Part 1 of our 130-gallon rimless discus biotope build, with a special guest: Hiep Hong, who placed 4th in the 2018 International Aquascaping Contest. This is a South American, Brazilian-themed freshwater (FW) planted layout designed specifically around discus care.
Hardscape Design Goals
Two elevated mounds were built on either side of the tank using manzanita wood, giving plants room to grow vertically and emerse above the waterline. Sharp hardscape elements were deliberately avoided — discus are sensitive fish, and the layout needed to stay safe for them. Plant choices were also filtered for heat tolerance, since discus need warm water (this tank runs toward 84–85°F).
Initial Water Fill & Tannin Control
Manzanita wood releases significant tannins and organics early on. An AQUAEL turbo filter loaded with fiberglass polishing pads and CCM Purigen handled that cleanup, with the tank filled to only about 8 inches until the wood fully waterlogged over roughly a week.
Equipment Added After Hardscape
OASE Biomaster 850 Thermo (heated) canister filter, paired with an existing OASE Biomaster 350 — both filters heated since a discus tank needs to hold a stable, elevated temperature
Stainless steel lily pipes and a UNS atomizer for a misty, jungle-morning look, which also helps clear surface oils released by plants
UNS Titan 1 light, chosen specifically for how it pulls out greens and reds for an HDR-style look
Auto top-off system for consistent water level
Seachem aquavitro Sentia dosing system running separate CCM lines for flourish, nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium
CO2 injection via a Qanvee inline diffuser on the 850 canister filter
