Who Gives A Fish Forums

Vitaly wrote: ↑Thu May 22, 2025 5:39 pm Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try cutting back to once a day and see how he does. Appreciate the help!

No problem! Let us know how it goes. If the bloating persists, it might be worth checking your water params too, just in case.

Twice a day is fine, but bloating suggests overfeeding. Try cutting back to once a day or smaller portions. Bettas have tiny stomachs, about the size of their eye. Also, consider fasting them one day a week to prevent digestive issues.

gold wrote: ↑Wed May 07, 2025 1:19 pm yo, just toss in some indian almond leaves. keeps the water tannin-y, helps 'em relax. works for my wild-caught guys.

Good call on the leaves. Just watch the pH—they can drop it further if you overdo it. My tap's already soft, so I only use a couple at a time.

Agreed on the medicated food route. Also, dim the lights during treatment. Discus are skittish under bright light, especially when they're not feeling great. My 90 gallon has a dimmer, and it's a game-changer.

Breeding cones work, but they're not a must. I've had success with smooth slate or even the tank glass. Just gotta be careful when moving the eggs.

What's your tank's ammonia level? Even trace amounts can wipe out fry. Test daily, and consider adding a bit of Seachem Prime to detoxify any ammonia spikes. Also, are you using a sponge filter? They're safer for fry than power filters.

Mine are at 82°F. 40 gallon, sponge filter, no plants. They're small, maybe 2 inches. Not growing fast. Feeding flakes once a day. Should I raise the temp?


Definitely raise it. Juveniles need 86°F to grow properly. Also, upgrade to a bigger tank soon, 40 gallons is tight for discus long-term ...

Weekly changes might be cutting it too close. Juveniles benefit from more frequent changes, like murse said. I do 70% twice a week in my 125 gallon, temp locked at 86°F. They're showing better color and appetite since I tightened the routine. Also, what's your pH? Discus prefer it under 7.0.

Conditioning is key. Beef heart's great, but mix in some live blackworms if you can. They're pricey but worth it. What's your tank's footprint? A 40-gallon's good, but make sure it's long rather than tall. Discus prefer horizontal space for spawning.

Re: Salt Question
My answer would be no. I'm not too sure about pool salt, but I do know table salt has iodine, which isn't good for aquariums. I stick to aquarium salt from the pet store, if I ever need it. To be honest, I don't add salt to my tank. I tried following the label once, but my discus ...