So yeah, setting up a planted discus tank isn’t my usual plant-care topic, but trust me, there’s plenty of green in this tank too.
I’ve got a 37-gallon setup full of live plants and some seriously pretty fish. It’s a little different, but if you like this kind of thing, let me know on my YouTube Channel and I’ll keep sharing more behind-the-glass updates!
🐟 Meet the Stars: Discus Fish in My Tank
I’ve got seven discus swimming around in my planted tank, and they’re already showing off some personality—even if a few are still a little camera shy. I started with an original pair, and just added five more beauties to the mix.
🎨 My Discus Lineup
Original Pair:
Hi Fin Red Royal Discus
Discus Rafflesia
New Additions:
Golden Red Snake
Altum Flora Red Turquoise
Red Leopard Snake Skin
Hi Fin Sapphire Blue Diamond
Gold Diamond
These young fish haven’t fully colored up yet, but that’s part of the fun. Over the next year, their patterns and hues will really pop.
For now, they’re still adjusting and spending time tucked behind rocks. Totally normal behavior, discus are shy at first, especially when they’re young.
But once they settle in, you’ll see them swimming together in a shoal like they’re cruising the Amazon.
If you are interested in buying quality discus, I recommend checking out Mac’s Discus(Not an affiliate link)
Discus Tank Size
This tank is fine for 7 young discus, but discus can get large, 6-8 inches around and need about 10 gallons of water per fish.
You can give them less, but you will need to change the water more often.
🪨 Substrate & Layout: My Layered Approach
When I set up this tank, I got a little creative with the base, and by creative, I mean experimental.
I added coco coir for plant roots, thinking it was like peat or aquasoil, but better. It never really settled and was easy to stir up.
So I drained the tank and I laid down brown paper over the coco coir, topped it with gravel to hold things down, then capped it all with soft white sand. It looked good… for a while.
🧪 What I Did and What I’d Change
Layered Setup:
Brown paper base
Gravel to keep it grounded
Coco coir for root media
White sand for a clean finish
The Issue:
Some planted tanks use soil, peat moss, and aqua soil as a medium in planted tanks, I thought coco coir would work too.
But the coco coir did not really ever compact, and it floated and made a mess if disturbed.
Rather than remove it, I capped it with heavy brown paper and planted through the paper and sand top layer,
What I’d Do Now Instead:
Skip the coco coir altogether
Use Eco-Complete or another aquarium-ready planted substrate
It holds plants better, looks cleaner, and supports root growth from the start
Now I’m planning a full carpet layout using Staurogyne repens. That lush green spread across the bottom? Yeah, it’s gonna make the fish feel like they’re back home in the Amazon.
🌿 Plants in the Tank: What’s Growing Now
Even though this is a discus tank, the plants still take center stage. I’ve chosen varieties that thrive in warm water and keep the aquascape looking lush and layered.
Some are tried-and-true favorites, others… well, they’re mystery guests that showed up in a plant order.
🌱 Current Plant Roster
Bacopa: A vibrant stem plant that grows fast and adds pops of green and red, especially under bright light.
Red Tiger Lotus: This beauty shoots straight up if you let it, but I’m trimming it to encourage horizontal growth—less surface clutter, more bottom coverage.
Java Fern: A reliable classic. Loves warm water, doesn’t need to be buried, and thrives attached to rocks or driftwood.
Amazon Sword: Great background plant. Big, bold, and hardy—though the red variety I got wasn’t quite as red as advertised.
Anubias Coffeefolia: Wavy, dark green leaves that can handle the heat and look great mid-tank.
Unidentified plants: Possibly Scarlet Temple, Anacharis, or… something else entirely. The seller didn’t label them, but hey—they’re growing, they’re red, and they look good. Sometimes you just plant and go.
The goal is to keep everything balanced so no floaters to block light, and enough plant cover to make the discus feel safe.
Next on the planting list? Staurogyne repens a low-growing, leafy plant that spreads across the substrate like a green carpet. It’s native to the Amazon, just like my discus, so it’s a natural fit for the tank’s vibe.
🌿 Why Staurogyne Repens Works So Well
Carpet-Style Growth: This plant hugs the bottom and fills in open space, creating that lush, forest-floor look.
Amazon Native: Since it comes from the same region as discus, it thrives in the same warm, slightly acidic conditions.
Low and Leafy: Doesn’t block light, gives fish a place to explore, and makes the tank feel more like home for the whole crew.
I’m planning to fill out the foreground with it, so the bottom of the tank feels alive and natural. The discus will love the coverage, and I’ll love how it ties the whole setup together.
🛑What Not To Plant🚫
Some plants can become invasive even in a planted aquarium. Unless you want them forever:
I would avoid duckweed as a floating plant and Java moss (not to be confused with Java Fern)
A well-meaning friend gifted me some Java moss and 3 years later, I still can’t remove it all.
I know some folks love it at least until it starts choking out their other plants,
💧 Discus Water Requirements: Key Tips
If you want your discus to thrive, water quality isn’t optional—it’s everything. These fish are sensitive, but if you dial in the right conditions, they’ll reward you with color, confidence, and healthy behavior.
🌡️ What Discus Need to Stay Happy
Temperature: Keep it steady between 82–84°F. They’re tropical fish, and cooler temps stress them out.
