150 Gallon Build Thread ... From the Start

Hey Coy, I remember telling you today at the store that I would give you a view of a awesome Discus Tank with Swords (I know you are not fond of them, frankly neither am I) but for the 150 they would make great background or even if you keep them trimmed mid-ground plant. Since you are looking for a cascading look I do not see much placement for such a plant but here is the link for some other ideas you can work with.

Keep in mind Discus do enjoy having an open sandy substrate so that they can forage for food at their leisure. Though it is not necessary, it is recommended my many to give them some open area's to scrounge around in.

http://showcase.aquatic-gardeners.org/2004.cgi?&Scale=514&op=showcase&category=0&vol=3&id=141
 
one thing I would like to clarify is that it is not impossible to grow up discus in a planted tank.

it is just more difficult and requires more maintainence.

it certainly can be done, but it is apparently a lot easier to do in a non-planted setup - which is probably why most discus gurus do the barebottom grow out tanks first then move their sub adults into the planted showtanks.
 
I did some digging around over on simplydiscus (I am still a member there though under a different username) and found this suggestion for someone setting up a 125 planted discus tank:

If the discus you are adding are not full-grown, you could run your tank with no gravel or just a thin layer (looks better) and place some plants in pots while you grow-out in the tank. The tank will be much easier to maintain while you are growing out (i.e. heavy feeding) your discus. I am going this route and it is working well. I have a dozen plants in small clear plastic pots that I can move to allow thorough clean of the tank bottom. This allows the positive benefits of plants in the tank without the big problem of keeping the substrate clean.

After the discus are grown-out and feeding is reduced, you could fully plant your tank.
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this sounds like a good idea.
 
Thanks Matt - boy, they do look great! Something to keep in mind. Like we talked about in the store today - I just have never had really good luck with them. Anyway, thanks again for your assistance today - we are certainly getting closer!

I think the stock plan is to start with the clean up crew, slowly add a couple of groups of schoolers (starters in my 45 now), gradually raising the temp 3 - 4 months in and then adding the discus (6 - 9, if that is where the tank takes us).
 
BTW Matt - did Marcie come in today? If so, did you happen to mention that I was in and coming back to discuss final pricing, etc? I thought I might just as well price the 180 at the same time - would give more room to move and likely able to use the same lighting and filters!

Question: Does anybody see a downside to the 180 over the 150? The expense should be close to the same besides the obvious extra cost of tank, stand, canopy, and substrate (missing anything?). Filters, lighting, Co2, heaters, etc should all be the same with either tank.
 
Marcie did come in but after close. I was still doing the clean up jobs since we were horrendously understaffed today. I did tell her though that you would be coming in this week for pricing. Feel free to ask about the 180. The only thing I see is that the stand and hood might cost more due to the upgrade in width. However, the added depth would increase the planting potential of the tank. The deeper (front to back) the tank the more you can work with in terms of layering the plants. That is why the 55 is one of the harder ones to do properly, so thin for its length and height.
 
Teeds404 said:
Marcie did come in but after close. I was still doing the clean up jobs since we were horrendously understaffed today. I did tell her though that you would be coming in this week for pricing. Feel free to ask about the 180. The only thing I see is that the stand and hood might cost more due to the upgrade in width. However, the added depth would increase the planting potential of the tank. The deeper (front to back) the tank the more you can work with in terms of layering the plants. That is why the 55 is one of the harder ones to do properly, so thin for its length and height.
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SOOO true.. (anyone want to trade their 75 for my 55?? :lipssealedsmilie:)
 
II wish my first tank was a 75 and not a 55. Such a hard tank to start off with plants, in terms of design I guess I should say.
 
Teeds404 said:
II wish my first tank was a 75 and not a 55. Such a hard tank to start off with plants, in terms of design I guess I should say.
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thats what im dealing with here.. i upgraded my 29g to the 55 and thought ohh so much more space.. but working with it is such a pain. I stick a piece of wood in the back and its ends up being close to the front.. Oh well have to deal with it

Coy lol excuse the offtopic jibber jabber.
 
Yes Coy excuse. BK I have to say ASAP upgrade to a wider tank. Even if it is a downgrade in gallons. The 40 Breeder (36x18x16) is a awesome planted tank for those with space restraints. The 55 is just a pain, and though it can be done, I find that it doesn't give the owner the satisfaction that they have done all they could do to make the tank all it could be because of the lack in depth.
 
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