Brief Tank Description

90 G planted discus community tank

What Filter System Do You Use?

Sump with return pump, Hygger heater and CO2. (I bought sump and pump used. Not sure make and model)

What Heating System Do You Use?

Hygger HG-969 800W

What Lighting System Do You Use?

DIY dual LED flood lights and a T5 with 2 LED plant bulbs

What Fish Do You Have In Your Tank?

1, solid Red Rafflesia, 1 Marlboro Red, 1 golden pigeon, 1 blue diamond, 1 red Turquoise, 6 Columbian tetras, 12 neons, 3 YoYo loaches, 3 Cory Cats, 3 bushynose plecos, 4 otto cats, 1 red tail shark, 1 hillstream loach,

What Plants Do You Have In Your Tank?

Kleinar Bar Amazon

Red Flame Sword

Anubias nana Petite

Annubia Barteri (I believe)

Cryptocoryne Lucens

Ludwigia Repens

Ludwigia Ovalis

Water Wisteria

Java Fern

Christmas Moss

What Makes Your Tank Unique?

While in middle school I got my first Aquarium.  When I left for college I had to take them down as there was no one to care for them.  In 1990, at 25 (about 7 years later) I got married and we got a 100g  salt water tank.  Four years later we moved and it got damaged in the move.  We had children and a million other things more important so I basically gave up the hobby until about 15 months ago (thanks COVID, I now work from home).  I decided, at 57, to try it again, but do 2 things I’ve never done 1) a planted tank and 2) discus.  Now I have both and I couldn’t be happier.  Anyway, I designed, built and care for my tank myself, including lugging six 5 gallon water containers up 2 floors every week as part of water changes, as well as regular pruning and cleaning.  For not having had an aquarium in over 30 years I think this one is pretty special.  I spent 9 months researching all the new information on plants and discus (your videos were a major help by the way) and I bought everything on a budget.  So I’d love to hear what you think as I’m a big fan.

What Do You Like Best About Your Tank?

There are 2 things I love. The discus themselves are so beautify. I’m planning on adding 2 more soon. Their colors are amazing as are their personalities (most eat out of my hand). They are every bit as beautiful as salt water fish, which I don’t miss at all. The second is the plants and the balance they keep. About 10 months after setting up the tank, I felt it was stable and I added the discus. As the tank is in balance, I feed my plants much less now and they are doing well. They take in nutrients that are harmful to fish and give off oxygen. Watching the pearling and streams of oxygen being released is like my own science lab right in my office. I love watching the discus while on calls especially if I’m getting irritated as the discus calm demeanor relaxes me. The small fish add that rapid action as they school back and forth.