What do you think of this set-up for a 150 gallon freshwater aquarium?

Question

My aquarium will revolve around Discus fish so keep that in mind if you want to help. I'm trying to keep fish that are showy since it will be in my dining area.

These are the fish I'm considering:
8-10 Discus (8 inches)
10 Corydoras
4-6 German blue rams (maybe because I have to shown caution with the other fish)
4-6 Praecox Rainbow
3-4 Blue Gouramis (maybe because I have to show caution with discus)
10-15 Neon Tetras

I've read that I should keep about 1 discus for every 10 gallons. Since I have 150 gallons to work with, I figure I can keep about 8-10 with still plenty of room.

For filters, I'll have either two penguin wheel 350's (filters up to 75 gallons which will be 150) or two emperor 400's (filters up to 80 gallons which will be 160).

For aeration, if I still need need something because I'll already have two power filters, I'll use bubble walls/wands.

For heating I'll use two 250 watt heaters. Any specific brands you recommend?

Extras will be put into details.

Not too sure on what plants would work well with my set-up, so what would you recommend? I want live plants in this aquarium.

For gravel, I'll use brown gravel to have a more natural look as suggested by MagicMan.

I'll by a master test kit to measure my water parameters because I know that's a must.

For weekly water changes, what would you recommend for a tank of this size? My kitchen sink is about 25-30 feet away if that helps on selection.

Any other advice would help greatly. Thank you.

Answer 1

I hope you have some money to spend because 8 Discus will cost about $300+. Don't get the Rainbow fish, they are very active, darty swimmers that will stress the Rams and Discus. Also, you may not want the Gouramis because they can be a bit territorial and may chase the Rams and Discus. Other than that, it sounds good. The Rams are very peaceful, but easily get stressed by hyper fish (like Danios or even Rainbows). If you keep the Rams, make sure you either keep them in pairs, or have more females... As far as plants go, I thought this was a great idea (http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/diy/40170-moss-rope-ladder.html). It will give the Discus things to hide behind, and make it look very natural. Any Moss, Crypts, Vals, and Dwarf Hairgrass is good too. That is going to be one spectacular tank! Good luck!

Nosoop4u

EDIT: To lower the pH for the Discus, don't use chemicals, they make the tank very unstable. Instead, use decorations like driftwood. The driftwood is a permanent solution that will make the pH more alkaline. Also, I would avoid Angelfish as they may end up chasing your Discus.

Answer 2

The only thing with the Discus, are they are very sensitve, how long have you been into the hobby or are you just how starting out? If you are just starting then I am strongly aginst that you get Discus. Wait a while, and by while I mean 10-15 years. Being an aquarist is not only a hobby but a science. Because you have to do PWCs (partial water change) and test your water with a Master test kit...(NirAtes,NirItes, Ammonia, and PH) and with Discuc, the slightest spike in any of the above mention test can make your fish extreamly sick or even die. I have been an Aquarist for about 7 years. I am know I'm no where close to being ready for Discus. They do much better in a Species tank anyways... Just them Although if you have somebody who can help you with the fish you have an ideal tank for the Discus. As for size goes with the Discus... The do get upto 8 inches BUT and this is a big but. They do so much better in groups of 6 or more. They are schooling fish, just as the Corydoras and Tetras, but because the Discus are so sensitve, have just a couple (2-3) would be detrimental to its health.

As for Aeration, I would personally get a couple power heads.
Filtration, those should be fine but I would spend the extra moneyand get good canister filter.

Now with the set up you have you have an ideal tank for a Malawian Cichlid tank! You could do something like this http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/aquainfo/hobbyist_gallery/hobbyist_cordero.html and have lots of fish. Good luck with the hobby and if you have anymore questions stop by http://board.fishchannel.com/ The people there are great. The best people to talk to are Hailey and Tubby. I am neither, I'm PinkAnthem there.

Answer 3

Sounds like a great plan for a big tank.

I would suggest to go for two canister filters which can turn over more gallons per hour than power filters, but that's just my opinion. You can do whatever you want to do with filters.

If you want to have live plants in your aquarium, then you can't have bubble wands because they will take away that CO2 that live plants need.

All brands of heaters would do the same basic thing, but I'd say that Rena and Marineland stand out to me.

Your live plant selection will be based on your choice of plants and if they are compatible or not. Always plant taller plants in the back and smaller plants in the front.

A Python is a type of gravel vacuum/water adder/water "taker-outter".
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441776792&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302023693&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1185664398041&itemNo=0&Ntt=python&In=All&previousText=python&N=2023693

Because of the discus, you'll need to have your pH to be 5.0-6.5, which you can use a pH lower to help that.

Add any more details/questions and I'll check back here to add some more stuff!

~ZTM

Answer 4

Fluorescent lighting is the best. It is very vivid and will accentuate your fish's features and colors. I would use live plants to help with the nitrogen cycle and produce oxygen. Definitly get some air pumps and a power filter. Power filters are the most effective filtration devices. Gravel is a must for beneficial bacteria which converts amonia to nitrates. It would be nice to have an easy way to change the water since you will have to do a 25% water change every week. Ask about good community fish. Community fish are fish that get along with many other types of fish. Examples would be gouramis, guppies, platies, mollies..... I would definitly get tropical fish. I would place the tank near a sink and away from heat sources. Oh, tropical fish will need a heater. Also get a thermometer to monitor the water temperature. Dont forget to dechlorinate, let the water cycle for 24 hours, float your fish bag, and pick out healthy fish.

Answer 5

the tradition set-up is kinda what your doing, but you have fishes that dont come from that bio-tope.

i would scratch the rainbows and blue gouramies.

they will really hind the S.A look.

Try replacing them with, congo tetras, they will add a lovely appeal to your tank, native to S.A

They have long fins and schooling.

Also consider algae eatters like dwarf otos which are native.

Also you cant go wrong with an angelfish.


Heres what i would end up with,

8 discus,
10 panda cories,
4 rams,
5 congo tetras,
2 altum(not common angelfish, altum are more for a wild tank look)
10 neons,
10 cardinals.
6 dwarf oto catifhs.

This tank is set-up to be a classic eye catcher, with plenty of amazon swords and chainswords. This is truely a show tank with one specific region in mind.

Traditional S.A

For filters, you can go wrong with one cansiter, fuval, rena, or ehiem pro 2 or 3, And the emperor 400.

Thats exactly how i define show S.A tank.

Dont forget plenty of swords, and java moss driftwood.