37 Gallon Discus Tank Thread with Pics

[FairfaxDiscus]

Hello,

I've been keeping aquariums for many years and have recently (Oct. 2009) decided to start keeping discus in my aquarium. I'm posting here to share pics and updates with friends. Also, I welcome feedback from members so that I and others may learn.

The Environment
I am currently maintaining a 37 gallon all-glass with a Marineland Eclipse 3 hood that has been set up since June 27, 2009. I keep the fully submersible stainless steel heater in the hood under the mechanical filter that I have cut the carbon compartment off of. I keep natural looking gravel in the bottom with some drift wood and live plants. Water conditions are kept in my signature. I am happy with all consitions except total hardness, I'd like to get that lower.

The Inhabitants
2 discus - juvenile (one blue diamond and one turquoise) bought at the same time from a great LFS and they are the same size.
1 angel
3 rummy nose tetras
5 ghost catfish
2 flame gouramis
2 Otocinclus
1 Striped Rafael Catfish
1 rubber lip pleco
Anubias
Java Fern

Here are some pics:

 

[Rbishop]

Nice tank.

 

[FairfaxDiscus]

Update

Maintenance
I do about a 25% water change weekly (preferably first thing Saturday Morning) while vacuuming the gravel. I know this is way less than most experienced discus keepers recommend, but my water parameters have stayed fine with this schedule and I don't have time for daily 100% changes.

Feeding
My water parameters may be fine because I also feed less than most discus keepers suggest. I feed once a day. I feed flake food, which the discuss eat aggressively, Sat - Tue, then feed Mysis Wed, Blood Worms Thur, and Beef Heart on Friday. Also on Friday after lights go out, I put in a Hikari sinking algae wafer for the pleco and otos.

Pictures of food below along with some full tank shot pics from today.

 

[j-gens]

not to be mean but your discus don't look like they are in very good health

 

[FindingBlemo]

^^I can't agree or disagree. But I'd say a 37 gallon is a little small for even two discus.

 

[FairfaxDiscus]

Rbishop, thanks for the compliment.
j-gens, I want them to look healthier, any suggestions?

 

[FindingBlemo]

^^ Get a bigger tank. Have time to give them the care they need?

 

[FairfaxDiscus]

Blemo, I plan to move them to a 110 within a year, but they're in a 37 for now. Assuming I had unlimited time, what would you suggest doing to give them the care they need. Snide comments not useful.

 

[thorpbrian]

You have a nice looking tank. However, I'd say your overstocked for a tank that size.

 

[Cerianthus]

not to be mean but your discus don't look like they are in very good health

I agree.

What is the temp & pH of the water?

How long did you have them?

Are they still eating aggressively?

i see sort of haziness to their body and eyes. Maybe it is the pics?