Looking to go discus

[Gryphon]

I have a 55 gal tank I picked up from Spyral that I'm thinking about turning into a planted discus tank. I believe the dimensions are 48L x 13W x 18T. Any suggestions on how many I could put in here (if i can, not sure how long Discus gets).

Also, would they get along ok with some Blue crayfish?

 

[protocl]

I'd stock 4 or 5 discuses in that sized tank.

 

[sidekicking]

yup about 4 or 5 if small you can probably get away with 6
disscus are slow and the crayfish would probably see them as easy food

 

[Gryphon]

Bummer, I've been trying to figure out a good tank setup that would allow me to get the blue crays and some fish.

Also been reading up on doing a planted tank. I'm not sure if I want to do a full planted tank with actual soil, or try doing some potted plants instead.

 

[protocl]

My 180G is bare-bottom, with a few pieces of D. wood. I anchor the plants onto them.

 

[Gryphon]

Well, part of my agreement with my wife to get the 55gal tank I'm using for this was that she got to help pick out what goes in it, and she really wants live plants....maybe I should make her do all the upkeep on t hem lol

 

[Addictedtofish]

I use to raise discus, I had 7 from 3 to 6in in a 55 gal with a few other diter fish. Two of my discus paired off and even started laying eggs in the tank also, but my water to hard for the eggs last no more than a day.

 

[sidekicking]

Planted tanks don't need that much of and upkeep
the soil method works really good do a layer of garden soil and on top of that a layer of gravel and star adding plants quite simple

 

[protocl]

Yea, planted tanks do not need as much maintenance compared to none. Actually, too much of WC's can degrade "balance."

 

[williemcd]

There are alternatives to soil and planted tanks.. One tank (155g) uses Pool Filter Sand and another tank, same size, uses Safe-T-Sorb. Soiless and awesome plant growth proliferation. Bill in Va.
Tank with STS..

 

[williemcd]

Oh.. 6 months ago, this tank had about 10 Vals. I've harvested over 200 from it and it still looks like it needs more thinning. Bill

 

[discusdrew]

I'm a serious discus person and I have to respectfully disagree or at least forwarn about starting with a planted discus aquarium. If you do go this route the most important thing is that you buy larger more mature discus. Discus love heat, especially juvies, so a normal tank temp is around 86 which is pretty hard on the plants. I am not saying it cant be done but it is a hard place to start. Discus also require very high quality water conditions so fertilizing the plants to overcome the bi-daily large water changes you should be doing. I always recommend starting with a barebottom tank for new discus keepers but hey, we learn by the paths we choose All in All, its doable just do some research first to insure both your plants and your discus are getting what they need. It will be a delecate balance and compromises will have to be made, check out simplydiscus.com as it is an incredible resource for discus keepers and has nationally and internationally renowned members that will give you plenty of input