jc1of2

Hey, guys first off thanks for all the great info on this sight. I have always wanted to keep discus in a planted tank and this is my first attempt. I have a few question if you don't mind. First, let me give you some background. I've kept fish since I was a child back in the days of incandescent bulbs and UG filters. I currently have a 180 gallon mixed reef tank and a 30g seahorse tank. Lately I have been feeling burned out on the saltwater tanks. With a newborn in the house I just don't have the time for water changes and maintenance like I should. Right now my reef tank is covered in hair algae and half of my sps corals have died. I am considering breaking down the tank and selling off all of my fish and coral. I would like to take this 60g and move it into the 180. Everything has been running so great on the planted tank that I believe I would have an easier time tending to the 180 if it were freshwater. I guess it depends on the answers to some my questions.
1. I used swimming pool sand as a substrate and added flourish fert tabs under most of the plants per the instructions. Growth is great. Is this a viable option for long term care? I don't mind adding the tablets whenever I need to.
2. Do I have to worry about the sand impacting? Could I rake and poke the sand every month to prevent this from happening?
3. Right now I'm using Seachem Flourish brand of liquid ferts, NPK and fundamental pack. I only dose them when I do a water change once a week. Is this good enough? My plants don't seem to be complaning.
4. Since my 180 is reef ready what would be the better option? Keeping the sump or closing the drains and using two canister filters on either end? Should I use my vortech mp40w on the freshwater tank for circulation?

Thanks for your help. Also, the tank has been running with plants and discus since June.
FYI, I also posted this on another site, but everything is still the same.

armedbiggiet

Yes you need to worry out that sand impacting and poking it does not help at all. After 3 years I am about to get rid of all my sand in my 125g to ADA's aqua soil.

The plants you have in there would be find in the current setup but not all the plants can, for example the sand is too find that would block the circulations of the water and the bottom would turn black and rotten the roots for some plants.

armedbiggiet

Using the sump would lost alot of the CO2, which I don't think it would do any good for the plants, even with a pressurized system. I am sure your discus would love the sump!

Bert H

I don't see a reason why it wouldn't work, but if you're adding water column ferts, I probably would not do it, except for some of the heavier root feeders.

Yes, compacting could be an issue, and I don't think poking would solve it.

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding, so if your plants are doing well, continue. I might consider switching to dry ferts. Dosing a 180 with prepared liquid ferts will get pricey really fast.

As mentioned, a sump does tend to outgas the CO2, but some folks do use them, just use more CO2. As ferts go, CO2 is relatively inexpensive.

Seattle_Aquarist

Hi jc1of2,

I see this is your first post, welcome to APC! There is a lot of great information here and helpful people if you need it. I like your tank, keep up the good work!