New 75 Gallon Discus

[abakatone]

Hi all.

So I've had a 75 gal tank waiting for 3 months and I'm finally ready to start.

I know I want discus. I figured around 5 or 6. Then I was thinking maybe 4 kuhli loaches. And some sort of tetra around 6 or so.

A few questions.

Compatible species? I've read yea but thought I'd ask.

Habitat setup? I definitely want a nice size piece of driftwood. Two small pots (for the loaches, heard they like them). Two or three moss balls. Remainder fake plants. Not sure what to use for a substrate.

Am I overcrowding? I wanted 12 tetras but thought it to be too many.

Filter? I was thinking Fluval 405.

That seems to be enough for now. See where the discussion goes.

Thank you in advance.

 

[librarygirl]

Looks good I think. Not all tetra are compatible with Discus as some may be too small or require cooler temps. I think Cardinals are said to do well with Discus. So you could do:

6 Discus
5-6 Kuhlis
10 Cardinals

When you said "waiting" for 3 months....how are you cycling the tank? Are you adding an ammonia source? Just letting it run without ammonia isn't cycling it I'm afraid.

 

[abakatone]

Going to cycle with the tetras. Waiting 3 months because my basement was under construction.

Any ideas on substrate?

 

[librarygirl]

If you're going to have loaches then sand might be better than gravel. Any sand should do; chain pet/fish stores sell aquarium sand but it can be a bit pricey. Pool Filter Sand is often used and it is cheaper.