Converting a ciclid tank to discus

[jeff8428]

I have been raising and breeding discus for a few years now and all of my tanks are set up as barebottom tanks. I have a 155 gallon ciclid tank with a 55 gallon freshwater refugium with plants in it. It has about 2 inches of gravel and a few large rocks in it. I would like to switch this tank to a discus tank. I would like to clean the upper tank and leave the gravel and rock in it. Also, I would like to leave the 3 small cory cats in it just to keep all the extra food ate. They do a great job at cleaning up the tank. Does anyone keep discus with gravel in the tank? How about with the small cory cats. what about cycling, I would think it would be okay as long as I keep the refugium going and I can also refill the tank with "discus water" from another tank. This tank has been up and running for 4 years. I know I have to raise the temperature but what is everyones thought on this

[Hollowman]

If the filter system in mature, (test results Ammonia, NitrIte, NitrAte, Ph needed to confirm this) then I see no problem keeping adult discus. There is no need to save the 'discus water' as it holds no benefit, it is the filter that needs to be working properly.

[jeff8428]

should I take out some of the gravel? It has about 2 inches in it now. I have read a few places here not more than 1/4 inch of gravel

[Hollowman]

Depends on whether you intend to raise small fish to adulthood or keep fully grown discus. I personally do not like gravel, period. Sand is a far better choice ime. :wink:

[jeff8428]

I plan on only keeping adult discus in this tank. I tried sand in several other tanks and it just seemed to hard too keep clean. The sand seemed to fine to use a python to keep clean. How do you clean the tanks?