My new tank

[Shaun m]

I'm new here (been lurking for a little while now) and I thought I'd show you my newly set up planted tank. I've only just set it up over the past few days (and planted it today) so it's still a little bit cloudy.

It's a ~200L (53US gallon/44UK gallon) glass EHIEM aquarium with 2x30 watt Sylvania daylight tubes. The filter is an EHIEM 2213 canister with ceramic pieces and larva rock.

I'm hoping to house 5 discus which I'm going to buy as juveniles and feed up in my BB 29US gallon QT tank.

The other inhabitants will be 4 Peppered Corydoras, 16 Neons, and a Pair of Blue Rams. These have all been quarantined over the past 2 months in my QT tank and are ready to go into the new tank today (along with their current internal canister filter).

Not decided what sort of Discus I want yet but probably a mix, a pair of one sort and three of another.

Any comments guys?

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9674/tank19zb.th.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tank19zb.jpg)

[White Worm]

Welcome to Simply, Nice to hear some new lurkers chime in. Nice tank, I have been thinking more and more about a planted tank in the future. Your tank only has one flaw right now!!! NO DISCUS!!! 2 months for QT huh? That should definately be sufficient but kinda long. I dont know if I could wait that long??? Nice setup and you will find there are many people here that have a fancy for the planted tank. You didnt say if you have had any experience with discus before?? Before you buy from any LFS, please do your research and you can probably get a better quality and price through many a great breeder on this sight. Keep us informed and welcome to the discus family. Mike

[Shaun m]

Thanks for the welcome. The smaller fish were QT for 2 months while I saved up for all the new equipment I needed (wanted to wait and do it right! :D ).

The breeders fish on here do look impressive, and if I were in the states I'd definitely approach one of them (they all sound so nice from the posts I've read) but I've not seen any on here in the UK. Saying that the LFS that I use is a specialist in Discus, his prices are pretty good too (when compared with other LFS in the area).

Can't wait to cycle my QT with a new filter and get some juveniles in there. Just got to decide what sort. :D

Not had any prior experience with discus but I have kept fancy goldfish and angels before. It was the fact I've very little experience that lead me to decide to buy juveniles and only put them in the main tank when I've grown them up in the BB QT tank. I'm hoping it's a fool-proof way of getting nice adults in a planted tank....here's hoping anyway ;)

[White Worm]

Hey Shaun,

With discus, they are very particular about their water chemistry and environment. Make sure you know all their preferences before you get some. Juveniles are good but it may be even better for you to get a little bit bigger. Maybe around 3-4 in. They are much stronger at that age and resist many diseases better. Since you only are thinking about 5, shouldnt be a problem. The key is STABLE water. they prefer 6.0- 7.5 ph depending on your purpose (hobby or breeder) Clean water is key and 30% to 50% water change 2-3 X a week. Some change more every day. I started with just purchasing some juveniles and now I wish I wouldnt have spent all the money and time. I prefer now to get adults or pairs but that is because I am ready to try breeding. I guess having the juveniles has made me a better discus keeper though because they have all done pretty well lately. I lost a bunch when I first started from lack of experience. I have 3 tanks (85g, 72g and 35g) right now with 20 Discus and one proven pair. I will be expanding once they have fry (hopefully). Mike

[cobaltblue]

Welcome Shaun, Nice setup you have there. Looks like your doing an excellent job getting ready for your fish. Since your going planted ( i did too)
i would get as large of fish that you can afford right from the start. Its pretty hard to get real good growth in the planted setup. I would try to get at least 4 inch fish to start if possible. But the key is having fun with it and enjoying your fish. Good luck!

[nacra99]

Hi Shaun!
Looks like you have a pretty nice set up there, and i bet you're very eager to get started on your first discus. Once the discus bug bites.... it'll be hard to get rid of it =).

I do have a couple of thoughts though....If you are new to discus and would like your juvies to grow to it's max potential, i'm going to have to reccomend a bare bottomed tank. I'm not saying that a planted tank for a first time discus keeper is impossible, but it takes a bunch more work to keep the water conditions in tip-top shape. It might help to ease into the discus hobby with a simple set up and then start building upon that as you get more experienced.

But anyway.. Welcome to simply! The discus bug is definitely on your tail!! =)

Cheers
Marc

[nacra99]

It was the fact I've very little experience that lead me to decide to buy juveniles and only put them in the main tank when I've grown them up in the BB QT tank. I'm hoping it's a fool-proof way of getting nice adults in a planted tank....here's hoping anyway ;)

DOH!!! :crazy: ... i just had a Homer Simpson moment....!! You did indeed have them in a bare bottom tank....

You're alirte....:D

[Shaun m]

DOH!!! :crazy: ... i just had a Homer Simpson moment....!! You did indeed have them in a bare bottom tank....

You're alirte....:D

Well I've been reading here for a few weeks now so I've sort of picked up the BB mantra......I'm even saying it in my sleep now!!! :p :p

Not got the Discus yet, I'm cycling my BB 29US gallon with stresszyme (ammonia and bacteria culture).......you're right though, I cant wait to get some. Think I'll go and pick 5 next week and get the FS to hold on to them for a few weeks until the tank is cycled. I'd rather buy ones that the LFS has been holding on to for me than brand new ones they've just got in. :bandana:

[White Worm]

Before you purchase any discus from local fish store, PLEASE!!,,, Look around this site at some of the breeders. You will find better quality and decent prices. The important thing is to get them from someone who knows what they are doing. Local fish stores like to sound like they know what they are talking about but most times they have no idea. Most times you will get a better price from a breeder when you buy more than one and you can have them shipped right to your door. Research and patience is the key, good luck and nice tank, Mike

[Shaun m]

Before you purchase any discus from local fish store, PLEASE!!,,, Look around this site at some of the breeders. You will find better quality and decent prices. The important thing is to get them from someone who knows what they are doing. Local fish stores like to sound like they know what they are talking about but most times they have no idea. Most times you will get a better price from a breeder when you buy more than one and you can have them shipped right to your door. Research and patience is the key, good luck and nice tank, Mike

Like I said, I've been looking around but they all look like they're based over in the states and I'm here in Blighty :(


The breeders fish on here do look impressive, and if I were in the states I'd definitely approach one of them (they all sound so nice from the posts I've read) but I've not seen any on here in the UK. Saying that the LFS that I use is a specialist in Discus, his prices are pretty good too (when compared with other LFS in the area).

[goheel]

You need to check to see if they have a stendker dealer over there. I would recommend stendker fish. They're top class.

[kingkano]

There are good dealers/breeders around here Shaun (I am UK as well). I got mine from a local breeder, and have to agree with comments here, I got larger fish for better prices than the LFS. Along with plenty of good advice, very cheap bits food (because he had massive buckets of the stuff) and a better range of fish to choose from. PLus lots of patience from him lol.

Im not sure if I am allowed to post links, but if you google for the UKDA (UK discus association) - they have a forum - and if you PM the top guy with your location he will let you know whats nearby :D

[pcsb23]

Shaun,

There are plenty of good breeders here in the UK, UKDA should help, failing that I can recommend Paul & Ange at Discus South (search for them on google) or plymouth discus (again google will find em). [Don't know if I should make recommendations or not - new to the forum]

BTW I don't have any association with either.

Good luck.

[jim_shedden]

First of all........welcome to Simply. Do yourself a favour and track down Don Lee of Simply. I am sure that he will be able to help you in the UK.

Have a good one
Jim