Why is my discus hiding in corners?

[darksage]

My discus have been hiding in the corners of the tank for the past few days. They're in a 75-gallon tank with a sand substrate, some driftwood, and a few Amazon swords. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Temp is steady at 84°F, and I do 30% water changes twice a week. They're about 4 inches, and I feed them a mix of frozen bloodworms and pellets. Tankmates are just a few tetras. Any ideas why they're acting like this?

[juicebox]

Could be stress from the tetras. Even if they're peaceful, discus can get spooked easily. How many tetras are in there? Also, what's the lighting like? Bright lights might make them feel exposed. Try dimming it a bit or adding more plants for cover.

[Lavida]

Hey, my discus did the same thing when I first got them. Turns out they just needed time to chill. How long you had yours? If it's recent, they might still be adjusting. Also, check if the filter flow's too strong. Mine hated the current at first.

[PureAddict]

Hey, my discus did the same thing when I first got them. Turns out they just needed time to chill. How long you had yours? If it's recent, they might still be adjusting. Also, check if the filter flow's too strong. Mine hated the current at first.

For real, flow can mess with 'em. I switched to a sponge filter, and my discus stopped hiding. What kinda filter you running, darksage?

[kayzer]

Mine did this when the pH dropped too low. You mentioned params are good, but did you check pH recently? Discus like it stable around 6.5–7.0. Also, any new decor or changes to the tank? Even moving stuff around can stress them out.

[WiseLynx]

Discus are sensitive to noise and vibrations. Is the tank near a high-traffic area or loud appliances? Even a washing machine nearby can make them skittish. Also, how's their appetite? If they're eating fine, it's probably just temporary stress.

[foxcape]

Mine did this when the pH dropped too low. You mentioned params are good, but did you check pH recently? Discus like it stable around 6.5–7.0. Also, any new decor or changes to the tank? Even moving stuff around can stress them out.

pH is a sneaky one. My tap water's pH swings like crazy, so I buffer it now. Darksage, you using RO or tap? And yeah, any recent changes? Even a new air stone can bother them.

[darksage]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I've had them for about 3 months, so not super new. Filter's a canister, but I'll check the flow. pH is 6.8, and I use tap with Prime. No recent changes, but I'll try dimming the lights and adding more plants. Appreciate the help!

[juicebox]

Glad to help. If the canister's output is too strong, you can point it at the glass or add a spray bar to diffuse the flow. Also, keep an eye on the tetras sometimes they nip without you noticing. Let us know how it goes.

[Lavida]

Yep, canisters can be brutal. I switched to a sponge and never looked back. Also, try feeding 'em near the front for a few days. Might help teh fish associate you with food instead of hiding. Works like a charm for shy fish.