I want to switch to a planted discus tank

[Mike Hunt]

I want to switch over an established 65 gallon tank to a planted discus tank, what would I need to do in order to make this transition as smooth as possible ?

The 65 gallon has been running about a year with a six 4 inch cichlids. I have an Ac110 filter and a fluval plus 4 inside for circulation. for lighting I have a 2x 96 wcompact flourescent.

[target]

Have you kept discus before? If you aren't buying adults it'll be difficult to keep the water clean enough with juveniles. When I switched my discus tank to planted I took all the fish out, emptied the tank, added the substrate and plants, then refilled the tank and put the fish back.

If you are switching from cichlids to discus it would probably be better to grow them out in a bare bottom tank for a while before planting it.

[Mike Hunt]

Good idea ! maybe I should set up the tank as a planted tank first then pick up a couple of decent sized discus, I have never kept discus but am experienced with cichlids.

[target]

That's best if you want to put them right into a planted tank. I know people have grown out juvies in a planted, but it is more work.

[BossRoss]

sweet headboard! My wife would kill me if i tried that... lol