I've got a Fluval Power Filter that'll hold a foam filter, activated carbon, and an ammonia insert. I'm also considering adding a biomax insert, but I need to check if there's space for another media. I've seen these column-like filters that go inside the tank - they're about two inches in diameter and eight inches tall. What are these called? Are they bio filters? Since I won't have substrate, maybe just a plant or two, I'm wondering if these columns could work if a bio filter won't fit in the Fluval. I'd also use a foam filter on the intake.
I've been using AquaSafe to clean tap water for water changes, then adding salt after. Is this okay? I'm planning to keep using this method, but I'm not sure if it's safe for discus. Will they be okay with tap water for a half hour while I clean the tank and do water changes? Or do I need to treat the tap water first? Right now, I do water changes, then treat the water afterwards. I feel like treating the water right after every change is a bit wasteful and unnecessary. I'm currently using an under gravel filter with two vertical air tubes, but without substrate, I'll need to figure out how to secure it or if I even need it.
New Tank Set-up
Re: New Tank Set-up
Re: New Tank Set-up
How big's your tank, and what power filter are you using? You mentioned an under gravel filter, but that won't work for discus or a tank without substrate. I think those column filters you're talking about are internal filters.
Are you currently keeping fish, or is this your first tank? It's crucial to know your water parameters - pH, KH, and GH. Also, test for ammonia and nitrate levels. After testing, let the water sit for 24 hours and test again. Keep a record of your results both times and see if there are any changes. If your water needs treatment, you'll have to prepare or age it. If it's okay, just adding a water conditioner like AquaSafe when refilling should be enough.
How big's your tank, and what power filter are you using? You mentioned an under gravel filter, but that won't work for discus or a tank without substrate. I think those column filters you're talking about are internal filters.
Are you currently keeping fish, or is this your first tank? It's crucial to know your water parameters - pH, KH, and GH. Also, test for ammonia and nitrate levels. After testing, let the water sit for 24 hours and test again. Keep a record of your results both times and see if there are any changes. If your water needs treatment, you'll have to prepare or age it. If it's okay, just adding a water conditioner like AquaSafe when refilling should be enough.
Re: New Tank Set-up
Re: New Tank Set-up
Thanks for your input lunar. My tank is still in the planning stages, but I'm looking at a 55 gallon. I've got a Fluval Power Filter that I'm planning to use with a combination of media, including a foam filter, activated carbon, and an ammonia insert. I was considering adding a biomax insert, but I'm not sure if it'll fit.
I think you're right about the undergravel filter - I won't need it without substrate. I'm planning to use a few plants, but no substrate. I was thinking about using those internal filters you mentioned as a backup if the biomax doesn't fit.
I don't have fish yet, but I'm planning to get discus eventually. I'll make sure to test my water and let it sit for 24 hours before testing again. I'll keep track of my results and let you know if anything changes. I'm using AquaSafe to treat my water now, but I'm not sure if that'll be enough for discus. Do you think I'll need to age my water or use a different treatment?
Thanks for your input lunar. My tank is still in the planning stages, but I'm looking at a 55 gallon. I've got a Fluval Power Filter that I'm planning to use with a combination of media, including a foam filter, activated carbon, and an ammonia insert. I was considering adding a biomax insert, but I'm not sure if it'll fit.
I think you're right about the undergravel filter - I won't need it without substrate. I'm planning to use a few plants, but no substrate. I was thinking about using those internal filters you mentioned as a backup if the biomax doesn't fit.
I don't have fish yet, but I'm planning to get discus eventually. I'll make sure to test my water and let it sit for 24 hours before testing again. I'll keep track of my results and let you know if anything changes. I'm using AquaSafe to treat my water now, but I'm not sure if that'll be enough for discus. Do you think I'll need to age my water or use a different treatment?
Re: New Tank Set-up
Re: New Tank Set-up
I've got a 55-gallon tank, and the filter is a Fluval Power Filter, 200 GPH. Lunar, I suspected the undergravel filter might not be ideal for discus, and I think I know why - it creates more hiding spots for waste. But could you clarify on the gravel comment? I'm actually planning to remove the gravel for the discus. I've had a 55-gallon tank for about 30 years now, and I've had my fair share of fish - from the basics to African Cichlids and my current South American Cichlids. I'm considered experienced by others, but I'm always looking to learn and improve. For this setup, I'm planning to pair discus with some South American German Ram Cichlids, an Angel, a catfish, a South American Pleco, and maybe some hatchets for the surface. I've never had hatchets before, but I'm considering them now.
