Cleanliness is the most important element of discus husbandry. In a cycled tank, biological cleansing is achieved with powered or sponge filters. The use of substrates not only complicates maintenance chores, it can also create an environment that is detrimental to the discus. For these reasons, I do not recommend the use of gravel substrates.

Bacteria grows in the substrate when left-over food and fish waste (detritus) settle to the bottom of the tank. Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate problems result and the health of the fish in the tank can become compromised. Guidelines for the vacuuming of gravel substrates are one-third of the area with each water change. It is not impossible to maintain safe levels using substrates, it is simply more difficult.

A bare-bottom tank is more easily siphoned off to create an optimally healthy environment. When I look at my tanks, the only decoration I want to see is happy, healthy schools of beautiful discus. 

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