Hi Jim,
Gosh I'm so sorry you lost your little blue. It sounds like he was hiding, dark color and not feeling well to start. You said he was kind of floating around. I would guess that you got him in a weakened state. I don't think any of it was your fault.
Judging by the look of your active guys and beautiful tank he would have done fine if he was healthy to start.
Nice music, very relaxing. : )
Best regards,
Jess

Update: I came home this evening (from a great day of flying) and my cobalt blue was dead. I feel terrible because I don't know what was wrong with him or what to do to help.

Hi Jess:
I took a quick vid of my new new Discus and uploaded them on youtube. It's just a small sample of the "action" that goes on in the tank. Also I have a cobalt blue baby (2 inches) but he/she is always hiding in the far back plants. It doesn't eat, it usually is a dark blue/black in color and it doesn't really swim, it "floats" around VERY slowly. I've been doing 15-25 percent water changes every day or two.
Here's the video, let me know what you think:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xo8G...e=channel_page
Thanks
Jim

PS: ask your husband what are the names of his three planes.

Hi Jess:

I couldn't wait to ask you my questions on Discus but ironically my first has nothing to do with them. I was looking at your pictures and noticed the beautiful pond in the back.
I'm taking my RO unit out from under my kitchen sink and putting it in a hallway closet. I drilled some holes in the wall backing up to the bathroom, hooked it all up and it's filling up a large garbage pail...(my wife refers wants us to call it a "water container" rather than garbage can...ha-ha). I installed a pump in the bottom of the container.

What I wanted to know is it ok that the electric cord has only two prongs? Does your pump have a third plug (ground plug)? I'm nervous turning it on and getting electrocuted!

Hi dvc r,
With your drift wood and plants growing, will give the discus "shade". I have my lights on a timer. They're on for 10-12 hours. (I like looking at my fish when I get home from work)
I saw your special lights, they look like the ones used on saltwater tanks. I have 3 48" bulbs. Gosh if I can remember what kind they are. I think they put me into the low-mid range for plant light. Are you using Co2 for your plant growth. The new plants you got would benefit from it. The DIY systems are possible but sound messy to me.
So happy to see another Discus enthusiast on this forum. Oh one thing I was going to mention to you. Have you considered that you will want to keep your temp around 84 degrees and which plants will tolerate this? Its one of the limiting factors for discus keeping. I saw your new post. I have what I think is an Italian Val. its pretty hardy in these conditions. (planted in a pot for now)
I've heard so many good things about the Seachem Flourite Plant Substrate. I know its a bit pricey. But when I set up again I'm going to use it.
I'm a big fan of the Amano tanks. : ) Incredibly beautiful if you haven't seen them you should check them out. Its my dream to have one like that.
Take care,
Jess

Hi dvc-r,
I've had a chance to look over your album. Great images! I think you're going to enjoy the challenge of Discus. My discus tank is barebottom. I did this to grow out my discus as I was heavily feeding to try and get them to size up. I have one large plant in a pot to allow hiding spaces for cardinals and I love the way the plant sways in the water. My goal is to get a 90 or 110 gal set up and planted. I have to reinforce my floors below in the basement before this happens. Right now I'm working on installing an RO unit as I think it will help solve the frustration of algae growth. Plus I believe the discus will benefit from it. If you have any suggestions for the RO, any tips I would be grateful for your help.
Not that you've asked, but if I were going to do it again and purchase new discus. . . I would consider buying a mated pair already grown to size, it seems that the tank would be a happier place. From the 6 that I bought two seem interested in each other and the others squabble or bicker. Nothing serious I think its normal. But a mated pair would have a more calming effect on the tank. But note they would be expensive.
Please feel free to ask any questions. Although from the looks of your planted tanks, I think you are the fellow whom we should be watching and asking questions.
Thanks,
Jess

Hi Jess:

You like the Christmas tree... Everyone does. I'll have to take it down this weekend. I hope I don't get electrocuted when the lights come down (ha-ha).

The driftwood was perfect, the middle is large flat and thin for the discus to hid if they want and the two rounder pieces on each side were perfect to attach my java ferns. The gravel is mixed 50-50 with Seachem Flourite Plant Substrate and dark brow gravel. That was a nightmare to use!!! It took forever to clear up the water. The fist four days it was like mud on the side of the road! And for the lighting; I have 260 watts- two 10,000 Ks, 2 actines, and 4 moonlights. The "daylighters" for 8 hours and the actines an hour for dawn and dusk. I don't have all four on all day cuz I read Discus don't like too much light, I don't know what will happen to my plants though.