new tank for discus

[sanghan47558]

hey guys,
i posted a couple weeks ago that i would be getting a 125 gallon tank soon. Instead, i have decided to convert my saltwater reef tank into a discus tank. My father and I have been pouring money into that tank and we feel that we are wasting money. I had asked him fro a large tank, and he had bought a 24o gal. tank, and had the tank used as a reef tank. I have been keeping freshwater fish for a couple of years, but have no experienc eiwth saltwater fish and invertebrates.
I will be swapping the lighting system, substrate, skimmer, and all the other unnecessary. After being stripped, the tank will have a substrate of eco-complete, will have strip flourescent lights and 2 atinics. I might also chang some of the plumbing. I curently have an ikawa pump feeding the tank through two rotating powerheads. for plants (i plan on a planted tank) i will be getting the package of plants they have at aqurium plant stores online. I plan on 8-9 discus about 70 cardinal tetras, 12 rumy noses, 8 blue rams, a large school of cories, a couple otocinclus, 12 glowlight tetras, and 8 Hyphessobrycon bentosi(false rose tetras). I also plan on 6-8apistogramma cacatuoides. I am under the impression( please correct me if i am wrong) that all these fish thrive i nthe same living conditions.
In the sump, I plan on using a wetdry filter, or s couple cansiter filters. ( i might use both) I would like some input and advice on my planned system. Thanks
-Sang Han

[Dood Lee]

Judging by your list of equipment, I can pretty much tell you right off the bat that the actinics will be pretty useless. Before you buy any equipment, visit Rex Grigg's site: www.rexgrigg.com. It is very informative, and I reccommend reading it over more than once. Don't rush into things, keeping a well maintained and balanced tank is harder than keeping discus (IMO). Also, you could register and check out the planted tank forums: www.plantedtank.net. Lots of people there to help you with a planted tank.

[Westie]

I like your idea. I recently went back from reef to fresh after 10 years. I'm saving a buttload of cash on electricity by not running metal halide lights and refugiums and stuff. But, I notice now that a lot of my salty cronies are a bit upset about my "jumping ship." Never thought there would be a rift in the pet store!
I have a planted discus tank with all the goodies as far as the fish you want to use and keep. I say, go for it but, go slow. No sense in getting all that stuff and killing it. And post some pics when your done. Big tanks rule!

[cowboy steve]

I like your idea. I recently went back from reef to fresh after 10 years. I'm saving a buttload of cash on electricity by not running metal halide lights and refugiums and stuff. But, I notice now that a lot of my salty cronies are a bit upset about my "jumping ship." Never thought there would be a rift in the pet store!
I have a planted discus tank with all the goodies as far as the fish you want to use and keep. I say, go for it but, go slow. No sense in getting all that stuff and killing it. And post some pics when your done. Big tanks rule!

That's too funny, I got the same reaction at my LFS where I buy my marine supplies and fish when I went over to the Dark Side.

It's like you're a heretic or something.

sanghan47558: The actinic bulbs aren't much help, unless you want some blue light to accentuate your blue Discus.

[sanghan47558]

yes...the reason i wanted atinics were to accent the blue hue on my future discus. Thank you for the reference Dood lee.
are all those fish compatible together? as in conditions and sociaility?

[discus2010]

Well i have been reading around and most people say it is best to keep discus with discus. But i have a tank with neons, discus,guppies ect. but the fish look compattible i dont know about the apissto? but the cardinals etc. are fine have fun with that tank!:bounce:

[sanghan47558]

ty guys
btw u can call me Sang