Hi, We have a 55 gal. tank that we're cleaning out; just fou...

Hi, We have a 55 gal. tank that we're cleaning out; just found a new home for our 9" Oscar who was the sole inhabitant... He had hole-in-the-head about 2 yrs. ago which we treated and he seemed to have fully recovered. My question is: Should we let the gravel dry out for a while, or treat it, before we set up the tank for new fish? We are looking at putting in Discus (something new for us) and Angelfish. I am also concerned b/c we've had several Plecos die over the past year- wondering if there could be any harmful organisms in the tank. We are using a Magnum canister filter.

Hello and Welcome to the forum!

If the Oscar was completely healed, you're probably ok.

How is the algae situation in your tank? If there wasn't any... then your plecos may have starved to death... It's really not uncommon. Did you feed them algae wafers?

Many hobbyists will get a pleco because they look cool, and expect them to eat the feces of the other fish... Which is not their diet, even if the guy at the LFS tells you that.

Perhaps you might try some other fish first? Something less expensive than the discus? Just as a trial run to make sure that your tank is ok.

I would personally not dry the gravel out. You'll loose all the beneficial bacteria by doing so.

Perhaps you might talk to Meg a little about discus or do some extensive research before diving in on that one. They take more care than an average tropical fish. They need warmer water and water changes must stay on a very tight schedule. They are gorgeous fish, and if you feel that you have the means to take care of them, go for it! I think you'll be super happy!

As far as Angels go... Please remember that an adult angel requires 10 gallons of water per fish.

Enjoy and ask questions!

Thanks so much! I was just reading about "cycling" & think we're OK...
The owner of our local pet store actually told me the same thing about the plecos- that we needed to feed them wafers. There was always some algae around in the tank so I didn't think he has starving... live & learn.
We have had Oscars and African Cichlids in the past, both have been fun but the Oscars can be super-messy. We're glad he's moved on to a 125 tank with some friends.
Good idea- we will start w/a small angel or two and go from there. Our pet store guy also raises and sells beautiful discus; that's how I got the idea- I will consult w/him before investing- thanks so much!
I see you have a lot of posts about Discus here- will check them out. You guys have a great site here!
Jessie

Conditions for discus and angels are pretty similar. So if the angels are good, then you have a more favorable chance with the discus.

Also... Something to keep in mind is that Angelfish will get very aggressive if they pair up. They will defend their territory and be a total menace in a community tank. I am not positive about the mating rituals for discus, but as JohnArthur says... When we have Angels... we're a glutton for more tanks!

8)

wow...discus fish..here's some info about discus fish... http://discusfishcaresecrets.blogspot.com/2009/11/ compatible-fish-with-discus-fish_05.html http://discusfishcaresecrets.blogspot.com/2009/09/ keeping-disease-free-discus-fish.html http://discusfishcaresecrets.blogspot.com/2009/09/ points-to-keep-in-mind-for-discus.html http://discusfishcaresecrets.blogspot.com/2009/07/10- things-you-should-do-maintain.html
source: my discus fish care secrets blog...

Hmm... So what would be another fish compatible w/Discus?
I talked w/our LPS friend and he was telling me about soft water for Discus, and a planted tank- he has all kinds of really cool water plants, looks like I am starting a new hobby LOL
Thanks for all your help!

Thank you so much- you have some really beautiful Discus! I plan on setting my tank up with plants and a clown loach, maybe a Corey or kuhli loach before we invest in the Discus.

ya clown loach is always the best bottom dweller fish with discus..but the problem is when the clown loach grown up they sometimes eat the food that discus feed...i have a personal problem regarding this clown loach.now i have only discus fish in my aquarium...

OK thanks- good to know. Have you ever tried Kuhli loach with the discus?
PS your blog is a wonderful source of info- thanks so much.

Angela, I was wondering who Meg is? How do I find her here... thanks.

thanx...no to be honest i don't try with khuli loach...and glad to infrom all of you that today i buy 1 super marlboro red discus fish at bout 4 inch..it's a crossbreed of super melon and red marlboro discus fish....

if you wish you may join "follow me" of that blog...and visit this blog, if you want to anything regarding discus fish ask me...

Megham is one of our admins. She's been very busy the last few months so it may take her a while to answer your inquiries.

As for discus tankmates, my somewhat biased opinion is that single species aquariums are much less complicated than the typical community tank. That's especially true when you want to keep discus. More than most aquarium fish, they need conditions that come very close to imitating those of their origin. You can fudge a little bit on that with some species that have been captive bred for multiple generations. Discus are more delicate and demanding, so when the environment is ideal for them, it will be marginal for most other species. It's just something to think about.

Please save a few cups of that dirty, wet gravel so the good cooties will help cycle the new setup.

I am thinking the same thing from what I'm reading- to have only Discus in the tank. I know the Ph and temp have to be just right & must do frequent water changes, I'm prprepared for that. I'm going to visit our local expert w/water sample and talk to him before I make any purchasese. I'll let you know how I do-
No worries- the gravel had a little dirt in it, I noticed as we put it back in the tank. Hopefully there are cooties galore.