discus tank ph crash recovery
-
Dock - Posts: 8
- Joined: Sat Oct 01, 2022 9:06 pm
discus tank ph crash recovery
My tank's pH crashed overnight from 6.8 to 5.2, and my Discus are stressed. Running a 75-gallon with sand substrate, planted, and a Fluval FX6. Did a 50% water change, but they're still hiding. Any quick fixes?
-
3monkeys - Posts: 15
- Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:40 am
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
First, test your KH. If it's below 2, that's the culprit. Add crushed coral in a media bag to your filter to stabilize it. Also, check your CO2 levels if you're running injected. How often do you water change?
-
guyah - Posts: 10
- Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 4:40 pm
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Yep, crushed coral is a lifesaver. I'd also cut back on CO2 if you're blasting it. What's your lighting schedule? Too much light can mess with plants and CO2 balance.
-
Lion - Posts: 11
- Joined: Wed Aug 14, 2024 2:24 am
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Had this happen last year. My tap water's KH was sketchy low. Started mixing in RO with a remineralizer, and problem solved. What's your tap KH?
-
Dock - Posts: 8
- Joined: Sat Oct 01, 2022 9:06 pm
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Thanks, all. Tap KH is 1, so that's probably it. Gonna grab some coral today. They're perking up after the water change, but still not eating.
-
Ticgo - Posts: 16
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:33 pm
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Glad they're improving! Try offering live blackworms if they're refusing pellets. Mine go nuts for 'em after stress. Also, dim the lights for a bit—helps 'em chill.
-
Fuegoz - Posts: 15
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:42 pm
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Yo, same thing happened to my crew. Crushed coral fixed it in like two days. Also, check your filter media—sometimes it goes acidic if you don't rinse it enough.
-
Lyn - Posts: 15
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2022 5:00 am
-
Jester - Posts: 5
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:03 pm
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Monitor the pH daily now. If it swings again, consider a buffering substrate like ADA Amazonia. It's pricey but keeps things stable.
-
Lionheart - Posts: 8
- Joined: Thu Oct 27, 2022 4:53 pm
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Agree with the coral advice. Also, avoid overfeeding while they recover. Excess food can lower pH further.