So, finally. Time to start setting up my 375 litre aquarium. I’m 99.5% sure that I’ll be keeping discus in it. I reckon a group of 6 would look great in this size aquarium.

After several weeks sitting in the garage just waiting to be cared for, I have now moved it into my kitchen (pretty much the only space left at home that can accomodate this size of aquarium).

Over the next few months I’ll be guiding you all through the ins and outs of setting up a discus aquarium. From the maturation period, through the introduction of aquatic life, through to weekly rituals of maintenance. At the moment I’m not even sure of what equipment and methods I’ll be using with the aquarium. So an adventure in fishkeeping for all!

The first steps I have taken are as follows:

• Make sure the aquarium is sitting on a stable base. Remember 1 litre of water weighs 1 kg. This aquarium has a matching metal stand that is designed to hold the weight.
• About 60 kg of sand was washed and then placed inside the aquarium. The depth of the sand is roughly 8 cm. I reckon this should be adequate for all substrate rooting plants. I can always add more later if required.
• I was itching to fill the aquarium with water but due to the lack of cover glass (and a curious cat) I will just have to wait. The cover glass that I ordered was unfortunately the wrong size, so I’ve re-ordered.

Here are a few pictures to wet your appetite:

The cover glass I ordered was unfortunately the wrong size and too thin. I have ordered again …

Close up of the aquariums resting place

The aquarium looks kinda small in my kitchen. It's not!

Filled with a layer of about 8cm fine sand. I might need to add more…

The sand has been washed. I expect it to be a little hazy at first. During the initial set-up process it'll clear.