Hello all!

[Dr. Tankenstein]

I'm new to AquaticQuotient, but not to the hobby. I've been keeping tropical fish for about 20+ years. I have a few 'tanks' running right now, but my focus is on my 90G planted discus tank. I've kept planted tanks for about 5 years, always low-tech, but this is my first 'go' at discus.
Parameters:
90G All-Glass tank and stand
DIY hood
lighting: 2x13 watt 6700K CF desklights (sunrise/sunset effect), 2x32 watt 6500K T8 standard fluorescents, 2x65 watt 6700K CF. TOTAL:224 watts at peak.
filtration: Eheim 2217 (primary), Eheim 2215 (secondary)
heaters: 2 150 watt Visi-Therm Stealths (tank is running at 86 degrees)
substrate: Eco-Complete
plants: jungle vals, pygmy vals, various echinodorous
fauna: 6 juvenile discus, 24 black neons, ~12 various corydorus catfish, 1 yo-yo botia, 1 bristlenose, 12 amano shrinp
water: 20% daily water change, pH 6.8, ammonia, nitrites, 0ppm, nitrates ~10ppm, TDS 92-95 ppm

My nickname comes from the LOVE of DIY.
I'm a HUGE fan of biological filtration and clean water. A water change to me, is like walking the dog, it's part of the deal in pet ownership.

My favorite quote is from a signature on another forum: "Take care of the water and the fish will take care of themselves".

I firmly believe that things aren't as complicated as many would have you believe, and if you use a little common sense and ingenuity, you can save a TON of $$$ and headaches.

I look forward to 'talking' with everyone, who knows, maybe I can help.

[mark0308]

Hi Dr T,
Warm welcome from Singapore.
Would be nice if you can show us some picture of your tanks
Best regards
Mark

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Mark,
I stink at photography, but here's a link to my pics.

http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w184/Dr_Tankenstein/

Haven't figured out how to attach thumbnails. Can anyone tell me how to do it?

Dr. T

[mark0308]

Hi Dr T,
Impressive set-up, You had stimulate a 24 hour lightning environment system for your tank. I guess to use different timer to control the diffeent lightning.
Thanks for sharing
On the reply window, at the top tools bar, there is a attachment icon for you to do attachment.
Best regards
Mark

[Dr. Tankenstein]

Mark,
I'm glad you like it. Aren't timers a wonderful thing?
You are correct, I run stage 1, the sunrise/sunsets, from 8:00AM to 11:00PM. I know that's a long time,but they are just a 'glow' in the tank, so I don't have any algae concerns with them. Stage two, the standard T8 fixture runs from 1:00PM to 10:00PM, I'm probably going to change that though, that's a little long. Stage 3, the CF unit, runs from 2:00PM to 9:00PM.

I staggered the lights to come on later in the day, since I'm at work and my fish (most of them anyway) can't tell time.

Stage 4, the blue LEDs, run from 10:00PM to 8:00AM. They only draw 4 watts of power,and don't produce any relative heat, so running them all night is no big deal. Plus they cast a cool blue 'shimmering wave' effect in the room. I like them alot, with the addition of the discus, it's the only time I really get to view my corys and bristlenose.

I'm currently working on a 'better water change' procedure. Stay tuned....

[Dr. Tankenstein]

P.S. Thanks for the advice on attachments!