Discus planted tank

[Comet]

I have been keeping planted tank now for about half a year and think of keeping discus with it.

Living in a tropical country I do not need a heater in my planted tank yet. But since I keep discus, heater is a must. But I read form a book that normal glass heater is not good as the substrate may turn anaerobic. Causing harmful product like hydrogen sulfide which can kill fish. And it advise to use substrate heater. Substrate heater is expensive, I don't think I can afford one.

Is there anyone that keep discus with just normal glass heater?
I need some advise in this.

 

[djlen]

I don't know where you got that information. I've kept Discus in tanks with glass heaters in the past, with no problems what-so-ever.
If this is a newly discovered problem I've never heard of it and never experienced it.
Len

 

[NJ Devils Fan]

Thats got to be the stupidest thing I have ever heard, it's doesn't even make sence. Just about everyone with a heater has a regular glass heater in the tank. If you want to see a great looking planted discus tank, wait for 80gJoe to respond, he has probably one of the nicest tanks I have ever seen.

 

[125gJoe]

Thanks NJ Devils Fan!

Glass heaters should be no problem at all. Make sure you have some water movement in the corners - even if you have to but a small power head and place it in the tank near the bottom...

 

[plantbrain]

Comet,

There are many local folks keeping Discus in Singapore.
Teo's, Dr Malik's and a few other LFS's are in the area and a local plant web forum at www.aquaticquotient.com as well. I'd recommend getting involved with them for getting _good_ deals on fish/supplies etc locally there.

There are a number of folks that can give you local pointers which will help you out a lot.

FWIW to the other folks, the temps in Singapore certainly do not require heaters! It's keeping the water cool that's the tough part. 27.5-30C is fine.
I have not used a heater in 6 years livinbg in CA/FL. Many there have never used one.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by plantbrain
....... ... I have not used a heater in 6 years livinbg in CA/FL. Many there have never used one.
Regards,
Tom Barr

Does this apply to keeping Discus? Meaning, no heater for a Discus tank?

I'm in central Florida, and there's no way I could go without heaters for the tank...

 

[plantbrain]

"Does this apply to keeping Discus? Meaning, no heater for a Discus tank?"

No. But Comet has not needed a heater yet and most never do in Singapore. Discus and Singapore weather may not warrant a need for a heater. 27C~32C is fine. His comment about not using a heater is not so far fetched as many might first think. There are a few breeders in SEA that don't use heaters, it's about the same weather as where the fish are from in SA.

"I'm in central Florida, and there's no way I could go without heaters for the tank..."

Yea, need one with Discus there or at least for a few months out of the year etc. I have not kept Discus for about 6 years. But most tropicals do fine here in FL or many parts of CA with no heater.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by plantbrain
[B..... ....Yea, need one with Discus there or at least for a few months out of the year etc..........But most tropicals do fine here in FL or many parts of CA with no heater. Regards,
Tom Barr [/B]

With air-conditioned homes and offices, heaters are a must have item -- related to keeping Discus.

 

[plantbrain]

You don't keep your home at 30C?

Many folks there/here in summer use fans on their tanks to keep it from getting too warm. I spend 50$+ or more a month for AC if I use it. I don't mind the heat. Folks that use heating cables in places where it gets warm also could use the AC to keep the substrate stablize.

I use a fan on my tanks when the lights come on, so does the fan. Lots cheaper than AC. The small little clip ons work well and are pretty effective.
One feller used a temp controller and plugged his fan into that, over in Singapore to keep his tank at 27.5C. That's about the min temp for a Discus tank IMO. At least the min temp they seem to be happy/breed etc.
Those stainless steel heaters are very nice if the water gets cooler than this. Hard to break and smaller than the glass tube heaters. Heat is easy, cooling is a PITA.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by plantbrain
You don't keep your home at 30C?... ...Tom Barr

No way.

And 28.6C is too low of a tank temp for my Discus. They need their heater..