Soft, Slightly Acidic Water: Aim for a pH around 6.8 and low dissolved minerals. Discus come from soft Amazon waters, so hardness can be an issue.
Frequent Water Changes: These fish are picky about nitrates and ammonia. Do regular water changes to keep things fresh and clean.
Ammonia Alert Indicator: I use a Seachem-style hanging tester that changes color if ammonia spikes. It’s easier than testing daily and gives me peace of mind at a glance.
Getting the water right might take a little effort, but once it’s dialed in, your discus will show off their best colors and personality.
I do a 25% water change once a week. Plants help absorb some of the bad stuff. High stocking levels will require larger or more frequent water changes.
⚠️❗Important!
You need to remove chloramines from your water. It does not dissipate overnight like chlorine, which it replaced in most water supplies.
Use Seachem Prime. It’s cheap and a little goes a long way. It also neutralizes ammonia and nitrates.
Alongside the discus and plants, I’ve got a few mystery snails cruising around doing their thing. These little guys are more helpful than you might think, and honestly, they’re pretty fun to watch too.
🌀 Why I Keep Mystery Snails
Egg Laying: They lay their eggs above the waterline, which is wild to see, and keeps things clean below.
Self-Righting: If they fall on their backs, no big deal. Unlike some snails, these can flip themselves back over.
Algae Eaters: They help keep the glass and décor clean by grazing on algae. Nature’s little cleanup crew.
Plant-Safe: Best part? They don’t eat live plants. Your aquascape stays intact while they do the dirty work.
Not Invasive: It takes a male and female to make babies, so they won’t overrun your tank.
They add character, pull their weight, and don’t cause trouble, a perfect tank mate in my book.
🧠 Lessons Learned & Future Plans
Every tank teaches you something new, and this one’s no exception. From plant experiments to fish sourcing, I’ve picked up a few lessons I’ll carry into future setups—and yes, I’ve already got more tanks in the works.
🎯 What I’ve Learned So Far
Buy Fish From Reputable Breeders: I got my discus from Mac’s Discus (Steve MacDonald in Woodinville, WA). He’s got 35 years of experience, and the quality shows. Healthy fish, no surprises.
Think Long-Term: These discus are still young, but once they grow to palm-size, they’ll move to a 90-gallon tank. It gives them more room and keeps them stress-free as they mature.
More Fish Coming: I’ve also got a pair of dwarf gouramis on the way. They’ll go in a different tank, but I couldn’t resist their color—especially the males. Not as flashy as discus, but they’ve got their charm.
There’s always something new to try, and I’m having a blast watching it all come together.
⚡ Quick Tips for Starting Your Own Planted Discus Tank
If you’re thinking about diving into the world of discus, here are a few starter tips to make the ride smoother.
These basics will help you avoid common mistakes and set your fish (and plants) up for success.
✅ Simple, Actionable Advice
Start Small (Tank-Wise): A 30–40 gallon tank is easier to manage for water changes and treatments when your discus are still young.
Pick Heat-Tolerant Plants: Go for options like Java Fern, Bacopa, and Amazon Sword—they can handle those warm discus temps.
Use Soft, Root-Friendly Substrate: Avoid coarse gravel. Instead, use Eco-Complete, fine sand, or a planted tank substrate to support root systems.
Keep Them in Groups: Discus are social fish. Aim for six or more to mimic their natural shoaling behavior and reduce stress.
These small steps make a big difference. A little prep goes a long way toward a thriving, colorful discus tank.
❓ FAQ: Common Questions About Planted Discus Tanks
Before diving in, here’s a helpful FAQ section to clear up some of the most common questions folks ask.
Q. Can you keep live plants in a discus tank?
A. Yes! Just choose heat-tolerant species like Java Fern, Bacopa, or Amazon Sword that thrive in higher temperatures.
Q. What substrate works best for discus and plants?
A. Fine sand over root media like coco coir or aquasoil works great. It mimics natural habitats and anchors plants well.
Q. How many discus should I keep together?
A. Keep them in groups of six or more. Discus are social fish and feel safer in larger shoals.
Q. How often do I need to change the water?
A. Weekly or more often. Clean, low-nitrate water is essential for healthy discus.
Q. Can I use floating plants?
A. You can, but avoid too much surface cover—it blocks light from reaching bottom plants.
🧭 Conclusion: Ready to Build a Planted Discus Tank Paradise?
Let’s wrap things up with a quick recap and some key takeaways so you feel confident moving forward.
🪴 Recap of What We Covered
🌡️ Ideal Conditions
Warm water (82–84°F)
Soft, slightly acidic pH (around 6.8)
Low nitrates, clean water
🪵 Best Plants to Use
Java Fern
Bacopa
Amazon Sword
Red Tiger Lotus
Anubias Coffeefolia
Staurogyne repens (carpet option)
🪣 Setup Tips
Skip floating plants if they block light
Add a few snails to help clean up
📝 Key Takeaways
✅ Discus thrive in planted tanks with the right heat-loving plants
✅ Use a substrate like Eco Complete that supports both plant roots and natural tank balance
✅ Clean water and good filtration are non-negotiable
✅ Social fish like discus need to be kept in groups
✅ Regular care keeps your setup vibrant and stress-free
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