Updated pics of Discus tank

[fatfutures]

Keep in mind that this tank isn't really "done". I need to do a better job securing the plants and I plan on adding another piece o wood.

Just for you Andrew... LOL

a couple different angles

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2113/1700230703_890167cbe2.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2099/1700233031_0fdcfc392b.jpg

Now the fishies!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/1701081192_1ee2f9f77c.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/1701092326_6a0083a3dc.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2046/1700244055_5032aacc36.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2294/1700251119_67bac3c8af.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/1701090012_f3c5bd8fc4.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2148/1700246791_3628562546.jpg

I think they are going to be FABULOUS when they color up

[AndrewH]

Now I'm difinitely in trouble!!!

It looks amazing! Very impressive! Thank you for sharing.

The more I look at it the more I find.

The black slate with white sand and black background and green mixed in, just looks... hmmm professional!!! Truely a display to be proud of!

[tsunderl]

Well done! :)

[kewlkatdady]

I didn't know that I liked the black slate...until I saw your tank.

Very nice!:werd::werd:

[rolloffhill]

Looks good, I need to get motivated on my tank. Thanks!

[lellison]

wow, that is amazing! The contrast in that tank is wonderful and it really looks great!

[bra8ndy8]

Not done???? WOW are we ever done??? But yours looks GREAT!!! WTG!!!

[ElijahTurtle]

Swiggity Sweeeet! :werd:

[EAST_TX_RN]

Wow Michelle! I love that black/white thing you have going on in your tank! Very professional-looking tank! Pretty discus and plants too!

[AndrewH]

What is that wonderful plant in the middle with the red tips?

[fatfutures]

Wow, thanks everyone!

Andrew, at the moment (no coffee yet, it's brewing) I can't remember the name of that plant. It's a silk number that I got at Petsmart. I've got a smaller one as well that I want to use.

It's kinda funny but, the inspiration for the tank is my back yard. When we built a new fence, I agonized over the stain color. The house is red brick with a few bricks "washed" in black and somein a cream color. I ended up going with a charcoal color stain. Not quite black but a lot darker than gray. The bonus was that it really makes all the plants POP and the color is very calm and soothing to the eye. Particularly during those uber hot summer months.

Oh yeah, and the black flagstone? I've got a dry stack wall made of it in the backyard. It's SUPPOSED to be the new front walk for my home.... we've only had the rock for over 2 years now :rolleyes: But, I'm a dreamer and remain hopeful....

Thanks again for all the wonderful compliments. Really means a lot... I'm so new to all this stuff and I'm really just winging it! Brandy you are SO right... I don't think they are ever really done!

[bgbdwlf2500]

tank looks good...

since you are very new to discus and i am new just wanted to let you know what traits you are looking for...

Those discus have been stunted and you can tell because they arent very round, and their eyes are bigger than they should be...eyes are kind of like hands on a horse except you want small....obviously since you bought them that size its not your fault, they just werent fed enough as they grew...

their colors should look very good though....

im not criticizing your fish but im sure you wont stop there so i was just trying to let you know what characteristics youre looking for when buying discus, ive got some runts myself but i still love em...

[fatfutures]

Yeah, I hadn't seen your post (elsewhere) on this until after I'd bought these guys. And, until now... I really had no point of comparison. I knew I was taking a bit of a chance when I bought them... the store and it's fish had some "issues'. But, these guys looked healthy. Another thing that helped me decide to buy them is that they were raised in local, ph adjusted tap water. Not RO water. I thought I might have a better survival rate this way.

Not sure what to do about adding more. Or, should I say... not sure where to BUY more.

[fatfutures]

Looks good, I need to get motivated on my tank. Thanks!


Yeah! Get busy, Skipp! We expect to be seeing some progress pictures soon!

[AndrewH]

Oh yeah, and the black flagstone?

It appears to be black slate. Very inert and aquarium friendly stone!

