Hi
Ive hinted enough now and my dear husband has finally got the message that I want a big tank for xmas ;) I plan to keep discus but I really need advice about how I go about cycling the tank before I put the fish in. What sort of filter is best for discus? What exactly should my ph levels be and what temperature? How long before the cycling is complete? I plan to have a school of about 6 discus and have seem some for sale that are around
8cm is this a good size? And what ratio of male to female should I get? Ive read so many conflicting advice on different web sites im confused so I
thought I would ask an expert on this forum Sorry about all the questions many thanks

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thanks
Karen
200 liter tank, jbl canister filter, hydor external inline heater containing:
3 dalmation sailfin mollies
2 saffron balloon mollies
3 sunset platies
10 neon tetras
4 male guppies
3 panda corys
2 spotted corys
2 leopard plecos (rehoming soon)
2 mosaic gouramis
3 dwarf gourami
5 pink tetra
5 glass catfish

40 liter with 7 molly fry and a bumblebee shrimp
:fish

Everything I've read is that Discus should ONLY go in well established tanks.. That having been said.. I purchased a dozen fry about 8 weeks old and immediately put them in a grow out (29G)tank I'd set up a couple of days prior. I did have access to well seeded sponge filters... I kept them in a bare bottom tank for like 10 weeks to grow them out.. After 6 weeks, I did sell off 1/2 of the stock to recoup most of my investment.
I guess just keep in mind.. the more aged the tank, the better they will feel... Allocate about 10G per fish.. Ideally 6 fish as they like to hang out with others.. Don't put them in with aggressive feeders as they are generally gentle feeders and in fact like to graze off the substrate.. Keep the water somewhat soft and ph Below 7.0... Driftwood helps with the last two. Lower level lighting is what I've read but mine don't get that.. A taller tank is preferred over a long tank.. umm.. Keep your water quality up there via water changes.. um.. Provide plenty of hiding space via plants and driftwood but do leave swimming areas open. Random and all off the top of my head.. Bill in Va.

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12 Tanks, 900 gallons. Discus/Angels/Malawi/Lake Victorias. Just added a 135 & 2 - 29's..

Oh.. where are you going to acquire your discus?.. I've a few recommendations if ya PM me.. I don't like promoting specific locations/sources in public.. Bill in Va.

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12 Tanks, 900 gallons. Discus/Angels/Malawi/Lake Victorias. Just added a 135 & 2 - 29's..

thanks Bill for your advice. I dont plan on rushing things when setting up the tank...its going to take a while to save up for the discus anyway. I live in Sweden so unfortunately cant take your offer of help where to buy my discus.
The ones ive seen for sale are from a private seller who has advertised online. Im just wondering if its possible to tell the sex if they are only 8cm. Im not really keen on breeding because there isnt a huge outlet for them here and I dont have the space for any more tanks. Is it possible to just get females or is this cruel as I know that discus pair for life. Is there any other way to stop them breeding? Sorry about more questions
thanks

__________________
thanks
Karen
200 liter tank, jbl canister filter, hydor external inline heater containing:
3 dalmation sailfin mollies
2 saffron balloon mollies
3 sunset platies
10 neon tetras
4 male guppies
3 panda corys
2 spotted corys
2 leopard plecos (rehoming soon)
2 mosaic gouramis
3 dwarf gourami
5 pink tetra
5 glass catfish

40 liter with 7 molly fry and a bumblebee shrimp
:fish

I'm a softie as far as my charges so I'd not suggest one gender only.. if at all possible picking them at a young age.. Too many off-spring?... I'll pay all the shipping required for any excess fry once they reach "dime-size"... 17-18 mm. 6-8 weeks). Good luck with your pursuit. In my humble opinion, they are the ultimate royalty in fresh water fish... and their prices reflect that sentiment. Bill in Va.

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12 Tanks, 900 gallons. Discus/Angels/Malawi/Lake Victorias. Just added a 135 & 2 - 29's..