Planted Discus Tank - 470 ltr.

My Planted Discus Tank is a 5ft, 470 ltr. tank which is heavily planted. It has 3x 1400lph external filters and a 1000lph internal filter running. It's Co2 pressure injected from a 2kg Co2 fire extinguisher and has a twice weekly dose of TMC Complete plant fertiliser. One weekly 50% water change. There are 12 assorted Discus in the tank ranging from 4 inch to 7 or 8 inches, 30 Rummy Nose Tetras, 10 Cardinal Tetras and about 30 assorted Cory which are often breeding in the tank - hence I'm not sure how many I have! The water is described by Anglia Water Authority as 'Very Hard' but despite that I only use HMA filtered water and not RO. The PH is around 7.3 Hope you enjoy the video.

Planted Discus Tank - 470 ltr. sentiment_very_dissatisfied 6

Discus 10 years ago 76,956 views

My Planted Discus Tank is a 5ft, 470 ltr. tank which is heavily planted. It has 3x 1400lph external filters and a 1000lph internal filter running. It's Co2 pressure injected from a 2kg Co2 fire extinguisher and has a twice weekly dose of TMC Complete plant fertiliser. One weekly 50% water change. There are 12 assorted Discus in the tank ranging from 4 inch to 7 or 8 inches, 30 Rummy Nose Tetras, 10 Cardinal Tetras and about 30 assorted Cory which are often breeding in the tank - hence I'm not sure how many I have! The water is described by Anglia Water Authority as 'Very Hard' but despite that I only use HMA filtered water and not RO. The PH is around 7.3 Hope you enjoy the video.

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Most popular comments
for Planted Discus Tank - 470 ltr.

Bob Saget
Bob Saget - 7 years ago
Beautiful tank just need that background filled in with something... takes away from it
Chandan M N
Chandan M N - 8 years ago
Snow leapords are like wowwww
Martin F.
Martin F. - 8 years ago
My favourites too!
sameer. sheikh
sameer. sheikh - 8 years ago
hello sir my name is muhammad sameer sheikh from India
sameer. sheikh
sameer. sheikh - 8 years ago
I like the color full fish
sameer. sheikh
sameer. sheikh - 8 years ago
plants is very important
sameer. sheikh
sameer. sheikh - 8 years ago
it's really to good tank very nice beautiful
Martin F.
Martin F. - 8 years ago
thank you.
William Mc Donald
William Mc Donald - 8 years ago
Wow, beautiful.
Martin F.
Martin F. - 8 years ago
Thank you William
Danial Ghofrani
Danial Ghofrani - 8 years ago
nice video. what is the temperature?
Martin F.
Martin F. - 8 years ago
Hi Danial, the temperature is 29c, as the Discus need the higher temperature.
Joricano
Joricano - 8 years ago
nice tank
Martin F.
Martin F. - 8 years ago
+Joricano -- Thank you.

10. comment for Planted Discus Tank - 470 ltr.

Lawrence John Yap
Lawrence John Yap - 8 years ago
Very beautiful. =) That is just... heaven
Martin F.
Martin F. - 8 years ago
+Lawrence John Yap

