ll be getting it so I don’t want to start anything till I’ve got some info on when to expect it. Been busy so will call this weekend to see what’s up. I placed the order but they still haven’t taken the money. Been having fun with my grand son! Who does like the fish!132594.
So I’ve got these 2 tanks in one corner. Right is a 125 the left is a 90. So I’m thinking of moving the 90 temporarily to a different wall and put the 125 where the 90 was. Than put the 180 where the 125 was. 132595. So that should take so time. Than I’ll take the discus out of the other 125 and put them into the 180. Than put the 90 there and get rid of the 125 :rolleyes2: that’s the plan anyway :). So wondering what to do with filters. Do I get a new wet/dry or do I use the 150 ive got on the 125. It’s moving between 800-1000 gph. Which is the amount the 200g ones are moving. But I’m not happy with the fx6 on the first 125. Just doesn’t seem to have the power it did when new. I removed the prefilter so maybe that will help. But I’ve allready backed that tank up with another wet/dry. So if I get a new one this tank will get the other wet/dry and the one on it will go to the 90. That means all the media in the fx6 can go into the sump in the new wet/dry. And I can move some bio-ball around so I can get the new tank up and running right away.
Once I get more info I’ll put build out up on here and see what you guys think :).

[Iminit]

Got the 180:).132797

[mleibowi]

Congrats where did you get it from?

[Iminit]

Petsmart they were and may still be running a sale. Clear for life.

[mleibowi]

Are you going to get it drilled?

[Iminit]

No I just not a fan of drilling. I bought a wet/dry and will use a overflow. It came with one that is very big. I will try it but may switch to 2 smaller ones.132800132801

[Iminit]

So the 180 is moving along :). Hoping to get water in it this weekend.133003133004

[mleibowi]

Love the 180 size- my 120 keeps me plenty busy though

[Iminit]

So my planted tank has moved in a new direction. Everything in pots. I’ve grown all the plants and most have been in the pots over a year. I’m pretty happy! What do you guys think? Also got a pic of the rummies. They went in kind of white. Did not like being pulled out of the old tank. But they colored up nicely.133022133023

[danotaylor]

Looks great Tom!!

[farebox]

Okay, okay there. I'm a fan of bare bottom tanks with potted plants. It's so much easier to maintain and keep healthier fish I think. It's all good my friend....

[mleibowi]

Just can't do the bare bottom Tom but I agree it's easier to maintain.

[jwcarlson]

Did you attach that wood to the slate with screws? I aquarium siliconed some awhile back and it didn't last. Was thinking I should drill a hole and put a screw into them instead.

[Iminit]

Yes it came that way with a stainless steel screw.

[Iminit]

Got to say the bare bottom is amazingly clean. All waste goes into the filters. Water changes are very easy. So so far I’m liking it.133069133070133071

[jwcarlson]

Beautiful! :)

[mleibowi]

Really nice Tom. Do you have something on the bottom to protect the acrylic. I have sand in my glass tank but I've seen some put something on the bottom.

[Iminit]

No the color on the bottom is the paper to keep the acrylic from scratching. It’s a grayish color and to me looks good. Not worried about scratching the bottom :).

[Iminit]

Been a month now and I’m very happy with this tank. Potted plants give it some life and the bare bottom makes it easy to clean :).
http://youtu.be/uC6CEg7Nfjg

[Iminit]

http://youtu.be/uC6CEg7Nfjgn doesn’t look like the video came up in last post. Hope this one does

[Iminit]

Are the videos showing?

[jwcarlson]

I see both videos, beautiful setup (and fish)! :)

[Iminit]

Everything is doing great! Discus breeding on both sides of the tank.133179.
http://youtu.be/n9fR12Jkw3s.

[jwcarlson]

How is that driftwood on the left side attached to the glass, Tom? Suction cups of some sort?

Still looking good :) As mine continue to grow out I'm trying to figure out what the long(er) term setup will be like.

[Iminit]

Yes a hose suction cup with a plastic bolt on one side and a suction cup from a replacement uv bulb. Works nice.

[Iminit]

180s still doing good.133283. Sad thing though is during the last year since the cross contamination ive lost most of the discus from the first tank. No idea why. I think it was the meds and salt used. Only 3 left from that tank. Did some more tank moving and added a rock background in front of the painted black back ground.133284. Makes the tank so much brighter. So moved this tank and added all the discus from the other 125.133285.