What size tank is this again? I think you said somewhere else on the forums, but I can't remember.

[Goathead]

Very nice...Thats as nice a freshwater tank as i have ever seen!!!!

[bgbdwlf2500]

Yeah, I hadn't seen your post (elsewhere) on this until after I'd bought these guys. And, until now... I really had no point of comparison. I knew I was taking a bit of a chance when I bought them... the store and it's fish had some "issues'. But, these guys looked healthy. Another thing that helped me decide to buy them is that they were raised in local, ph adjusted tap water. Not RO water. I thought I might have a better survival rate this way.

Not sure what to do about adding more. Or, should I say... not sure where to BUY more.


healthwise you shouldnt have any problems but will they grow much bigger? probably not....you will still get much enjoyment out of them... i just wanted to post what i did so you didnt pay more for fish than you should....

[AndrewH]

bgbdwlf2500,

That (all your posts in this thread) is some good info to know for us beginners. Thanks for sharing!

[bgbdwlf2500]

bgbdwlf2500,

That (all your posts in this thread) is some good info to know for us beginners. Thanks for sharing!


im still a beginner myself but i do know what to look for...thats what i meant for my posts, just to help so you dont overpay for less than good quality fish....

Biggest basic things to look for just one more time:
Red Eyes
Small eyes
very round shape, not pointy at the mouth

no matter what size they are they should be round and if they are round chances are the eyes will be good too...

these are just the basics, it can go on:)

my 2 big blue diamonds are the roundest ones ive got but the eyes arent bright red and are a little big but not bad fish all in all

[fatfutures]

Andrew... I see where you asked about the size. It's a 55. I'd like to upgrade both my 55's to 75. Then again, I'd like a LOT of things!

[bgbdwlf2500]

Andrew... I see where you asked about the size. It's a 55. I'd like to upgrade both my 55's to 75. Then again, I'd like a LOT of things!

id like my 55's to be 125's at least...lol

[blueskybetta]

Wow! I love the way it's turned out! Now if only we could take that and transplant it into my living room :clap::cheers:

[blueskybetta]

I love that fish in your avatar! It's a discus too right? He's strikingly beautiful.

[bgbdwlf2500]

I love that fish in your avatar! It's a discus too right? He's strikingly beautiful.


yes it is a discus. thanks for the compliment

[blueskybetta]

:)

[AndrewH]

Andrew... I see where you asked about the size. It's a 55. I'd like to upgrade both my 55's to 75. Then again, I'd like a LOT of things!

id like my 55's to be 125's at least...lol


If you're going to go 75, you might as well go 90 (or the 6 foot version which is a 150 long). It's the same foot print as a 75 just taller :D. Eventually, I want to go Discus in my 90.

[fatfutures]

ARGH!

Thanks Andrew!

LOL! But, you are so right...as long as I stay in the same footprint I'm ok. Ijust dont' have room for longer tanks. A lil deeper and taller is cool!

[AndrewH]

Well the difference in my 55 and 90 is like 6 inches from front to back (foot print wise, of course it's a lot taller ;)).

55 = 48"L x 12"W x 18"H (approx)
90 = 48"L x 18"W x 25"H (approx)
150L (L = long) = 72"L x 18"W x 25"H (approx)

[fatfutures]

Yeah, the added depth and height are no problem at all. 48"L is them ax I can go in length.

Has anyone here bought a tank for the local guy that builds them (his info was posted here and in the "other place")? I'm very curious how his larger tanks work. There's no trim and no bracing... trim I can live with out. But, at this size I would think bracing is pretty much necessary?

[AndrewH]

Yeah, my 90 doesn't have a brace, but it's 3/4" glass (it does have top and bottom trim).

Spanning 48" with 90 gallons of water pressure against the unbraced top with anything less than 3/4" glass wouldn't work I don't think, but I could be wrong.

[fatfutures]

Well now, that's one thing I don't know... the thickness of the glass he uses. I suppose that's why I'm asking here BEFORE I call.... cause I don't even know what I should be asking.

