Big Question Needing Answering

[FloridaFishGuy]

Ok im getting a 55 gallon tank soon. I was planning at first to get african cichlids but I am now thinking of getting some discus. I am really new to fish and only have a 10 gallon at the moment. My question is do you guys think that discus are out of my league or should i go with the africans. Also if i were to set up the 55 gallon what would i need for filtration and accesories.

[Abercrombie6202]

Nothing is impossible if you try hard enough!! I mean i'm 14 years old with no income and i managed to have discus, lol.
First make sure you RESEARCH A LOT!! before you get your discus. these links will help!

http://www.angelfire.com/sd2/discushelp/Intro.html

http://forum.simplydiscus.com//index.php?board=21;action=display;threadid=7983

GOOD LUCK!!

[FloridaFishGuy]

What do the water parameters have to be for discus? I was thinking on getting a ac 500 and a prefilter sponge with bare bottom. If i wanted to add some decorations what would be good?

[Abercrombie6202]

Water parameters:
PH-STABLE!!
Ammonia-0
Nitrite-0
Nitrate-usually not high because of the amount of water changes.
Make sure your tank is fully cycled before getting any discus! Do you know what fishless cycling is?

Decorations:
It is best not to use any decoratiosn because a lot of waste cna gather underneith it, but if you have to have decorations fake plants and driftwood will work. The fake palnts with the heavy bottom's that weight the plant down will work better than teh ones that need gravel in them to keep them down.

[FloridaFishGuy]

I know what the fishless cycle is. But i have one question what is the best way of getting bactieria in the new tank gravel filter sponge?

[Carol_Roberts]

Hi FishNewbie:
Below is a link on setting up your first discus tank. You have the right idea, but you don't need decorations.

AS adam said you want the pH stable, so test your water from the tap and in your 10 gallon tank - are they the same or different? No ammonia or nitrite, very little nitrAte.

http://forum.simplydiscus.com//index.php?board=21;action=display;threadid=9911

[FloridaFishGuy]

I think in gonna wait to get my discus and put african cichlids in my 55 gal.
Reasons:
1. I dont think im ready to get discus just yet.
2. Tank has to go upstairs and i think that it will be to hard to do water changes.

My garage is the place i plan on putting some discus tanks but it needs some clearing out.

[Abercrombie6202]

aren't garages, cold??? Discus need a stable temperature of between 84 and 86 degrees. it might be kind of hard with a cool draft. unless you live somewhere where it is always warm

[FloridaFishGuy]

I live in florida so yes its always very warm.