I would love to input but frankly I'm a student in this thread, I'm legit taking notes for my own project lol. I'm considering this "Discus breeding tank setup 101".
I've got a 6 foot/125 gallon for my discus to grow up in and then a couple of 55s that I can move any pairs into. I'm gonna try to model those 55's after what you're doing here. Especially since your build is specifically for breeding, and I know you know your stuff.
So do you think live plants and substrate are best, rather than bare bottom or just substrate? In my 125 growout I've got gravel (which I hate but I'm stuck with; might cover it with sand), two small pieces of driftwood, and a big PVC pipe. With such a tight budget and a scientific focus I can only add things that will significantly improve the fish's condition and thus better results. Do you think it'd make a worthwhile difference?