Bree's Discus Tank Build Thread

[sushiray]

Update:
The sponge filters arrived early!
They are now set up in the tank with airstones. I'm a little unsure about my air pump as I bought it used... the model is a Second Nature Whisper 300, is that sufficient for the tank? I really don't know much about it. Does the pump size affect the filter flow or does it not really matter? It is set up with a splitter so the air goes from one pump to both filters. I'll attach a pic of the pump, as well.

Anyways, here is a current tank shot!

{Countdown... 3 more days until discus!}
I'll try to post a video when I receive the package.


(Ignore the mess on the bottom! The cories and kuhlies thought it would be great to play with the sand in the planted glass. Needless to say, they tried to get as much sand out of the glass as possible.)

walmart has a great inexpensive 2valve air pump for about $11 (aqua tech?) & powerful enough to my sponge & bubble air stone.

 

[sushiray]

Hmm... I think I will start with them out of the tank, and if it looks like the discus are a little shy or need some smaller fish, I'll reintroduce them.

COUNTDOWN: {1 MORE DAY!}
By this time tomorrow, I will have discus in my tank.
In fact, I will have them within 18 hours from now!

There is water being prepped in a huge plastic container with a heater and a bubbler for the first big water change- wanting everything to be ready!

You guys will be the first to hear when they arrive!

what are you using for dechlor? many like prime as I do. but I just bought ultimate since it also detoxes metals.

up to pg4! exciting for me to catch up!

makes me want to order from kenny's also but where do I put them??!!

 

[Bree7]

That reminds me, I found a new home for the various community fish that were in the tank. Hopefully the new owner will take good care of them..

Anyways, this whole thing has been so rewarding. All of the work, time, and money spent has provided me with some wonderful stock that will keep on giving. With a little commitment and time, I plan to grow these fish out and hopefully even get a couple pairs from the group.

...Anyone want first dibs on the fry? haha! I kid, I kid.

 

[Bree7]

what are you using for dechlor? many like prime as I do. but I just bought ultimate since it also detoxes metals.

up to pg4! exciting for me to catch up!

makes me want to order from kenny's also but where do I put them??!!

Normally I use stresscoat, but since I cleared out the old fish in this tank, I've switched to aquasafe. Kenny has my full, 100% recommendation. You just can't go wrong with stock from him!

 

[sushiray]

Sure is! Great idea, sushi. Works wonderfully.
I'll go check out the filter in your pics.. thanks for the suggestion!

What is the benefit to the extended filter tube, if I may ask? And the tee... Is that to collect the debris on the bottom of the tank?
Hope you enjoy the thread

I truly enjoyed your thread! the anticipation! but at least I came in late & read thru in 15min with my replies. so didn't have to wait it out! 8)

as for the DIY - yes to catch the heavy mucho pooping they will be doing cuz you will be feeding often (tho I didn't) & doing w/c often (I did but not as often now). I use AC110 with tube extension they give (connects 2) so it is mid-level on left side of tank, then 2nd AC110 I DIY extension with pvc to the bottom into a tee - works wonders! I tell ya, sometimes I just stare at the tee to see it suck up the poop! I watch them as they slowly roll over inching it's way (the current is great with AC110's) & swoosh, away it goes! I tell ya it's most satisfying! call me weird! but I love my idea being a success! I share it a lot but not many takers.

good luck with yours - but where's the discus pics??!! I read all the thread & ??? leave me hanging??!!

 

[Bree7]

I truly enjoyed your thread! the anticipation! but at least I came in late & read thru in 15min with my replies. so didn't have to wait it out! 8)

as for the DIY - yes to catch the heavy mucho pooping they will be doing cuz you will be feeding often (tho I didn't) & doing w/c often (I did but not as often now). I use AC110 with tube extension they give (connects 2) so it is mid-level on left side of tank, then 2nd AC110 I DIY extension with pvc to the bottom into a tee - works wonders! I tell ya, sometimes I just stare at the tee to see it suck up the poop! I watch them as they slowly roll over inching it's way (the current is great with AC110's) & swoosh, away it goes! I tell ya it's most satisfying! call me weird! but I love my idea being a success! I share it a lot but not many takers.

good luck with yours - but where's the discus pics??!! I read all the thread & ??? leave me hanging??!!

Hey now, you came in late- I had to leave you hanging a little! Come on, where's the suspense?

Kidding- pictures tomorrow. I just want them to really settle in and brighten up first.

The filter: This sounds like an awesome idea, however, I'm soon purchasing/making a prefilter sponge. Lengthening the tube kind of defeats the purpose of keeping the filter clean of the large debris that a prefilter sponge will prevent. Since I'll be vacuuming the bottom daily, it really doesn't matter to me that the poop will be there.. and I'd rather clean it from the bottom instead of always cleaning out the filters. Because if you don't clean the poop out, it just stays in the filters and the water continutes to run through it, and contaminates further. Does that make sense?

Anyways, what works for some doesn't work for everyone. I can see it being a great filter, but I'd rather keep my cleaning regime as simple as possible!

 

[Bree7]

Morning #1: All fish happily swimming around, begging for breakfast, staring at me and wiggling from behind the glass

They devoured some blood worms and let me take a few pictures- so, as promised:

The first 6 are from yesterday during acclimation.
The rest are from today while eating blood worms for breakfast
More food on the way- ordered a bunch of flakes from AngelsPlus. Heard great reviews.

I apologize for the blurry ones, but some of the smaller guys weren't so sure about the camera. The yellow on the albino and the white butterfly didn't really show up well on these pictures, but they are bright YELLOW. I snapped a few to give you an idea, but they really don't do the fish justice!

Enjoy!

 

[Rbishop]

Beautiful fish!

 

[fishorama]

Wow! They look great!

 

[Lupin]

Coolio! They're beautiful.