50g Amazon species tank

[Mrbenn]

Hi. I'm considering an Amazon species tank set up. Looking at getting this tank or have a similar amount to spend. But its going in an upstairs room in a Victorian town house. So not too big. So suggestions on the tank would be welcome. But the main questions are.

1) What sort of plants and decor should I use. Thinking of a couple of Discus and some dither fish. Will have a month to bed the tank and plants in before the fish arrive. May put a couple of Neons or Cardinals in to help it though.

2) How many Discus and other fish can I get in the tank.

3) What species of plants should I be looking for?

Thanks in advance.

 

[m4rk13m4rk]

heya mrbenn
im thinking of the same idea!
for decor, im thinking of using some white sand, some spider driftwood, or w/e its called, some slate rock(tested and cleaned of course), and a few tall wiggly plants...maybe onion plants if theyr safe

oh and maybe some smooth river stones

im trying to go for like...a riverbed look

 

[Star_Rider]

what size is the tank.
how long have you been keeping fish?

I ask as Discus are usually recommended for an experienced keeper.
while strains have become hardy there are some considerations when keeping discus..especially young discus.

 

[m4rk13m4rk]

what size is the tank.
how long have you been keeping fish?

I ask as Discus are usually recommended for an experienced keeper.
while strains have become hardy there are some considerations when keeping discus..especially young discus.

50g in the title xD

 

[jpappy789]

what size is the tank.
how long have you been keeping fish?

I ask as Discus are usually recommended for an experienced keeper.
while strains have become hardy there are some considerations when keeping discus..especially young discus.

:iagree:

I also think you should read up on cycling first.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598

I highly recommend going the fish-less route.

 

[Mrbenn]

I've been keeping fish on and off for about 15 years. Never really set up an Amazon species tank. My last tank was just 2 Oscars who were great fun and still living happily with my mum. But she won't let me have them back now. Reading up on Discus though they seem to prefer warmer water which may cause problems with some catfish to clean up at the bottom. Maybe Angels instead?

 

[jpappy789]

Catfish do not replace the need for a water change with a good gravel vac. They also cannot survive on scavenging alone and need their own supplemental feeding.

 

[Mrbenn]

Maybe I didn't phrase that quite how I wanted. Are the Angels more likely to get on with a wider range of fish than Discus and are they easier to keep?

What species of catfish could I keep with them that are from around the Amazon area?

 

[jpappy789]

I would say they are easier to keep, however I don't think there is a huge difference in compatibility with other fish other than very active fish can stress out discus.

Corydoras are from SA.

 

[Mrbenn]

So what about plants? And substrate? I want to try and keep it as realistic as possible. I have a vague idea of what I'd like it to look like. I want it to be really well planted and be as much about the plants as the fish.