Discus Tank

Question
QUESTION: Hey, I just got a new 70 gallon aquarium, and I'm interested in making it a Discus tank. The only problem is that I've read that they need high filtration and really stable temperature, ph level, etc. Now, how much is it gonna cost to get a good, stable tank going in which Discus will be happy and healthy?

ANSWER: Sam,

You would want 2 filters. These are very difficult fish is you have no experience with aquariums. As for the price I don't know because I don't know what state you are in for the cost of the equipment but I can tell you it won't be cheap.

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QUESTION: Alright, I already have an undergravel filter, so which other filter would you recommend? I have some experience because I currently keep a 13 gallon aquarium with assorted fish and 4 frogs. I live in Oklahoma City, OK but some of my equipment I'm probably gonna get off of fosterandsmithaquatics.com. I also have a bubbler and am going to get a co2 pump because I'm going to put live plants in there (hopefully). I hope this helps, and let me know if you need any more info! thx!

ANSWER: Sam,

hey key to a happy and healthy tank are the live plants. I have enclosed a good website to help with the planting of the tank. As for the under gravel filter, I would get rid of it. They are more problems then they are worth and when it comes time to clean the tank you will end up dropping all the waste back into the tank. Even with the filters you will have to do weekly water changes and that type of filter will drive you insane. With this type of fish, get filters that are for a bigger tank. This way it will work better for you. Like I mentioned earlier these are not an easy fish to keep. Even the experts have problems. You didn't mention how many fish are in the 13 gallon. That size tank can hold 3 to 4 fish at the maximum. Remember that you are starting out with a 70 gallon, but once you add the substrate, filters, heater, and plants, the tank water area will become considerably smaller. I always tell people to put everything in the tank you will need. This include all the above mentioned things. Once you do that, add the water once gallon at a time so you know how many fish you can add. I have never been to the website so I don't know about prices. I can tell you that you are looking at hundreds of dollars to get everything needed and that includes the tank. Good luck with your aquarium and don't hesitate to ask me any other questions you might have.

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QUESTION: alright, last question(I think). When you say an oversized filter, will the emperor 400 work? In case you're not familar with it, here's a link. It's made for 30-80 gallon tanks.

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=14448&prod

As for the fish I have in my 13 gallon tank, I have 6 Harlequin Rasboras, 1 American Flagfish, 4 Pristilla Tetras, 1 Female Pineaple Swordtail, 4 African Dwarf Frogs, 1 Peacock Grudgon, and 1 German Blue Ram.

Anyway, please include any specific supplies you would recommend, or that you use and I'll look at the site! Thank you for all your help!

Answer
Sam,

Yes that filter will do just fine. My main concern now is the grossly over stalked 13 gallon tank. You have about 12 fish too many. I hope you don't over stalk the bigger tank. I would think about getting another tank and moving a lot of the fish out of the smaller tank.