Thanks very much Lawrence.
Victoria Obricki
Victoria Obricki - 8 years ago
Amazing tank and beatiful discus!!!
Martin F.
Martin F. - 8 years ago
+Victoria Obrycki
Thank you Victoria.
Chathura Wijewardana
Chathura Wijewardana - 9 years ago
very beautiful
Watch it
Watch it - 9 years ago
Your tank and fish are majestic. Subbed and liked. Later man.
Martin F.
Martin F. - 9 years ago
+Watch it - Thank you.
Simon Carr
Simon Carr - 9 years ago
Hi Martin. Given your parameters, what plants do you find grow best? Do you think this system could work on a drip feed if EI salts were added throughout the day with a dosing pump? Amazing tank. Being Algae free and feeding BH takes some serious aquatic skill. You seem to have it beautifully in balance.
Martin F.
Martin F. - 9 years ago
+Simon Carr
Hi Simon I have answered part of your question on Facebook but didn't comment on on the idea of using a dosing pump. It would indeed work absolutely fine and I know of one or two that are just about to go down that road to give it a try. Personally, I mix the salts into 500cc bottles then dose daily, macro one day then micro the next and so on for 5 days, its a manual version of the auto dosing system. Its my own home brew mix based loosely on the standard EI mix but just fine tuned to suit the water quality where I live, its very hard but nitrate free, so I mix the salts to redress that. As for serious aquatic skills, I couldn't possibly comment, but I have been keeping fish for 60 years! Have you seen the seahorses I'm breeding?
karanshortusdisplay
karanshortusdisplay - 9 years ago
wonderful tank indeed.............pls mention the bubble count per sec and the lighting arrangement....cant keep ma eyes off ur tank...just gr8!!!!!!!!!!!!
Martin F.
Martin F. - 9 years ago
Yes I'm on Facebook and belong to a couple of Discus groups and I also run a Seahorse group - another passion! Search for 'Seahorse Help and Advice' or go here https://www.facebook.com/martin.fletcher.5
karanshortusdisplay
karanshortusdisplay - 9 years ago
ohh......u r too modest....my tank is nothing in front of urs...btw....will post some of my latest soon...may I know if u r on facebook...???
Martin F.
Martin F. - 9 years ago
Yes, its possible. I make my own mix up from dry salts and providing the mixing water has a PH of below 6 (achieved with a little Ascorbic Acid) then the Trace salts (can be also included in the mix. You finish up with an All in One, very similar to the 'TNC Complete' product. My own mix is based on this but better matched to our very hard water and the potassium nitrate and phosphate is better balanced. By adding daily its very much the same as EI dosing, I too miss Sundays and then do the water change on Mondays. But I've just looked at your tank and thats really nice, I can see a plant in the background pearling, I love to see that!
karanshortusdisplay
karanshortusdisplay - 9 years ago
ohh really............is it possible???...as I dose (EI) NPK three alternative days and Trace in between days...sunday rest...and monday 50% water change... btw...am very impressed with ur co2 dosing 3 bbl/sec in a Discus tank.... while the Discus are quite happy with it...
Martin F.
Martin F. - 9 years ago
+karanshortusdisplay
I'm adding ferts daily so I do one water change weekly, of at least 50% sometimes I'll do 75%. To do it more frequently, as some Discus keepers do, would strip out all the nutrients I'm putting in for the plants. I use a 'home brew' mix of ferts and add about 50ml of it daily. It's an 'All in One' mix that contains both macro and micro ferts.
karanshortusdisplay
karanshortusdisplay - 9 years ago
ohh.....thats gr8!!!!!!!!! what about the water change per week....????
Martin F.
Martin F. - 9 years ago
Thank you, the bubble counter is running at about 3  bubbles per second. The lighting is 2x 80w T5 tubes, one is a Daylight tube of about 6500k and the other is a blue tube. The lights are on for 10 hours a day.
MrTmac0626
MrTmac0626 - 9 years ago
So do you mix the sand with the plant subtrate ?or put the silica sand on the top?
Martin F.
Martin F. - 9 years ago
No Mate, put a layer of the plant substrate down first, but no more than 1 inch (25mm) deep, and then about 1.5 inch (40mm) on top of the plant substrate. The sand holds it down and in place. When you fill the tank lay a dish on the sand and direct the flow of water into the dish so it slowly overflows. The idea is to ensure you dont disturb the sand too much at this stage. When planting the tank, push the roots well down through the sand into the plant substrate.
MrTmac0626
MrTmac0626 - 9 years ago
So how many bags of plant subtrate did you use and how many silica sand bags?
Martin F.
Martin F. - 9 years ago
Hello Mate, I used one 5kg tub of of the Tetra Plant Complete, and I bought two 25kg bags of the Silica sand. The tank is 470ltr, 5ft long. Although I bought two bags of sand I only used about 1.5 bags.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tetra-Plant-Complete-Substrate-5kg-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Soil-Fertiliser-/371200414369?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item566d44d2a1


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200643190522?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
MrTmac0626
MrTmac0626 - 9 years ago
Where can I buy silica sand
Martin F.
Martin F. - 9 years ago
Hello again, this the one I always use for my planted tanks, but basically its a natural river sand. Swimming pool filter sand is also silica sand and can be used safely. Don't be tempted to buy cheaper 'childrens play sand' though, because it compacts and traps gasses which pollutes the water.  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AQUARIUM-SILICA-SAND-25KG-TROPICAL-FRESHWATER-FISH-TANK-SUBSTRATE-/201226900300?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item2eda0ed34c
MrTmac0626
MrTmac0626 - 9 years ago
Trying to start a discus tank what kind of substrate are you using?
Martin F.
Martin F. - 9 years ago
Hello MrTmac0626, The substrate I use is 'Tetra Complete Plant Substrate' with a cap of natural silca sand on top of it. Hope that helps, good luck with your project.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tetra-Plant-Complete-Substrate-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Soil-Fertiliser-/371186953190?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&var=&hash=item566c776be6

20. comment for Planted Discus Tank - 470 ltr.

