PDA

View Full Version : Stocking- Angels before Discus



tjvollmer
04-18-2010, 7:41 AM
We have a 135 gal long. Right now the stock is:

6 Panda Corys
6 Julli Corys
8 Bleeding Heart Tetras
1 Golden Nugget Pleco
4 3" German Blue Rams (hopefully 2 pairs)

Next on the list are:

4 Angels
6 Discus

Maybe: 4 Otos (if my plants survive)
1 Bushy Nose Pleco

Any suggestions on the stock list are welcome. My question is this. We have access to a Discus Breeder close by. He has the option of 3" Juveniles or 1 yr old 5" adults (already paired). We also have access to an an Angel Fish Breeder, all sizes available. (also paired)

I have read that the least aggressive fish should go in first, so we were planning to put Discus in before Angels, but the Angels are available before the Discus so... I was wondering if putting in 4, 3" or so Angels would work if we put in 6, either same size or larger Discus in about a month.

Anyone have any experience with this? 6 Discus (especially 5"ers are a pretty good size investment and we don't want to have the poor things get stressed out or torn up and die on us.

Here is a pic of the tank so you know what we are dealing with.

Just want to say thanks for all the help so far. Everyone has been extremely helpful in answering my questions on this site. I am soo catching the FishNerd Bug!

Maybe I should have asked this on another post but I just thought of it. When you look at pics, take a look at the lights. The right side we just refreshed with the same lights that came with our system: 2 30 watt 36" T12's, 10000 K high intensity and 2 30 watt 36" T12 True Actinic 03 Blue. The left side we have to go buy a new bulb for because we did not have another included replacement. The system was originally used for Saltwater, although the lights say they can be used for Freshwater and Plants. We have some kind of high reflective light hood as well, to increase the intensity of the bulbs. So we have 120 watts increased by 50% by the the hood which works out to approx 180 watts total output.

This is a South American community tank. I have read that it should be low light, although everyone says you need 3-4 watts per gallon T5 lights to keep healthy plants. The maximum output bulb we can use in our hood is 40 watt. It holds any standard two prong bulb. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what type of lights look and work best for low light fish with a planted aquarium. We really need to stick with what fits in the hood for now. Just not ready to shell out 500 to 600 bucks on an new light system.

tjvollmer
04-18-2010, 7:50 AM
FYI: We have an Amazon Sword in there, Java Fern, Annubias, and some other kind of low to moderate light Fern. They are planted in Pool Filter Sand, top layer, with a mixed base of Sand and Laterite, bottom layer. We just planted them yesterday. I am hoping they live. The GBR's love them. They've been arranging and pruning them since we put them in there.

ponderingky
04-18-2010, 10:26 AM
Hey tj,

Great looking set up. Do a lot of research on the discus and appropriate tank mates. Discus do best in warm (84+ degrees) water and some of the tank mates you have listed won't tolerate that high of temp. Also know that angels have a stronger immune system and might carry some internal parasites that they can survive with that will kill your discus. If you are wanting the discus to be the focal point - I would plan the tank around them and add appropriate tank mates once they are well established. There are several threads on AC that discuss how to set up discus tanks. I would read those and then go to simplydiscus.com and do more research there on keeping discus. Discus are a beautiful fish but do require more care than your average tropical fish. Make sure you are willing to make a commitment to proper discus care before you buy any - it will save you money and heart ache if you do.

HTH,

tjvollmer
04-18-2010, 10:47 AM
Appreciate your input..

Question though, because I seem to be getting a few conflicting statements on Discus temp. The breeder I spoke to said he keeps his fish in 82 to 86 degrees, depending on age, breeding etc. I asked him specifically for the reason you stated. We are not interested in breeding them which seems to require a higher temp. Our water is a consistent 82 degrees even with a constant water change over at about 77% volume per week and our fish are doing great with this. Also, we have a 25 watt UV Sterilizer for the disease factor. We thought these were sufficient precautions, but I will go to the Web site you suggested and do some more research. Thanks for the info, that's what I'm here for.

ponderingky
04-18-2010, 12:22 PM
Hey tj,

82 degrees is OK for adults - I kept my juvies in the 84 to 86 range my adults around 84. I am sure others will chime in on the higher temps and the other tank mates - I kept my discus separate from other fish (except for a pair of BN's and some snails). Sounds like you are on the right track - read all you can and learn from the collective wisdom of this site and others and you will be fine. If you plan on a tank for the discus and fill around them all will go well.

HTH,