ideal temp for discus comfort

[oizeT]

What's the best temp to keep my discus happy? Got a 75 gallon tank, sand substrate, and a Fluval heater set at 84°F. They seem okay but sometimes hide behind the driftwood. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Tankmates are 6 cardinal tetras and 2 bristlenose plecos. Feeding them frozen bloodworms and flakes twice a day. Wondering if I should tweak the temp.

[swiftly]

84°F is a solid starting point, but discus can thrive in a range. I keep mine at 82–86°F depending on their mood. Got a 120 gallon with CO2 injection, planted with Amazon swords. They're more active at higher temps but watch for stress if you crank it up too fast. What's your water change routine? Stability's key.

[murse]

Mine are at 85°F in a 55 gallon barebottom. Easier to clean. They're juveniles, about 3 inches, and growing fast. I do 50% water changes every other day with RO water. Temp swings freak them out, so I drip-acclimate new water. Heater's an Eheim Jager, reliable so far.

[novate]

Yo, 84°F is chill but bump it to 86°F if they're hiding. My crew perks up when it's toastier. Got a 100 gallon with blackwater setup, almond leaves, the whole vibe. They're paired with rummynose tetras, which dig the heat too. Just don't let the temp yo-yo, or they'll get sketchy.

[vital]

Agree with swiftly on stability. I run 85°F in my 180 gallon, heavy planting, and a sump. Discus are adults, 5–6 inches, and breed at this temp. Key is matching your routine to their needs. How old are yours, oizeT? Juveniles need warmer water to grow out properly.

[oizeT]

Thanks for the tips. Mine are around 4 inches, not sure on age. Got them from a local breeder 3 months ago. I do 30% water changes weekly, but might up it if that's not enough. Heater's got a 0.5°F variance, so it's pretty steady.

[leemike]

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.

[pureride]

Dude, 84°F is fine but crank it if they're shy. My discus are in a 90 gallon with pool filter sand and a bunch of driftwood. Temp's at 87°F, and they're straight-up vibing. Fed beef heart mix daily, and they're beefy. Just don't let the nitrates creep past 20 ppm, or they'll sulk.

[raid]

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?

[Lena]

Yeah, raid, bump it to 85°F. Small tanks heat up fast, so watch for swings. I keep my 50 gallon at 84°F with a backup heater. Discus are picky about consistency. Also, try feeding more, like twice a day with variety. They'll grow better.