Discus Tank

[trailshredder]

I am getting ready to setup my first 55 Gal discus tank. I have had cichlids in the past. My question is; A dose of Stress coat does a pretty good job of getting my water balanced. Is there any need to treat the water separately prior to water changes or will it be safe to add the water then treat the tank?

[Judge]

Hello trailshredder and welcome to FTF. I do not add anything to my Discus tank. I have well water just for them that is very soft and it suits them perfectly. I have never had any issues with water and am a firm believer that the less chemicals you can add, the better. IMO I would add whatever I was going to add to the water prior to adding to the tank just to ensure that it is thoroughly mixed. Could be my saltwater training, who knows! What is your water source/water readings? How many are you planning to have in a 55 gallon, and will it be a species tank with no other fish? Please tell me you are planning to complete a fishless cycle? Are you going to have live plants? Discus like it quiet and to have places they can hide out. I have some photos of my 75 Discus set up on my user page. Good luck and keep us posted. We're here to help however we might.

[trailshredder]

My plan is 6-8 variety of discus, 1 pleco, couple cory cats (If they can handle a sand bottom?) and maybe a couple puffers. Yes I plan on cycling the tank fishless until I get a consistant reading with water changes, even if it takes 3 months. Not planning on a planted tank. I have seen some of the silk plants and were very impressed with the look of them. I am getting a water test done tomorrow at a local fish store. I'll post the results.

[Judge]

As far as algae eaters I would be careful getting Peco's. Some are known to really enjoy the tasty slime coats on Discus. Bristlenose are great with Discus. I am not familiar with FW Puffers but the cory's should be fine.