This is my first post. So please forgive any mistakes made. I'm currently setting up a 60x26x18 Aquariam. I don't have filtration yet and welcome any recommendations. I'm looking at an Aquatop cf500 UV right now so anything in that price range would be much obliged. I am also looking at running and old coralife energysavers light along with a Satelite 48 freshwater LED for plant growth then upgrading to possibly 2 units. As far as fish go I'm thinking of Apistogramma Cacatuoides, German Blue Rams, Otocinclus Catfish, and wait for it the big one.......DISCUS! I'd love some recommendations about plants for the back ground mid ground and foreground as well as floating plants. So really anything! I'm going to be doing an Eco-Complete substrate with a gravel cap. Help a noob out here please! P.S. I know discus are difficult. I've considered the risk.

Welcome Abe!

Thanks Joe! I've been using this forum for research material for some time. But I haven't been able to find exactly what I needed to know. So what the heck thought I'd ask myself!

I must say I am not very familiar with discus. There are many on here who are though. I use an Aqueon Proflex #3 for my 90g and am very happy with it. There is a 4 and 5 model as well. Maybe they would be a nice alternative to research.

Discus prefer very warm water. Check all other fish you are thinking about for their tolerance for high temperatures. I do not think Otos are OK.
Rams like it warm. Check Apistos. Not sure about their preferences.

Oto's are very commonly kept with Discus so I assumed they were compatible. I'll look into it further. I talked to a licensed marine pathologist who works in the field about the Apisto's she said they'd be fine. Thanks for the advice!

Hi Abe! I'm using a Fluval internal filter that I'm happy with. I used to have an AquaClear 30 hang-on-the-back. I didn't like the waterfall output that caused more surface agitation as the water level went down due to evaporation.

I think a canister filter is probably the most loved, particularly with larger tanks. Haven't used one myself, but you could look at Fluval or Eheim.

Some of the hobby is learned by simple experience, which takes time. It's also helpful to read whatever you can that applies.

Welcome mate You've came to the right place for information, everyone here is reeally helpful and you get great advice.

I used to work in a place that stocked a lot of well kept discus, as these guys are big eaters they also produce heaps of waste, a good canister like people have said, Eheim, I personally like AquaManta canister filters - they're easy to start/stop/clean, and do a really good job.

Optimal water quality are the higher temps/right pH (seachem acid buffer works well) so I would get your pH sorted and stable for weeks before discus are added.

I ran across a Penn-Plax Cascade 1500.. It has great reviews and a nice neat little price tag. Any thoughts?