A Solo
A Solo - 10 years ago
I love your fish they are so colorful. Beautiful setup..
JKD CARNAGE
JKD CARNAGE - 10 years ago
WOW!!!!! I always wanted a discus tank and am very envious of this setup! I am limited on the size of tank and am looking at taking the plunge to invest in one. I am looking at a tank with low maintenance BUT obviously the welfare of the fish come first. I am looking at a 2.5 ft tank and am open to suggestions on possible tank manufacturers.... Help and guidance welcome.

David
Tropictank
Tropictank - 10 years ago
Huge and beautiful tank!  Discus fishes and plants look very healthy, great job Martin :) subscribed and liked.
 
Pavol Kulanda
Pavol Kulanda - 10 years ago
absolutely amazing tank Martin. Plants, fish, water clarity, overall balance is amazing. I am planning the very same size of tank at the minute for my discus. I want it to be planted, but my tank comes with 4 x 36W T8 tubes. What lighting are you using on this tank and what kind of substrate do you use under your sand, if any? Great job
girldevon
girldevon - 10 years ago
love it! :)
Francisco Villeda
Francisco Villeda - 10 years ago
Preciosos!
sunkhiu bong
sunkhiu bong - 10 years ago
Cantik cantik ikannya
Jerry Thomas
Jerry Thomas - 10 years ago
Great aquarium...can u gv me ur email..i need ur advice in growing fresh water plants and discus..Can u tell me the names of discus.
wtf79779
wtf79779 - 10 years ago
great great great men is some kind of art the plants beauty and fishis toooo
Aarons Aquarium
Aarons Aquarium - 10 years ago
Wow great tank. Check out my 650 litre planted Discus tank. I'm trying to put the rumour to bed that you can't grow out Discus in a planted tank. I believe you can and still have a lush planted tank.
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Great tank! I'm not convinced about growing out young fish in a nicely planted tank because of the frequent (daily) water changes required to prevent stunted growth. The water changes will strip the nutrients out the water that the plants need, such as Co2 and nitrate - however I'd be very interested to see how you get on with it. be sure to pop back in and let me know. Martin.

30. comment for Planted Discus Tank - 470 ltr.

Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Hi PlantedMN, Thank you. I dont think you could grow out young fish in a planted tank because of the constant water changes which would not suit the plants as they need a steady supply of nutrients such as nitrate, which would be lost with regular water changes. I have not bred any Discus so therefore not had to grow an on. I think bare bottom would almost certainly be best for that.
Tom's Fish Tanks
Tom's Fish Tanks - 10 years ago
Very beautiful tank and fish.  Have you ever successfully grown discus out in a planted tank?  Many claim that bare bottom is the only way to grow discus out.  Just curious what your thoughts are on this. 
Simon Carr
Simon Carr - 10 years ago
Your discus tank is beautiful. Just setting up something similar myself. Can I ask about your C02 and fert dose? How long and at what level does your c02 run for? what ferts do you use? Any algae problems?
Simon Carr
Simon Carr - 10 years ago
+Martin F.
Hi Martin. Where are you in the UK? I'm using HMA as well. Pretty hard in Essex, 12DH. I'm still cycling the tank. It's a bit of a test, to be honest, I just can't see how you can have a planted tank, heavily stocked with discus and keep it algae free....you're doing an amazing job with that aquarium. I'll make a short video of mine to explain what i'm up to.
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
+Simon Carr Hi Simon, No I'm not using soft water, just the opposite in fact it's very hard, probably the hardest in the UK! I do run it from the tap through an HMA filter to remove chlorine and heavy metals etc but that does not alter the hardness. How you going with yours, is it up and running yet?
Simon Carr
Simon Carr - 10 years ago
Are you using soft water?
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Hi Simon, The Co2 is run from a 2kg fire extinguisher at about 3 bubbles per second which gives me a lime green colour on the dropchecker, thats approx 30ppm dissolved into the water. The diffuser is an inline atomiser thats fits in the hose from the external filter. The ferts are an 'All in One' by TNC, its a one dose weekly shot but I give a half dose every other day so the tank does get more but its spread throughout the week. The Co2 is running for about 10 hours and the lights are also on for 10 hours. The Co2 comes on an hour before the lights and goes off an hour before the lights go off. With the lights I have I have a 'watts per gallon' of around 1.7. My light unit has 4x 80w tubes but the WPG was way too high so now I only use two of them. I had a few minor algae issues when the tank was first set up and planted over a year ago but all the algae disappeared after about 4 weeks, there isn't a trace of it anywhere in the tank now. Hope that helps, good luck with yours.
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Thanks for those kind words Pete.
harley pete
harley pete - 10 years ago
hi Martin F. i just love this tank its so peacefull & relaxing to watch,fantastic 
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Hello 68love2dance, the temperature is 29c.
Fila Valdes
Fila Valdes - 10 years ago
what is the water Temperature on your tank ?????
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Thanks elvisaquarium, your planted tank looks amazing too!
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Thank you Akvarie, some interesting  videos on your channel!
elvisaquarium
elvisaquarium - 10 years ago
Amazing!!! Really beautiful!
Akvarie Planten
Akvarie Planten - 10 years ago
Nice tank! Please check my Channel! :)
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Fabio, Thank you.
Fabio Feitosa Moreira
Fabio Feitosa Moreira - 10 years ago
Hi!
I´m from Brazil and love aqua fish  discs... Wonderful aqua with espetacular... Congratulation...
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Hello Tanveer,  The aquarium is 5ft x 2ft x 2ft (152 cms x 61cms x 61cm) and it is 10mm glass.
Monkey Man
Monkey Man - 10 years ago
Dear Sir,What is the size and thickness of the glass of your aquarium
Monkey Man
Monkey Man - 10 years ago
Very Nice tank 
AndrePeppers
AndrePeppers - 10 years ago
Very Nice!!
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Hi Mate, The music is 'Morning' by Grieg.
Kieron Young
Kieron Young - 10 years ago
hiya marf what music is this ?
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Tushar Rane - With my Discus I have Rummey Nose Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, 2x Angel Fish and a pair of Holland Rams.

50. comment for Planted Discus Tank - 470 ltr.

Tushar Rane
Tushar Rane - 10 years ago
which fish keep with the discus fish?????????????
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Thanks very much BM Aquatics, just looked at yours and yours are looking good too!
Aquascaping the World by BM
Aquascaping the World by BM - 10 years ago
Your plants and fish are very beautiful. Nice and healthy. good job.
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Thanks Zaidi
Zaidi zain
Zaidi zain - 10 years ago
Nice tank.. awesome
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Hi BeautifulHazelEyes Acosta, the lighting is 2x 80watt T5 tubes. One is 10000K Daylight and the other one is a Blue Actinic more often used for marine tanks. The lights are on for 10 hours a day.
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Hi Roberto Saveri - I change 50% of the water once a week, that is about 230 litres. I add fertiliser two times a week. I also have Co2. There is no algae in the tank, none at all. I have 12 large adult Discus.
Roberto Saveri
Roberto Saveri - 10 years ago
Congratulations for your aquarium, it is spectacular! I ask that you do maintenance for many pints of algae with many discus? how much water changes a week? fertilize? sorry for my bad english
BeautifulHazelEyes Acosta
BeautifulHazelEyes Acosta - 10 years ago
Beautiful!!!! What lighting do you use???
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Thanks Iaian
Iaian Houghton
Iaian Houghton - 10 years ago
Stunning tank..a great contrast of colour and variety..could sit and watch this all day Martin
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Thanks Diane.
DIANE Smith
DIANE Smith - 10 years ago
Gorgeous Martin, love the video.
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Thanks David, Dale and dwsdarius - appreciate your comments.
David V
David V - 10 years ago
Discus collection is amazing and plants look great!! Congrats man
Martin F.
Martin F. - 10 years ago
Dale Thomas - never need to clean it, there's an army of Cory in the clearing up any unrated food. When I feed the discus if any reach the bottom I stop putting it in. Never needed to clean up yet.
DWSDARIUS FISH TANKS
DWSDARIUS FISH TANKS - 10 years ago
Nice tank

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