Preparing a 4ft tank for 5-7 discus.

A couple of points that Ive picked up whilst doing further research:

A standard 1,2m tank is long enough, but should be 60cm high.

Substrate should be as fine as possible to limit waste settling below the surface(or none at all obviously).

You shouldn't have a growing medium that can develop hydrogen sulphide pockets, as this can damage discus gills. (sounds very far fetched to me?)

 

When a substrate goes Anaerobic, it develops Hydrogen Sulphide pockets. It can, and does indeed happen. Basically you don't want to add too fine a substrate, that could potentially compact. If it compacts, it can go anaerobic.

I completely disagree that you should have a "fine as possible" substrate for that very reason.

You want a tall tank, because discus can grow fairly tall. But a 50cm tall tank should suffice.

 

Thanks Sean. Actually, as far as substrate is concerned, I read that playsand grain size is correct. My bad... I wrote "as fine as possible" without thinking that there could be a finer grain, although there surely is. Would a thin layer of playsand compact? Just asking for interest sake, as I've already decided on bare bottom with some wood for decor.

 

I have playpen sand in my tank and it does compact and trap gas.

 

Thanks Justforme! Is that plays and on its own? And more or less how deep is yours?

 

Bliksem autocorrect

 

Have to agree with @Flash and @Sean J here. I will post a link to an article I did some time ago that may help you.

 

Here we go
Discus for beginners. An introduction to discus from my own experience.

 

There are several layers PFP topped with thin layer of gravel (2cm) and then covered with playpen sand. Playpen sand is very fine and will compact. You could use pool filter sand instead as it is more coarse and less likely to compact as much from what I have read on the forum. Just remember to wash any sand used thoroughly.

 

It actually sounds to me as if a thin layer (2-3cm) of this playsand would make a very good substrate? Compacts nicely so that organics stay on top, making it easy to clean.

PFS I have used before, but find that the grain size allows fine particles to permeate it, which would mean constant vacuuming.

 

Sand is not the easiest thing to keep clean. As the sand is so fine and light it is easy to suck it up with the vacuum. You can keep replenishing it if you want. I have a planted tank so it is more difficult to get sand where you want it because of the plants.

 

Oh... Good point that. Maybe a very thin layer of PFS is best then? I know I said that I (the tank) was going bare bottom, but I know that I'll change my mind after a day or two. Bare bottom is a bit like having a concrete slab instead of lawn in your garden.

 

Agree to me it always makes me feel like a temporary housing, incomplete tank.

 

Haha... Exactly!

 

I collected the 1,5m tank I intend keeping discus in last night. Was an absolute bargain and is virtually brand new.


Dont know if the built in filter will do the job?

Im still undecided whether to go planted or not. Been doing a lot of reading on the net, and the opinions are varied to say the least. The most common opinion seems to be that a planted tank just looks more natural. I need to decide if I have the time for the extra work required.

 

Thanks Reedfish. Yes, it is exciting. Your advice is appreciated. In fact, many of the expert posts I've read on the subject say the same thing. So the hunt for some awesome driftwood begins....