Who Gives A Fish Forums

For real, CO2 is sketchy with Discus. I run mine super low, like 1 bubble per second, and even then I watch 'em like a hawk. What's your drop checker showing?


Yep, same here. Mine's at 1 bps with a lime green drop checker. Anything darker and they start acting off. How's your surface agitation ...

Yo, my Discus pulled the same stunt last month. Turned out the lighting was too bright after I swapped bulbs. They chilled once I dimmed it. What's your setup like? LED or T5? Also, check if the roots are dense enough for them to feel safe.


That's a solid point. I've got a Finnex LED running 8 ...

One more thing—unplug any non-essential equipment like wave makers or UV sterilizers to reduce failure risks. And maybe leave a detailed note for emergency contacts, just in case. My tank's 65 gallons, with a sponge filter backup. Peace of mind goes a long way.

Yeah, the tubing trick works great. My rasboras also love hanging out under the Frogbit when they're feeling shy. It's like their little hideout.

My rasboras go nuts for floating plants like Frogbit. They provide shade and the roots give the fish something to explore. Plus, they're easy to manage, just scoop out the extras when they multiply too much.

Seconding the oxygen thing. I had this issue in my 90 gallon until I added a second sponge filter. Now they swim mid-level like they're supposed to. Also, what's your pH? Discus can get weird if it's too high or fluctuating.

Let us know how it goes. I'd bet your Discus will perk up in a week or so. Oh, and if you're ever in doubt, just remember, happy fish = happy life. Keep it simple, keep it clean.

Solid black backgrounds are often recommended for Discus tanks. They help the fish stand out and reduce stress by minimizing reflections. Your setup sounds good, but ensure the lighting isn't too bright. I use a low-intensity LED bar for 8 hours a day. Also, consider adding floating plants like ...

Could be a combo of things. I'd start with a deep clean of the filter and substrate. Then maybe add some Seachem Stability to boost the beneficial bacteria. Also, how often do you clean the glass? Algae buildup can contribute to a murky look.

Re: Nitrogen cycle won't start

Daily water changes and vacuums are also a major obstacle to the cycle.

You see, by doing these water changes, you're essentially removing the waste that's supposed to break down into ammonia and other compounds, which in turn feed the nitrifying bacteria. It's like ...