150 Gallon Build Thread ... From the Start
- Thread starter WaywardSon
- Start date
That "plan" further "restricts" the lighting. We need to be able to upgrade. I'm dizzy (lol).
It seems as though 3 72" T5 strips at 150 watts each would be perfect. Go 150, 300, and finally 450. Where are those little beggers at??
already sent this to you in your profile msg but will post it here
which t-5 are you talking about?? The issue i found with the larger t-5's is that they contained atleast 4-6 of the actinic bulbs which had to be replaced. And replacing each is about $20-30
one thing that you can do if you want to plant swords that get big (which I have done in a 65 long before) is rather than plant the aquarium based on front to back, plant the tank based on left to right or right to left.
ie put the taller plants at one end, and gradually plant the shorter plants as you move along the length of the tank.
it does look really cool and you don't have worry about shading.
the thing is the 150 size is awesome, but some people find the 18 inch a little limiting with big swords, from what I have heard..
ie put the taller plants at one end, and gradually plant the shorter plants as you move along the length of the tank.
it does look really cool and you don't have worry about shading.
the thing is the 150 size is awesome, but some people find the 18 inch a little limiting with big swords, from what I have heard..
Not exactly, its just that juvie discus require super clean water and are best raised barebottom with nothing in the tank (for easier water changes) to prevent stunting. Just how clean water? 50% water changes a day, better yet, make that 100%.
They also need very frequent small feedings (5-8 times a day) with high quality, varied foods such as frozen blood worms, live blackworms, homemade recipes, ect (use an automatic feeder if you aren't homw 24/7). Adults are definitely more pricey than juvies, but unless you want 4inch fish at adult size, start with adults. Or you can raise juvie discus in a separate barebottom tank.
As for how many, I'd say 9-15 depending on how much you're willing to do water changes and if its going to be a species only tank. A planted tank is generally harder to clean than a non-planted one. 15 discus is the maximum amount of discus you're going to be able to fit in it, though I wouldn't. I would go with 10 discus with some cardinals and a bn pleco.
With 10 discus, some cardinals, and a bn pleco (maybe some otos), I would say to do 25% water changes 2-3 times a week. As for water parameters, keep the nitrate below 20 or 15 and the temperature at 86F.
Lastly (I know I'm rambling!) one of the most important questions: where to get healthy discus? I would suggest Kenny, he has very healthy and happy discus and he is very serious about his work, I've never heard of someone getting a DOA. His website http://kennysdiscus.net/. However, he's very popular so his shipments are sold out pretty quickly. A good discus site to visit is http://forum.simplydiscus.com/, you'll find lots of helpful people that will answer any questions you may have.
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What about a 72 x 24 x 24 (130 gallons I think?)? That would solve both the depth and height concerns. Boy, just had no idea the decisions to be made (lol)!!
simplydiscus is a great website. when I was learning to keep them, thats where I went to.
I used to do 1/3 water changes on 3x per week with my discus, feeding hikari frozen blood worms, tetra colour bits, frozen brine and flake.
they grow really fast with a good feeding/wc schedule.
they do best in warm water though - I used to keep mine at 85. for a 150 gallon tank, that would probably require 2 -300 heaters dependiing on the room temp.
its take a lot of wattage to maintain that much water at higher temps.
I used to do 1/3 water changes on 3x per week with my discus, feeding hikari frozen blood worms, tetra colour bits, frozen brine and flake.
they grow really fast with a good feeding/wc schedule.
they do best in warm water though - I used to keep mine at 85. for a 150 gallon tank, that would probably require 2 -300 heaters dependiing on the room temp.
its take a lot of wattage to maintain that much water at higher temps.
Thanks Lilim - great input! Discus seem to be on the high maintenance side. WC 2 or 3 times a week - even for someone as hooked as I am - may be pushing it (lol).
it would, but trust me, the extra 5 inches in height makes a huge difference.
the 150 makes the 130 seem 'small'
