Hey Guys wanting some advice on my soon to be new discus set up! i have a 80 gallon tank with 4000lph external filters + uv sterilization it will be heavily planted with 25 discus tank plants and carpet plants, im using a substrate which will bring the water ph to 6.5 plus RO water I have a large amount of drift wood and c02 system for the plants. I'm going to buy 7 discus as i know the general rule is 10g per discus i also want a golden nugget plec but not sure what other fish i can have? i want a few tetras but i need something thats about 3cm and eye catching?! I like bright colors! any ideas? any tips on discus care will be appreciated too! im intending to do Two 25% water changes weekly.....T I A
As an avid Discus keeper, I'll point out a few simple things and then we can go from there. First off, I wouldn't plan on any set schedule for WC's. The age and size of the Discus you decide to purchase will dictate that for you. Juvies need multiple daily Feedings and WC's to enable them to grow out. Young adults not so many and adults even less. IMO, 25% twice a week will not work out well for them.
Next, I wouldn't get your heart set on trying to make the ideal pH level for them. They will not only survive, but thrive in any pH. It's much easier to be consistent with a ____ph value than trying to create the "perfect" value. You will drive yourself crazy. Trust me on that one !!!
Discus. Do a ton of research on different breeders/sellers. And then do some more. There are a few bad ones. Buy from a well trusted source. Not a chain store or LFS. There's one that advertises on the web that I would recommend to stay VERY FAR AWAY FROM, pm me for details about that one. Don't mix different types (Stendker, Asian, etc) as that is a bad idea for various reasons.
Probably, THE MOST IMPORTANT piece of advice I can offer is QT. I can't stress that enough !!!!! QT, QT, QT !!!!! It is imperative with Discus. It will be the difference between two possible threads you will post. One being "My Gorgeous Discus Tank" and the other being "What Are These Red Worms".
Tank mates. Cardinal, Black Phantom, Buenos Aires, or Pristella tetras are nice. They'll also accept the higher temp ranges better. I'd suggest to stay far away from neons. NO SUCKER FISH !! In time they will wind up attaching to them and pulling the slime coat off. Sterbai Cory are a nice addition. And can handle the heat better. Live Aquaria is a good source to search for companions.
IMO as far as the UV, I would say not it's needed as it's purpose is to manage various water born micro organisms and water clarity. If you practice excellent husbandry skills, there's no need for one. And that goes for carbon as well.
Anything else, just ask away !!!