jaywings19
Fish Crazy
Hi Everyone. I've been a member for a few years, but haven't posted in quite some time.
I currently have a mature 72G (US) 48Lx18Wx22H bowfront tank set up... approximately 3 years old. It's running an Eheim Pro II 2026 canister filter, substrate is fine black gravel, and is home to 3 adult Discus. The water temperature is around 82F, is naturally 6.6pH and quite soft... no adjustments made to pH or hardness.
Last year, I was given an upgraded fluorescent lighting fixture... 4x 65 Watt (260 Watt total) - 6700K - has 2 on/off switches (each controlls 2 bulbs). I have not set that up yet since it would provide more light than needed since I do not have any live plants in the tank yet.
I am now considering the switch to REAL plants. However, I have read numerous topics/articles on the subject here... but I am still totally confused which direction to go (if at all).
Since my tank is already mature with sensitive inhabitants:
1. Should I make the switch to real plants while the Discus are in there?
2. What kind of lighting time/usage would you suggest?
3. What plant species would you suggest?
4. My highend LFS suggested a CO2 system like THIS ONE that doesn't require tanks... just a replacement cartridge.
NOTE: I am not a DIY kind of guy... so out of the box suits me just fine... even if it costs more.
I would ultimately like to have a slightly lower temperature tank with a wide variety of fish (cories, tetras, possibly angels if I replace the Discus). I really love my Discus, but their water and temperature requirements seem to limit my tankmate and plant options.
Does anyone have Plant / Discus experiences to share?
I guess ignorance and indecisiveness are a lethal combination... hence why I am throwing this out to the knowledgable masses here on TFF. Thanks in advance for all of your suggestions and assistance.
Sincerely,
A confused hobbyist
(Jason)
I currently have a mature 72G (US) 48Lx18Wx22H bowfront tank set up... approximately 3 years old. It's running an Eheim Pro II 2026 canister filter, substrate is fine black gravel, and is home to 3 adult Discus. The water temperature is around 82F, is naturally 6.6pH and quite soft... no adjustments made to pH or hardness.
Last year, I was given an upgraded fluorescent lighting fixture... 4x 65 Watt (260 Watt total) - 6700K - has 2 on/off switches (each controlls 2 bulbs). I have not set that up yet since it would provide more light than needed since I do not have any live plants in the tank yet.
I am now considering the switch to REAL plants. However, I have read numerous topics/articles on the subject here... but I am still totally confused which direction to go (if at all).
Since my tank is already mature with sensitive inhabitants:
1. Should I make the switch to real plants while the Discus are in there?
2. What kind of lighting time/usage would you suggest?
3. What plant species would you suggest?
4. My highend LFS suggested a CO2 system like THIS ONE that doesn't require tanks... just a replacement cartridge.
NOTE: I am not a DIY kind of guy... so out of the box suits me just fine... even if it costs more.
I would ultimately like to have a slightly lower temperature tank with a wide variety of fish (cories, tetras, possibly angels if I replace the Discus). I really love my Discus, but their water and temperature requirements seem to limit my tankmate and plant options.
Does anyone have Plant / Discus experiences to share?I guess ignorance and indecisiveness are a lethal combination... hence why I am throwing this out to the knowledgable masses here on TFF. Thanks in advance for all of your suggestions and assistance.
Sincerely,
A confused hobbyist
(Jason)
