setting up a discus breeding tank

[sunsets]

I'm planning to set up a breeding tank for my Discus and wanna make sure I get it right. Got a 40-gallon tank, sponge filter, and a heater set to 84°F. Substrate is bare bottom for now, but I'm thinking about adding some driftwood. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Anyone got tips on pairing or conditioning? Gonna feed them beef heart and frozen bloodworms.

[Olive]

Bare bottom is a solid choice for breeding, makes cleanup easier. I'd recommend keeping the pH around 6.5, soft water works best. Pairing can be tricky, but if you've got a group, they'll usually pair off naturally. Watch for aggression, though. What's your water change routine? Frequent changes help stimulate spawning.

[luxe]

Yo, I've had success with a similar setup. Driftwood's a vibe, just make sure it's boiled first to avoid tannins messing with your params. Beef heart's clutch for conditioning, but don't overdo it. How often you gonna do water changes? I do 50% every other day when prepping for spawn.

[Swiftsea]

I'd skip the driftwood if you're going bare bottom. It's easier to maintain pristine water without it. Pairing is hit or miss, but if you've got a group, let them choose. What's your lighting schedule? I keep mine on 12 hours, dimmed to reduce stress.

[Sand]

Yo, I've had success with a similar setup. Driftwood's a vibe, just make sure it's boiled first to avoid tannins messing with your params. Beef heart's clutch for conditioning, but don't overdo it. How often you gonna do water changes? I do 50% every other day when prepping for spawn.

I agree with the water changes, but tannins ain't always bad. Some folks swear by 'em for mimicking natural habitat. Just gotta keep it consistent.

[leemike]

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.

[Lyn]

I'm new to this, but why 84°F? Is that the ideal temp for breeding? My tank's at 82°F, and I've got a pair that's been hanging out together. Should I bump it up?

[sunsets]

I'm new to this, but why 84°F? Is that the ideal temp for breeding? My tank's at 82°F, and I've got a pair that's been hanging out together. Should I bump it up?

Yeah, 84°F mimics their natural spawning conditions. Bumping it up might encourage them.

[Olive]

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.

Spot on about the footprint. A 40-gallon breeder tank's perfect. Also, keep an eye on the pair's behavior. If they're cleaning a surface, that's a good sign.

[luxe]

Aight, so no driftwood for now. What about plants? I've seen some breeders use Java fern or Anubias. They're low-maintenance and won't mess with your water. You got any in there, sunsets?