Substrate question and discus fish mates for 150gal

[Kaneu]

Hi i have a few questions im hoping someone has some good advice. I am looking for a lighter color sand like substrate that can be used for discus. I dont want the nature sand that can be bought at the petstore because that stuff is way too fine and gets disturbed super easy. I want something more coarse but at the same type a cory cat or a small eel or loach can easily burry themselves and not cause the substrate to fly around the tank. I have blasting sand in my other tanks and love it. But i want something lighter for my 150gal. I am planning on placing organic soil as a bottom layer so i can place plants later down the line. But i want a good top layer to hold it down. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Also is there a discus thread anyone knows about? I want to read up on what people are doing with them and to read Up on possible tank mates for them for my 150g.

 

[rlederer]

I can tell you a little about discus. They are pretty mellow and I've had them in with tetras and angels with no problem. They do like warmer water, though, 82+F, and I find that they do much better in a tank by themselves.

 

[Kaneu]

So if i do discus in a 150gal. You would recommend to only do discus fish?

 

[rlederer]

That is what I would do but some people out cardinal tetras with them, making a nice combo.

 

[King Fisher]

You could use a number of schooling fish. Cory cats are good as well. Snails, otocinclus, smaller plecos.

People have had success adding German Blue Rams. Especially in a larger tank such as yours.

Some even mix angelfish with them as they live together in the wild......although there's mixed feelings on this due to aggression from angels during spawning.

 

[Kaneu]

You could use a number of schooling fish. Cory cats are good as well. Snails, otocinclus, smaller plecos.

People have had success adding German Blue Rams. Especially in a larger tank such as yours.

Some even mix angelfish with them as they live together in the wild......although there's mixed feelings on this due to aggression from angels during spawning.

I really wanted to add some angles however I am still on the fence because the controversy on the subject. One thing i am baffled is the ability to add cardinals or neon tetras. Wont the discus eat them? I would think they would because they around about snack size for them. Also, what about maybe some denson barbs? Or would they outswim the discus to death? I have seen videos with them in the same tank, however the tank was huge. 220gallons i believe.

 

[King Fisher]

Cardinals seem to be preferred over neons. I don't think they are a problem.

I'm not sure Dennison's are temperature compatible with discus