First Discus tank, a few questions

[herp_mommy]

I'm in the planning/research stages since this is my first discus tank and I had a few questions...

1) What substrate would be best if I'm going to plant the tank? Eco-complete or just simple/cheap sand and root tabs?
2) What type of lighting would be a good balance between discus and plants? Where the discus would be happy yet the plants had enough light to grow?
3) I read somewhere (can't remember where of course) that a UV sterilizer is a good idea for a Discus tank. What's everyone's opinion/experience with this? I've never used them before but I was looking into a "Reaction 4-Stage Canister Filters w/ UV" filter for the tank.
Any advice would be helpful!

 

[Fishguy2727]

Substrate depends on what level of plants you are aiming for. CO2 tank, HO lights, lots of ferts, etc. would need a better substrate than moderate light, maybe a liquid carbon source, and basic ferts. You need to get a balance, not just lots of.

You will probably need a HO T5 fixture for plants, depending on the level of plants you want and the size of the tank. If you do this get a two bulb HO T5 fixture with individual curved reflectors. For bulbs I would do something like a 6500K and a 10,000K bulb.

Discus can be particularly susceptible to many pathogens so a good UV will help keep this in check. I would get one if you can afford it, it could save your stock.

 

[BigJim]

Discus do need really clean water to thrive. I'm not a fan of the UV filters. I'm not saying they don't work, but I think there a huge unnecessary expense.

 

[herp_mommy]

thanks for the input :]