Who Gives A Fish Forums

Your driftwood's probably leaching acids like crazy. Either boil it for a week or yank it. My pH was a rollercoaster till I nuked the wood. Now it's just almond leaves and coral, chill at 6.7.


Disagree—driftwood's fine if you prep it right. Soak it for a month, change water daily. Mine's in a ...

I've heard some folks say you can use Prime to detoxify nitrites too. Anyone tried that? I've got a nitrite issue in my 55-gallon and wondering if it's worth a shot.


Yeah, it works for nitrites, but it's not a long-term fix. You still gotta figure out why your cycle's messed up. Prime just buys ...

I've had luck with Amazon Swords in my low-tech tank. They're big, so maybe not ideal for a 20-gallon, but they don't need CO2. Just root tabs and decent lighting. My Betta loves hiding in the leaves.


Yeah, Swords can work in a 20-gallon if you trim the leaves regularly. Just don't let them ...

Yeah, Crypts are great. I've got some in my 30-gallon with sand substrate. They've been growing fine without CO2, just occasional liquid ferts. Also, try Hornwort. It's a floater but can be planted, and it grows like crazy even in low light.

If nitrates are still sketchy after tweaks, test your tap water. Mine's got 10ppm straight from the faucet. Had to switch to RO mix to solve my nitrate woes.

I've bred Discus in a 55-gallon and it worked great. The extra space lets them chill without crowding. I do 30% water changes daily with RO water, temp at 84°F. Also, keep the tank bare-bottom for easier cleaning.

Sounds like Hexamita, a common parasite in Discus. Your setup seems solid, but I'd recommend adding Metroplex to the food. Also, bump up the temp to 86°F for a week. What's your nitrate level? High nitrates can weaken their immune system.


Thanks for the advice. Nitrates are around 20 ppm ...

I had the same issue last year. Tried upping the temp and adding garlic to their food, but it didn't cut it. Ended up using API General Cure, and the holes healed in about two weeks. How old are your fish? Younger Discus seem more prone to this.

I switched from a HOB to a canister last year and honestly, the difference wasn't huge. The HOB was easier to clean, too. Unless you're planning to heavily stock the tank, I'd stick with what you've got.

Gravel's sketchy for Discus, man. Traps way too much gunk unless you're vacuuming daily. I switched to pool filter sand after my last batch got fin rot, and it's been smooth sailing. Tank's at 82°F, weekly 40% changes, and I dose with Seachem Flourish for the Amazon swords.