[Kathy]

Michelle,

That tank is absolutely beautiful!

I do have one concern and would like to offer a suggestion. There are lots of cracks and voids in the slate that food and debris can get trapped in. A lot depends on what you are feeding the Discus but the water quality can go downhill fast if you have food rotting in those voids. The sand bottom should be fairly easy to siphon, but I would concentrate on getting all around those rocks the best that you can. I certainally wouldn't feed them something like beefheart under those conditions. Clown loaches make a good clean up crew and do well in the higher Discus temperatures. They are a bit active at night where Discus aren't, but once they all adjust it's ususally not a problem.

Discus are pretty hearty fish if they are kept in good clean and consistant water conditions, but if any of that is compromised it will eventually take it's toll and they can go downhill very quickly. Thats why most of us "Discus Fanatics" keep them in barebottom tanks...especially while we are growing them out because of the frequent feedings that they need to thrive.

Send me a PM when you get ready to add more discus. ;)

Best of luck,
Kathy

[fatfutures]

Kathy, I've already sent you a pm! Thanks!

I did want to say here that, I did allow for thorough cleaning behind and between the rocks when I set them up. HOWEVER... I will look at them again, with a fresh eye when I clean tomorrow.

[fatfutures]

So, when I did my last cleaning and wc, I moved the rocks a little further off the back glass. Made it easier to get the siphon hose back there. But, my best improvement was changing the direction of my spray bar! The spray bar is set somewhat in the middle of the tank and I had it spraying toward the front. I've left it in the same place but changed the direction of the spray. Now it shoots behind all the rocks and sweeps most of the ummmmm...poo out from the back. It's not as pretty in the front, all that poo piled on the white sand. But, it will be much easier to clean. Cleaner tank = healthier, happier fishies!

Thanks again, Kathy! HAve you posted any pics of your babies????

[Kathy]

Sounds like you have a pretty good plan of action there.

No, I haven't had time to get updated pictures but I will try to do so soon.

[Kathy]

Actually, I was just looking through one of my camera cards and found these pictures that I took back in Sept. They've grown some since then but you can get the general idea. Here's one taken with flash and one (not so good) one without flash to see their coloring. Please excuse the water spots!

[Kathy]

Here's one without the flash...

[fatfutures]

They are so pretty! What size tank is that?

I just love these fish... Still haven't added any more to my tank. Hopefully soon!

[Kathy]

Thanks! That is a 75 gal.

[AndrewH]

Wow, Kathy... very nice looking fish you have there.

What are you plans for them?

[fishyjoe24]

they look very nice.

[Kathy]

Wow, Kathy... very nice looking fish you have there.

What are you plans for them?

Thanks Andrew,

Ohhhhh I dunno...spending several more hundreds of dollars feeding them and watching them grow, then turn around and sell them to someone for $40. :spend:

There's a few that I'm planning on keeping then probably sell the rest.

[fatfutures]

Yeah, I'm probably gonna have to come take a look and take one or two off your hands.

[AndrewH]

Thanks Andrew,

Ohhhhh I dunno...spending several more hundreds of dollars feeding them and watching them grow, then turn around and sell them to someone for $40. :spend:

There's a few that I'm planning on keeping then probably sell the rest.

Definitely sounds like a "get AndrewH into trouble" plan to me :D

[bgbdwlf2500]

Thanks Andrew,

Ohhhhh I dunno...spending several more hundreds of dollars feeding them and watching them grow, then turn around and sell them to someone for $40. :spend:

There's a few that I'm planning on keeping then probably sell the rest.


you can get more:) ive sold 5 out of 8 of mine for $450.00

[fatfutures]

SHUSH !!!

[bgbdwlf2500]

SHUSH !!!

i didnt mean each that was total for 5 of them :)

[Kathy]

I meant my post as a bit of sarcastic humor, but actually, I would sell them for that price to the right person. This is a hobby for me and it's not all about the money.

