Discus community Tank

Discussion in 'Community Tanks' started by Lambshank, Dec 3, 2009.

  1. Lambshank

    Lambshank

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    Hi Guys


    I have not keep marine fish for a while and just finished setting up my Tank.

    I thought of keeping about 5 discus with about 20 caridnal tetras and some corydoras?

    Also what a planted tank, do I need any special equipment?
     
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  3. neilh

    neilh

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    Nothing wrong with Cardinals or Corys. Rummy's, neons and harlequins also work well

    How big is your tank?

    You prepared to do large water changes for a planted Discus tank? And I mean 20-30% twice weekly as a minimum
     
  4. Gebhardt

    Gebhardt

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    Hi

    Here is a pic of Discus in with neon and redeye tetras, algea eater, 2 golden ancistrus.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. speedz

    speedz In need of a fishroom....

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    that is a big tank
     
  6. neilh

    neilh

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    Wait, what? What does marine have to do with anything?
     
  7. Donny

    Donny

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    Hi and welcome to TASA, what is the size of your tank at present.
     
  8. OP
    Lambshank

    Lambshank

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    Sorry don't know why i typed in "marine". Don't worry I will not put salt in the tank for my discus, i'm pretty sure they would not like that.

    My tank is a 5ft which is 60cm high and 50cm wide/deep. Don't know how many litres that is or how many fish i can keep?

    What do herlequins and rummies look like?
     
  9. neilh

    neilh

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    450l tank, Nice. Give's them lots of swimming space

    Google Harlequin Rasbora and Rummy Nose Tetra
     
  10. OP
    Lambshank

    Lambshank

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    Cool I did and they both look great.

    How many fish could I keep in this size tank would say:

    5 discus (Various)
    20 cardinal tetras
    6-10 rummy nose tetras
    and 5 corydoras (albino)

    be OK??

    Also what temp should I try keep my tank at?
     
  11. Gilbertr14

    Gilbertr14 Phenacogrammus

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    The Temp debate is a tricky one.

    The Tetras would prefer lower temps than the discus

    On average

    Discus are settled around the 28-30 Deg mark
    Your tetras like the 24 - 26 Deg mark

    Not too sure about the rest
     
  12. neilh

    neilh

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    More Discus. 6 or 7. Temps, you can keep them at 29/30. That's what I have currently....

    What filtration system do you have currently?
     
  13. Big G

    Big G Apisto Nutz!!!

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    I believe the Rummy Nose Tetras are fine with the higher temps that Discus enjoy, but the Cardinals and Harlequins would like it a bit cooler! Having said that, my tank generally keeps creeping upto the 28-30 degree mark, and all my fish seem fine with it.

    Just not sure how they'd do in the long term at those temps tho? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm sure there are some Physiological issues when fish are kept at higher temps than they like for long periods?

    Cheers
    Big G!
     
  14. OP
    Lambshank

    Lambshank

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    I have an overflow, so i bought a std 3ft tank for a sump, i put 4 glass dividers to make 4 compartments. Put bio balls in the first 2 with filter floss and carpet floss on top in carpartment 1, the 3rd and 4th will have bio rock and carbon bag and filter.

    How do i set the temperature on 2 heaters to the same temp?
     
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  15. neilh

    neilh

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    So your total system volume is around 500l. Decent sized system

    Turn the dials on the heater to the required temps?
     
  16. OP
    Lambshank

    Lambshank

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    If I set the temperature like that it, it goes much higher than the temperature I want. Any reason??
     
  17. neilh

    neilh

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    Either your thermometer is buggered or the thermostat on one of the heaters is buggered. If its the thermo on one of the heaters, you might as well throw it away. If you can, get Jager heaters
     
  18. OP
    Lambshank

    Lambshank

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    I think its just al cheapo heaters.
     
  19. Donny

    Donny

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    If you going to spend good money on fish like discus i would suggest spending good money on the equipment you would hate to loose fish that cost R600 because of a R50 heater or pump that malfunctions.
     
  20. OP
    Lambshank

    Lambshank

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    agreed, I will test them out to see if they work properly once the tank has water in it. I need 2 x 300 watt heater??? It that right can work out costly!
     
  21. Big G

    Big G Apisto Nutz!!!

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    Sometimes its because your heaters are over rated for the volume you are trying to heat. A 300watt jaeger is rated to heat upto 600L if I remember correctly?

    I have a 200watt one on my 315L and its set at around 25degrees, but the temp is 28! There is a calibrator on the top, but this has never worked for me! So, all I do is keep an eye on the temp and turn down (or up) one degree everyday or two until I have the desired temp.

    If you have two set them both to the same temp, and bring them each down one degree until your tank thermometer reads the desired temp. Obviously if you have them set and the temp sky rockets over 30 degrees, then you need to adjust quicker, but try not to shock your fish too much!

    Failing this, then you are looking at a knackered thermostat or thermometer. Jaeger heaters may be relatively expensive, but they are in my opinion the best and most reliable around!

    CHeers
    Big G!
     

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