[Iminit]

So setting up the last tank. Going to sell it. But here’s the difference from black backing to the rock backing.133286133287

[Charlyc11]

Tom
Out of curiosity what are going ask for the tank? Is that a 90 or 120?
The background looks great.

[Iminit]

Some new pics!133333133334133335133336133337

[farebox]

What can I say just great-looking tanks, my man! Plants are thriving and I really like bare bottom tanks for discus.....

[mleibowi]

I was going to say- I have a sand bottom that requires a lot of cleaning but like the look of sand vs bare bottom. Tom- your plants, what are in the pots? I have anubias and ferns on driftwood. I initially had some swords but didn't want to deal with ferts and I had valisnerias (sp?) and they melted back again, didn't want to deal with them...

[Iminit]

What i have is giant hygro and a crypt. Both grow well. The hygro just grows! The crypts take time but once they start they keep growing. Where are you located? If close I’ll send you some. The pots I bought at Home Depot. Swords havnt done as well but some are growing in the pots.

[Iminit]

Have these to go if your interested.133349

[jwcarlson]

What, if any, substrate is in the pots? And what exactly is that plant pictured, Tom?

[Iminit]

In the pots is just 1/8” gravel. The plant is giant hygro. Easy grower and grows to the top. Pm me and I’ll send you some.133350.

[Iminit]

So I did my usual water change yesterday and I gave the wet/dry a big cleaning. The media roll that I’m using on this tank just get press down from the water flowing onto it. Do they make an all plastic media roll? So I removed the rolls and squeezed them cleanish and they are now even smaller. Put both on one side and added a new one to the other side. Had a lot of debris on the bottom of the filter so the tank was a little cloudy.
http://youtu.be/4hIpinNhRRQ

[jwcarlson]

As usual, your tank looks fantastic, Tom!

[RickyB]

133690
Beautiful discus go wonderfully with a planted tank, if you select the right plants.

[Iminit]

Thanks Jacob!! Ricky yes plants do help the looks of a tank. Seems I’ve got a problem with one of my anubias . Many leaves just started turning yellow. Other anubias are doing fine. Guessing it needs potassium. But why only this one?133691133692

[pablos]

I think you need magnesium not a potassium. I use to add a big spoon of Epsom salt for 190g during a water change. Anubias loves it and grow like crazy

[RickyB]

I think Pablos is right, Tom. The only yellowing I've had has been on the tips of my Anubias Hastifolia. I did some research and found that Magnesium deficiency could be the culprit. Btw, love your tanks Tom.

[Iminit]

Thanks guys water change today and I will start adding the epson salt. I’ll start with 1 table spoon.

[pablos]

1 table spoon for 125g sounds like a good dosage. you might also measure GH before and after adding a salt. having that you might adjust dosage to have a perfect Mg:Ca ratio (1:3).
I noted that you have that f* stubborn black algae on the Anubias leafs. I found that one to be the hardest to remove. Only spraying seacham excel followed by hydrogen peroxide can remove it.
see there: http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?138416-Algae-Growing-On-Plant-Leaves&p=1359207&viewfull=1#post1359207

[Iminit]

Thanks Pablos. The bba doesn’t bother me. Yes ive done the peroxided thing before. But in this tank the bba is alright. It never gets worse than that. For me I’m just surprised the plant went yellow so fast. Here’s a pic from Oct 6133704 it’s on the left side in the pic

[pablos]

What is you tap water: ppm and GH? Are you using RO?

[Iminit]

Tap water is ph 7 tank is the same I change water every 3 days at 50% right from the tap. Been doing this for years. Its something with the plant. Think I will remove it today and trim it down and add to my shrimp tank and see what happens.

[Iminit]

134300134301

[jwcarlson]

Always beautiful, Tom! I'm going to print these out and tape them on the outside of my tanks until my plants shape up.

[Greg-Florida]

127544

Gorgeous Tom! One of the most serene setups I've seen! Impressive!!
So much to learn!

[Iminit]

Added my 3 guys out of qt. So far all is well.
http://youtu.be/-zwV9nH0UPk.135126135127135128135129

[farebox]

Love it, all looks fabulous. You have one great-looking Discus tank, my friend, I try to duplicate your look in my tank if you haven't noticed, haha.