I've got a 55-gallon tank, and the filter is a Fluval Power Filter, 200 GPH. Lunar, I suspected the undergravel filter might not be ideal for discus, and I think I know why - it creates more hiding spots for waste. But could you clarify on the gravel comment? I'm actually planning to remove the gravel for the discus. I've had a 55-gallon tank for about 30 years now, and I've had my fair share of fish - from the basics to African Cichlids and my current South American Cichlids. I'm considered experienced by others, but I'm always looking to learn and improve. For this setup, I'm planning to pair discus with some South American German Ram Cichlids, an Angel, a catfish, a South American Pleco, and maybe some hatchets for the surface. I've never had hatchets before, but I'm considering them now.
Re: New Tank Set-up
Re: New Tank Set-up
I've had my fair share of experience with undergravel filters, even used them with discus a long time ago. But if I'm being honest, I'm not a fan of gravel beds with discus. My first discus tank had one, and it wasn't ideal. I don't recommend them for discus.
With discus, it's best to keep things simple, at least at first. Start with a bare bottom tank, a reliable heater, good water, and easy-to-clean filtration. I've had good luck with air-driven sponges, hang-on-the-back filters, or canisters. Forget about adding other species initially, just keep discus in the tank. Learn what they like and what they don't, then you can think about adding substrates or dither fish.
You can set up the tank as you've planned and still succeed, but I think you'll have a more pleasant time if you take my advice. Either way, I'm happy to have you in the hobby and I hope you'll share your progress in a tank journal thread. If I can help in any way, please let me know.
P.S. I found an old thread that might be helpful: "How do I set up my first discus tank?" on SimplyDiscus. Also, if you're new to discus, there's a good resource on the basics.
I've had my fair share of experience with undergravel filters, even used them with discus a long time ago. But if I'm being honest, I'm not a fan of gravel beds with discus. My first discus tank had one, and it wasn't ideal. I don't recommend them for discus.
With discus, it's best to keep things simple, at least at first. Start with a bare bottom tank, a reliable heater, good water, and easy-to-clean filtration. I've had good luck with air-driven sponges, hang-on-the-back filters, or canisters. Forget about adding other species initially, just keep discus in the tank. Learn what they like and what they don't, then you can think about adding substrates or dither fish.
You can set up the tank as you've planned and still succeed, but I think you'll have a more pleasant time if you take my advice. Either way, I'm happy to have you in the hobby and I hope you'll share your progress in a tank journal thread. If I can help in any way, please let me know.
P.S. I found an old thread that might be helpful: "How do I set up my first discus tank?" on SimplyDiscus. Also, if you're new to discus, there's a good resource on the basics.
Re: New Tank Set-up
Re: New Tank Set-up
I agree with Al, keep it simple. With discus, it's best to avoid unnecessary complications. Start with a basic setup, and once you gain experience, you can consider adding more complexity.
I agree with Al, keep it simple. With discus, it's best to avoid unnecessary complications. Start with a basic setup, and once you gain experience, you can consider adding more complexity.
Re: New Tank Set-up
Re: New Tank Set-up
An undergravel filter relies on gravel as its media, utilizing the bacteria in the gravel to break down waste as water is pulled through. Without gravel, it's essentially just circulating water.
I agree with Al that undergravel filters aren't ideal for discus. Even with a gravel bed, waste tends to accumulate under the filter, leading to problems. This makes it necessary to empty the tank annually for thorough cleaning, which isn't very practical.
Regarding your Fluval filter, it might not be sufficient on its own. For a 55-gallon tank, it's recommended to have a filter that can move around 8-10 times the tank's volume per hour. Considering this, a secondary filter like the Odyssea 250 could be a great addition. It's a reliable and affordable option, available on eBay for around $20.
An undergravel filter relies on gravel as its media, utilizing the bacteria in the gravel to break down waste as water is pulled through. Without gravel, it's essentially just circulating water.
I agree with Al that undergravel filters aren't ideal for discus. Even with a gravel bed, waste tends to accumulate under the filter, leading to problems. This makes it necessary to empty the tank annually for thorough cleaning, which isn't very practical.
Regarding your Fluval filter, it might not be sufficient on its own. For a 55-gallon tank, it's recommended to have a filter that can move around 8-10 times the tank's volume per hour. Considering this, a secondary filter like the Odyssea 250 could be a great addition. It's a reliable and affordable option, available on eBay for around $20.