But then again... I have these guys. I had 11 of them, just sold 4 of them for $400 a few weeks ago. Guy drove 10 hours to come pick them up. Difference is, these are 2.5 yrs old, some of the cleanest Red Melons that I've ever seen, and ready to breed.

P.S. Don't be distracted by the LFBN that has shoved himself down inside a sponge filter.

[Kathy]

While we are bragging...About 6 months ago a guy drove from Atlanta to buy these 8 beauties for just under $900. He turned around and sold them to some folks in Canada and everyone made a nice profit.

[Kathy]

Here's what the ones that I just posted looked like when I bought them at 3" for $40 each.

[bra8ndy8]

WOW those are all so beautiful!!! JEALOUS!!!

[bgbdwlf2500]

I meant my post as a bit of sarcastic humor, but actually, I would sell them for that price to the right person. This is a hobby for me and it's not all about the money.

But then again... I have these guys. I had 11 of them, just sold 4 of them for $400 a few weeks ago. Guy drove 10 hours to come pick them up. Difference is, these are 2.5 yrs old, some of the cleanest Red Melons that I've ever seen, and ready to breed.

P.S. Don't be distracted by the LFBN that has shoved himself down inside a sponge filter.

very very nice fish, and to anybody looking for discus the red ones are the easiest to see....that round shape is what youre looking for!

[Catherine]

Agreed. Kathy has gorgeous discus and I have always admired her Blue Knights and (oh boy, here we go....) Melons.
Kathy, do you have any of those melons breeding yet? I would love to buy some, large or small.
Catherine

[Kathy]

Thanks all,

I haven't really tried to breed them but after I sold those 4 Melons it seems like they all got nervous and I had 2 pair off. I'm so burned out on raising fish so I still haven't gotten to excited about setting up a breeding tank for them, but I probably should.

Now one of my long finned SS and a turq from the first SS spawn have paired up and have been guarding eggs in the community tank for 4 days now. This is about their 6th spawn and they have convinced me that they are serious about this, so I'll be setting them up with some R/O soon. They both attacked the siphon hose when I did a water change last night...that made me proud. :D

You know bgbdwlf2500, it depends on what you are looking for. There are those that love the high body that the Reflection Deep's had (the blue fish) then there are those that love the roundness and color intensity of the Red Melons. Those Red Melons came from a dear friend of mine and are some awesome stock. They tend to carry a weak chin but that's very common with that strain of fish. They more than make up for it in other areas.

[Kathy]

Here's a couple more pictures of the RD's. These fish were SWEET! Especially considering they weren't even a year old when I took this picture.

[Kathy]

And they started out like this...

[bgbdwlf2500]

Thanks all,

I haven't really tried to breed them but after I sold those 4 Melons it seems like they all got nervous and I had 2 pair off. I'm so burned out on raising fish so I still haven't gotten to excited about setting up a breeding tank for them, but I probably should.

Now one of my long finned SS and a turq from the first SS spawn have paired up and have been guarding eggs in the community tank for 4 days now. This is about their 6th spawn and they have convinced me that they are serious about this, so I'll be setting them up with some R/O soon. They both attacked the siphon hose when I did a water change last night...that made me proud. :D

You know bgbdwlf2500, it depends on what you are looking for. There are those that love the high body that the Reflection Deep's had (the blue fish) then there are those that love the roundness and color intensity of the Red Melons. Those Red Melons came from a dear friend of mine and are some awesome stock. They tend to carry a weak chin but that's very common with that strain of fish. They more than make up for it in other areas.

the main characteristic youre looking for in a discus is round, not pointy. i had a few bullet heads and as much as you love them, they arent what youre looking for. a pointy discus has been stunted and will never grow correctly, thats all im saying:)

your fish are very round

[EAST_TX_RN]

Wow! Those fish are beautiful!