Im going with a barebottom tank with my discus what color

[texasborn]

should I paint the bottom of my tank? I also wanted to know what you guys think about having bubble wands in a discus tank? To much movement good/bad? thanks, Jeff

[Proteus]

no need to paint the bottom IMO, plus with a layer of foam underneath it will be white anyways...

as for the bubble wand, I just replied to your other post, try using a sponge filter or two.

[flukes]

White is the easiest for them to see the food, so leave it clear and the foam will make the food easy for them to see and easy for you too see how much waste to clean

[texasborn]

You guys keep saying foam, what foam?

[Proteus]

The layer of polystyrene foam that must be placed under the base of every fishtank so as to even out the load and absorb any slight variations in the level.

[texasborn]

my 55gallon tank has no foam underneath it, what should I do?

[Proteus]

ummmm, is it just sitting on timber???

You really should have a 1/2 to 1 inch layer of foam wherever the glass comes into contact with a hard surface...

All it takes is a slight irregularity, some excessive vibrations, or a knock, and you could have a busted tank... that means lots of water to clean up, and some not so happy fish.

The idea of the foam is firstly to take away any very small irregularities, as well as ensuring no bits of grit or gravel affect the base of the tank... just one microscopic bit of gravel can easily turn into a nasty crack when you take into account the weight of the glass & water. (imagine walking barefoot and stepping on a tiny sharp rock with the front or heel of your foot, ouch!!!).

If it is not too late, drain the tank into a container so you can re-use the water, and either slide a piece of foam which is the same size as the tank under the base, or just add strips of foam wherever the glass rests on the stand.

I will try and find some images which may explain this better.

[texasborn]

thanks

[happydiscus]

where can i get this foam from

[Proteus]

Any aquarium store...

Clark Rubber stores, some hardware stores... etc