Response
JimL
Yep, same thing, I have Size H filters.
Thanks for the points about the city water and the warmed python hose.
Funny analogy about the grass. I think that's a good idea, I need to gain back some of the time I'm losing on these fish so I'll just spread aquarium gravel over my whole lawn to kill the grass and eliminate that maintenance chore. But really, ease of clean is just one aspect of the bare bottom tank; there is also the fact that food gets exposed to fish longer as it doesn't get lost in the gravel, this in turn ensures the food doesn't rot in the gravel. Finally, no matter how much vacuuming, you can't get gravel as clean as no gravel. I don't mind the look much, it seems to give it a brighter, transluscent halo-like effect without the gravel.
Thanks for the ecouragement, I'll keep the pics coming, and who knows, maybe I can prove that you can have discuss in your 37 too.
GlennR
I think you're right on with your point. I think my two biggest problems stem from my initial purchase. I bought sub-par specimens to begin with and I should have bought a larger number of fish from the same brood straight from a reputable breeder.
I use the Marineland Eclipse 3 as seen at this link:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...AA&srccode=cii_10043468&cpncode=23-66218426-2 I posted some pics below. I have cut the carbon compartment off of my filter and have also modified my light (I will share more about my modified lighting project in a later post). I don't think most would recommend this filter/lighting canopy for discus paritally because this is the biggest one they build in this form factor and as stated before, my tank is too small. I like it because it is compact and streamlined and keeps most all equipment out of the tank without water overflow with equipment under the tank in a sump. I think the fluval G6 is the latest and greatest canister filter for sale on aquariums up to 160 gals, that's what I'd consider for a newer/bigger tank myself. Interested in hearing other's opinion for benefit of all.
j-gens
I know, not much improvement to get excited about yet. Any idea how long I should expect it to take before I see some notable improvement? Can you post a pic or two of what they
should look like at this age? Will ween them back off blackworms, too bad they can't stay on them.
Reframer
Thanks for the note, I'll lay off the salt. I'll do some research on raising my own worms. Can someone send a link to good instructions on de-worming? Remember I have other inhabitants.
fishorama
I painted the background on. Will keep it up, thanks for the encouragement.
Picture 1
Top of hood closed - except for the water spots, a very sharp looking/convenient hood.
Picture 2
Back Filter compartment open - water comes in from the left, flows down through and over mechanical filter then down through the biowheel on the right.
Picture 3
Modified mecahnical filter with carbon compartment cut off. I keep the heater below the filter in the compartment here, you may be able to see it.
Picture 4
Dual lighting. Comes stock with 24" 18 watt T8s. I have 20 watt Flora Glo and Sun Glo bulbs in here with tin foil I added for reflectivity and heat deflection behind bulbs.
Picture 5
A new mechanical filter without being modified (still has black carbon compartment on the bottom) - I take this off as I understand after a few days, the carbon compartment holds all the junk it collected out of the tank and should be gotten rid of.
Please keep up the great work. 
