I Converted... To Barebottom!

[KageBunshin]

So one of my new years resolution was to go barebottom... Then I got anxious and did it as soon as possible. Let me tell you... It is a big difference and makes my frequent water changes MUCH easier!!! The discus are loving it. I am planning to buy hornwort from petco to let it float around to give the fish more shade because now the light reflects off the bottom. Unfortunately my white discus has died due to internal parasites... I did all that I could. I have two new discus though. An Ocean green and a blue diamond. Anyways, enought talking and here are the pictures.

Before:

After:

Thanks for looking! If you want to see more before pictures... look in my info!

 

[Tolak]

Nice! I love bare bottom tanks, you can see exactly what you are dealing with in regards to maintainance. Cleaning the bottom is so much easier.

 

[KageBunshin]

Nice! I love bare bottom tanks, you can see exactly what you are dealing with in regards to maintainance. Cleaning the bottom is so much easier.

I actually went to another discus forum (simplydiscus.com) where they convinced me to go barebottom. I can now suck up all the crud that the fish make in half the time and half the hassle. When I took out the gravel, The was so much crap left even after a gravel vac... Discus need constant clean water and this is a nessecity to keep happy discus. Although it looks more unnatural, the result is happier fish!

 

[Tolak]

The nice thing about bare bottom tanks is that you can use a larger hose to clean the bottom. A hose that size would suck the gravel out. You can use a paper towel on the bottom to get it spotless.

 

[jmuccillo]

You've done a good job there.

I have a similar set up and agree it is so much easier to keep clean and spotless. It's also easier for the discuss to find their food. It's the way to go with discus I think.

 

[KageBunshin]

I have 2 cories and 3 clown loaches.. Do you think they will be ok in a bare bottom?

Also I will post up pictures when I get the floating hornwort!

 

[tetraqueen]

Hi These are really lovely. Sad about the white are they rare? never seen one before. so cute . Did I see neons or are they cardinals ..... sos I'm so ignorant
Another question is do Discus bite?

 

[KageBunshin]

they are Neons... cardinals have a loger red line. The white discus are not rare but uncommon around these parts... Also they usually are around 3-4 inches. If I come across a large white one, I would take it like theses no tomorrow! LOL

Discus are very peaceful compared to other ciclids... Although they will have to establish a pecking order among there group. They do not bother the neons. The neons actually make the discus braver and explore the tank more because the neons provide a sense of security.

 

[tetraqueen]

So they are not like Angels who would eat them as natural pray.

They are lovely are they very difficult for a beginner?

 

[KageBunshin]

So they are not like Angels who would eat them as natural pray.

They are lovely are they very difficult for a beginner?

Depends on your discuses... Some might eat them, some might not. You might want to go with the larger cardindal

How much free time do you have? Also... How much money are you willing to spend.
They are moderate to advanced... Just do TONS of research and dont cut corners. You can ask more questions in the "New World Cichilds" forum, I'm sure you will get a lot of information from there like I did.

 

[tetraqueen]

So they are not like Angels who would eat them as natural pray.

They are lovely are they very difficult for a beginner?

Depends on your discuses... Some might eat them, some might not. You might want to go with the larger cardindal

How much free time do you have? Also...
They are moderate to advanced... Just do TONS of research and dont cut corners. You can ask more questions in the "New World Cichilds" forum, I'm sure you will get a lot of information from there like I did.

(How much free time do you have?)
I have quite a lot at the moment, however that could change. So they must need alot of time ?
(How much money are you willing to spend.)
They are expensive around £50 each but you do not have to buy all at once and well I do not smoke or live recklessily or wear high fashion clothes . I have had a lot of enjoyment watching my fish.

I am unhappy with the ones I have and dread parting with them and need to make big decisions whether I cry now or later and would some discus make it easier. I have several fish that grow large and need to move on .

Thanks I will do research I have plenty of time. I do love my neons and have had them the longest. So far I am lucky not too many fish have died. I have given more away.

 

[funkybodal]

I wouldn't have considered going barebottom but I have to say it looks really good Fish look as great as ever but it's terrible that the little white one died! it was so cool

 

[willtang3000]

you can pickup discus for as little as £10
http/www.devotedly-discus.co.uk/discus_forsale.htm
check this website lots of discus keeper wish they would of found it first they have some juvenile brilliant turquoise 5cm for £5.60

 

[Durbkat]

Oh no the famous white discus died. You should have looked around for another white one IMO.

 

[Lynz781]

Looks lovely, great job!