Starting A Discus Tank, How?

[RayBriJordie]

Hello, I am planning on converting my 55 gallon fw tank from an agressive cichlid Tank to a peaceful Discus tank. So far I have sold most of my cichlids, except for 2 more which is my blood parrot & a Blue lobster, no one has bought them yet so there still in the tank. My question would be can I put in my discus right away once I sell the 2 other fish, since it's already cycled from the previous fish that was in there? Or should i buy more fish that are ideal tank mates for discus, such as mollies & tetras first & have them continue to cycle it and put the discus after? What type of gravel is good for discus? How about plastic plants & decorations, will that be ok. to have in the tank? or should I remove them? What type of PH buffer would you also recommend. Any advice is appreciated, Thanks in advance

 

[danb]

Hello, I am planning on converting my 55 gallon fw tank from an agressive cichlid Tank to a peaceful Discus tank. So far I have sold most of my cichlids, except for 2 more which is my blood parrot & a Blue lobster, no one has bought them yet so there still in the tank. My question would be can I put in my discus right away once I sell the 2 other fish, since it's already cycled from the previous fish that was in there? Or should i buy more fish that are ideal tank mates for discus, such as mollies & tetras first & have them continue to cycle it and put the discus after? What type of gravel is good for discus? How about plastic plants & decorations, will that be ok. to have in the tank? or should I remove them? What type of PH buffer would you also recommend. Any advice is appreciated, Thanks in advance

Discus like sand, as when the food settles they go over the sand blowing the food up. You'd need to check with the breader what the perameters of the water are that they are bred in. Whether its tap water or RO water, ph of the water etc.

Depending on whether the discus are young or not would depend on the plants and substrate from what ive read. Under 6months old should just be bare bottom tank with nothing in.