Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm cheap and use Tetra strips. Yeah, they're not lab-grade, but for a quick check on my 40-gallon, they're fine. Discus are healthy, water changes every 5 days. If something seems off, I'll double-check with API.


Strips can be hit or miss, but glad it's working for you. Just keep an eye on ...

Or they're just being jerks. Some discus have a weird vibe like that. Mine nipped at everything until I rearranged the tank. Maybe they're just territorial. How many do you have in there?


I agree with the territorial angle. Had a pair that got aggressive with plants when they were spawning ...

Agree with Cleanse on flow. My Discus hated strong currents until I added driftwood to break it up. How's your lighting schedule? Mine do better with 8 hours max, dimmed LED. Also, what's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can mess with water quality fast.

If you're set on keeping both, try rearranging the tank decor before adding the Discus. Breaks up territories and might reduce aggression. How's your feeding routine? Discus need variety, not just flakes. Beef heart mix works wonders.

I agree with silverbob on the water changes. Discus are super sensitive to nitrates. Also, make sure you've got plenty of hiding spots. Driftwood and tall plants like Amazon Swords help them feel secure. How's your lighting? Too bright can stress them out.

I agree with Deepsea about feeding. Also, have you tested your tap water? Sometimes there's ammonia in there straight from the source. A good conditioner like Seachem Prime can help neutralize it.