CyprusSteve
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- Jun 5, 2005
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I am fairly new to fishkeeping, but have been trying hard to learn over the past few months with my main community tank in my lounge - 250 litres.
I now want to set up my smaller tank - 100 litres - in my bedroom, with Discus Fish ONLY. This one has an oversize external filter.
As I live in Cyprus, ambient temperature is not a problem - it is difficult to keep it to below 30 degrees in the summer - and my Ph level in the tank is around 6.5 to 7. From the tap it is around 7.5, but, I think I am correct in saying that the planting in the tank tends to lower it - is that correct ?
Would I get away with adding just two Discus initially to see how they fared, or, would I be advised to go for four from the start - I want to keep the tank naturally planted, with aged wood and maybe a few rocks - I have read much advice on Discus, much of it conflicting - from using NO gravel base and no plants , to, using heavily planted and sheltered areas.
I realise regular water changes are essential for Discus, but, again, the advice ranges from a 25 % daily water change, to a 20 % weekly change .
The tank has already fully cycled - ammonia and nitrite readings zero - nitrate about 5.
I will be moving the existing fish when I start with the Discus.
I would welcome all thoughts, and, in particular, ant definitive links which I can refer to relating to Discus care and setting up the aquarium - I have the opportunity to get it right now before I start.
Many thanks,
Steve
I now want to set up my smaller tank - 100 litres - in my bedroom, with Discus Fish ONLY. This one has an oversize external filter.
As I live in Cyprus, ambient temperature is not a problem - it is difficult to keep it to below 30 degrees in the summer - and my Ph level in the tank is around 6.5 to 7. From the tap it is around 7.5, but, I think I am correct in saying that the planting in the tank tends to lower it - is that correct ?
Would I get away with adding just two Discus initially to see how they fared, or, would I be advised to go for four from the start - I want to keep the tank naturally planted, with aged wood and maybe a few rocks - I have read much advice on Discus, much of it conflicting - from using NO gravel base and no plants , to, using heavily planted and sheltered areas.
I realise regular water changes are essential for Discus, but, again, the advice ranges from a 25 % daily water change, to a 20 % weekly change .
The tank has already fully cycled - ammonia and nitrite readings zero - nitrate about 5.
I will be moving the existing fish when I start with the Discus.
I would welcome all thoughts, and, in particular, ant definitive links which I can refer to relating to Discus care and setting up the aquarium - I have the opportunity to get it right now before I start.
Many thanks,
Steve
