Discus Tank substrate??

L

lionfish1991

AC Members
Aug 18, 2006
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I am planning a 3ft discus tank and i am still undecided as to have substrate or go bare bottom, either way i am goin to have driftwood with heaps of anubias attached so i didn't really think that i would need gravel but then i thought maybe having just like enough gravel just to cover the bottom. which would be better?
 
What are the tank dimensions of the tank? It sounds too small for a group of discus long-term to me. What size are these discus you're planning to buy? Sand is much more preferred although you'll have to stir it from time to time to prevent it from getting compact. Using Malaysian trumpet snails often helps.
 
Bare bottom will make it easier to clean, much easier which also helps keep ammonia and nitrite at bay if anything should happen. In this case gravel doesn't do much except for aesthetics so its up to you.

I also agree with Lup about the tank size...
 
i would go bare-bottom. 240 liters is barely enough for the minimum recommended group of 4 discus. fewer fish and they'll beat on each other because there's not enough fish to spread the aggression around, more and they'll beat on each other because there's not enough room. honestly, since you don't already have the tank, it would be best to get a bigger one, even if you have to put the fish on hold for a little while. it's not sensible to spend the big $$$ on the fish, and then not give them a suitable place to live in.
 
240 liters is about 63 gallons. That should easily support 4 discus and possibly 5 if the other inhabitants are kept to a minimum. A few corys or tetras perhaps.

Bare bottom gets my vote- easier to know when and where to vaccum :-)
 
if you are planning to raise them from juvinile stage, get bare bottom, adults might be able to cope with gravel, though sand is better. or you could paint the bottom of the tank, many serious discus keepers do this.
 
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