[brewmaster15]

Tom, thats a great looking tank. Very clean and not overly planted. Fish look happy and healthy. Nice job!

[Iminit]

Some side pics 135436135437135438135439135440

[Greg-Florida]

Very impressed. Inspiring!
Thanks for sharing. Helps make my Saturday morning!

[Iminit]

Just some feeding this morn. You’ll notice the red guy on the top from earlier pics isn’t too red anymore :(.
http://youtu.be/WyvCAgPiaQM.

[Sabrina]

Stunning Tom!

I aspire to have a discus tank like this :D

Just spent the last hour and 30 minutes cleaning & scrubbing out the gill flukes medication from my discus tank ahhhhhh..... Still I can not seem to remove it all, even resorting to using a fish net to scoop it all up because the syphon cant pick it up its to heavy!

Some photos of just now before I feed them..

136022
136023

[Iminit]

They do look good! Keep up the good work!! Is that the piece of wood you just got!

[Sabrina]

Tom, those pieces of wood in the photos are from the beginning, the large piece I got is in the 125g still floating after 2 weeks lol

This is the new large piece that wont sink :(

136024
136025

[Iminit]

Lol need to tie a rock to it!!

[fljones3]

Or a piece of slate.

[Sabrina]

Hi Tom, Frank,

Yes, I don't have any rocks or slate, guess I will have to find a piece somehow..
Thanks! :)

[Iminit]

How about fishing weights? May have to tie a few to it but they too should pull it under.

[Sabrina]

Yes I can do that, thanks! :)

[CliffsDiscus]

I got some lead weights from a tire shop.

[dspeers]

My understanding is that over time that would contaminate the water unless the pH is over 7.

[Iminit]

It may but I don’t think the tank is in use just yet. Also would believe that it would take some time for the lead to contaminate the tank. Next are weights even lead anymore? Another idea is a 5 lb bag of gravel unopened and laid on top of it :).

How’s the Porsche coming Don?

[Iminit]

Coming back here with a video of my 180 bare bottom tank with plants in planters. I’ve gotten many compliments for this tank. The plants are growing good. My anubias are adding leaves monthly but still growing bba on them. Nothing major or a major eye saw. I’ve been feeding them epson salt ever other week at a tbl spoon. Other plants are giant hygro which has been growing in here since I started the tank. Once a month I’ve been trimming it and adding it to my 90g which has been having a hard time growing plants. Other plants are a long leaved crypt a long thin leaved sword and a Mellon sword. The crypt and llsword are growing fine in their planters. The Mellon sword is growing but that’s it. For ferts I’ve been using nilcoG at 7 squirts every 2 weeks. One week epson salt one week ferts.

Many views on this thread and I thank you! Any questions I’d be happy answer :)!

http://youtu.be/lsDPnOax3-4?si=2KDR16sklF4HYu2L

[Iminit]

And a video of my 90g which has been taking all the over growth from the 180. As I add more plants the more plants surviving. It’s starting to look nice. Very mixed group of fish. And almost everybody makes an appearance:)
http://youtu.be/2rCuE1v_jWE?si=FAoRF1pR45EyUxt_

[NeptuneNomad]

How beautiful! I can't wait till my tank looks like that.

[Alexxxsv]

I have a question 🙋🏻*♂️ how do I rid of all this algae on my Anubias ? You think bn pleco will do the trick or is it my lighting ?

[Iminit]

Tough question. My anubias does get bba growing on it. SAE will eat it but you’ve got to train them. Cherry shrimp will keep the leaves clean before bba can grow. But of course discus do eat shrimp. I put all my culled shrimp into discus tanks. Thing is you’ve got to try different approaches to get rid of it. Picture of your tank may help.

[Raul-7]

You can spot treat with Seachem Excel [use a syringe to dose Seachem Excel on the actual algae]; it kills Black Brush Algae. Or do 3X the recommended dose to the entire aquarium [meaning it recommends 1mL per 10G - dose 3mL per 10G] and it will kill it all.

But if this is a Discus aquarium, spot treat DO NOT overdose.

[NeptuneNomad]

Amazing tank and fish! Blue backdrop makes the green really pop