The thing is that blackwater stream and pool habitats that you are talking about generally don't have any live plants growing in them (they are EXTREMELY few and far between). If you're going for something fairly authentic, I would suggest a very dark substrate, a layer of leaf litter, and some branches. Keep in mind that many of these water bodies are heavily shaded within the forest, so any 'green matter' has a pretty hard time growing.
Some of the best dead/dried leaves to use for your tank (i.e. don't break down very quickly) are oak and possibly elm. I have used elm, and they definitely stained the water (my group Sphearichthys osphromenoides loved it). If you have access to magnolia trees, I would give them a try as well (not sure how well they will hold up, but their shape and form will much more closely replicate the type of dead leaves and foliage found in a tropical forest). If all else fails, buy yourself some blackwater extract (I believe Tetra was the brand I tried).
But as Diana said, if you plan on keeping discus, don't go messing with your water chemistry. Work on keeping things STABLE, which is going to keep them healthier than the levels always shifting around as you're trying to make the water chemistry as 'authentic' as possible. Try to find a discus breeder in your area as they will most likely be breeding their fish in local water...so they will already be raised and accustomed to what you're working with.
The altums, however, are a different story. They are pretty much wild-caught, I believe...but I could very well be wrong. I would recommend spending some time here if you haven't already (especially the wild forum):
http://www.angelfish.net/yabbse/index.php And, if you haven't been here, either...the premier forum on discus, IMO:
http://www.simplydiscus.com/forum/
Hybrid Mode
