New to Discus

[RevClyburn]

Hello,

I'm new to Discus, but I've had a 90g Reef, with Angels, coral, shrimp and sand. I loved it but saltwater is a bit corrosive and I have wooden floors and my wife would die if I messed them up. So, that went to the basement and after awhile, I just gave away things and there if has sat for years now. I have some freshwater fish, Rainbows and 4 goldfish my kids got at some fair. But those are now gone and wife wants me to set up a new tank. She doesn't know what she just asked for, lol.

Anyway,

I'm starting my 55g, 2 hang on back Marine Bio filters, Gravel substrate, LED lights ( can change the intensity/color, drifwood, going to hget another piece of 2 and will have 4 juveile discus, a blue(turquoise), pigdeon, red and not sure about the other one. Not trying to carry more than those 4. I think 2 of them have already paired up, from what I've seen.

I trying to disgest all the information I've read, and just praying it get this right, lol. I have a sump from the reef tank, thought about setting it up on this tank, maybe I will later. Just need what medium to use in it.

Plan to do water changes twice a week, maybe 20%, I'll see how I can get them done. Don't plan on any plants, just another place for stuff to hide and mess witht eh water quality. As for what I'll feed the fish, what they were eating at the store I guess. Got to see an how often I should feed them.

ANYWAY,

that's me, and I'm ready to get this thing off and running. I welcome all and any advise. And trust me I will be asking a lot of questions, just want to always be up on things.

Thanks

RevClyburn

[brewmaster15]

HI Edwin,
Welcome to the hobby!

I'm starting my 55g, 2 hang on back Marine Bio filters, Gravel substrate, LED lights ( can change the intensity/color, driftwood, going to have to get another piece of 2 and will have 4 juvenile discus, a blue(turquoise), pigeon, red and not sure about the other one. Not trying to carry more than those 4. I think 2 of them have already paired up, from what I've seen.

Your filters are ok here, but 55 gal really limits you on discus. The gravel substrate may be your downfall with the small water changes you are planning. Food and waste get in that and discus do not do well with high bacterial loads. Since you aren't thinking of adding plants gravel is really not ideal, I would suggest a very thin sand if you must have substrate. I can't tell if you have these discus already or are getting them at a lfs? If you have them, Can you post some pics of the tank and fish?

Plan to do water changes twice a week, maybe 20%, I'll see how I can get them done.

Water is key with discus. Depending on what you feed and the set up of the tank and water chemistry you most likely will be in for headaches with 20% once a week. Discus are alot different from the marine tank you kept. What is your water source, well or municipal? Do you have chloramines/or chlorine? What is your source waters's true pH ( aged and aerated in a bucket out the tap) and in your tank? can you check your tanks ammonia, nitrites and nitrates?

al

[chelltom]

Hey Rev welcome Good luck with your new tank . I think plants are worth reconsidering they can do a lot of good in pulling out bad things. If you are totally against them in the tank I recommend at least a cutting of pothos in the top , it will create some comforting cover for the discus and again take out some bad stuff. Plus gives the fish room a lush tropical look. Again, Good luck on your new journey
Tom