75 Gallon High Tech Tank..Needing some advice and thoughs?

I plan on using 4 t5 54W bulbs with two of them on 8 hours a day then all 4 for 6 hours combined. I will have pressurized co2 for the tank that will kick on 30 min before the lights and 30 min before the lights turn off. I currently have 5 discus about 3.5 inches in size but sadly I may get rid of them due to the demand they have currently. I am going to use eco complete for the substrate mixed with 5mm gravel to allow the plants to have a hold. I will use root tabs every 3 months to help roots. I will also be using green leafs dry fertilizers. Then the 50% on Sunday.Then two canister filters to help flow and try to keep the tank clean as possible.

Questions:

I have been told to use RO water for my discus if I decide to keep them..Yes or no?

If so what should I add to the RO for the fish?

Is 8 hours to much lighting for this setup? I am going to use a variety of stem plants for this setup.

If I decide to get rid of the discus I plan on doing about 4 Rosaline sharks with this setup and a handful of cardinal tetras then a variety of corey catfish. I am looking for someones input in this setup.

The discus I have when something goes wrong they show it and its always something everyday with them. I do 30% every two days on the tank and temp sits at 84 degrees. If anyone can help me I would appropriate it.

Thank you,

Nathan

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Comment by Peter on January 23, 2014 at 3:45am: 1. No discus dont need ro water. Unless they are wild caught or ur trying to breed them with a high survival rate.
2. U dont add n e thing for the fish but u add plant ferts for the plants.(to the ro water)
3. U wont know till ur tank is up and running. If u have no algae issues ur fine if u do lower the time.
4. Idk inhabe no experience

Comment by Robert Jango on January 23, 2014 at 11:48am: Plants love Co2, nitrogen compounds, phosphates, ammonia, and light.

Fishes hate Co2, nitrogen compounds, phosphates, ammonia, and light.

Its no wonder your Discus are uncomfortable. 99% of the fish we keep, including Discus, live in water that does not contain plants.

I breed Discus and keep them with floating plants. These plants filter the light and act as a safety valve sucking up any excess waste the fish might produce. If you want rooted plants, restrict them to small flower pots and do extra water changes. Discus breed in RO water but, as Peter notes, they'll do fine in just about any PH or hardness.