discus breeding water parameters

[Wind]

What's the ideal water temp for breeding Discus? My pair's in a 55g, pH 6.5, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate, but they're not spawning. Using RO water with a TDS of 100, temp at 84°F. Tankmates are 6 cardinal tetras and a bristlenose pleco. Substrate is bare bottom, sponge filter, and a 200W heater. Feeding beef heart mix twice daily.

[boldo]

84°F is good, but try bumping it to 86°F. Discus often need warmer water to trigger spawning. Also, check your KH—soft water below 3 dKH helps. I've had success with daily 20% water changes using RO mixed with a bit of tap to stabilize minerals. What's your lighting schedule? Dim lighting for 6-8 hours can mimic their natural environment.

[Dubson]

84°F is good, but try bumping it to 86°F. Discus often need warmer water to trigger spawning. Also, check your KH—soft water below 3 dKH helps. I've had success with daily 20% water changes using RO mixed with a bit of tap to stabilize minerals. What's your lighting schedule? Dim lighting for 6-8 hours can mimic their natural environment.

Yep, totally agree. My pair didn't spawn till I cranked the heat to 86°F and dropped the KH to 2. Also, try adding some almond leaves—gives 'em a weird vibe they dig. I use a 75g with a canister filter, temp at 86°F, pH 6.2, and they're laying eggs every two weeks now.

[Jager]

Lighting's key too. I run a 12-hour cycle with a 2-hour dimming period at dawn/dusk. Discus are less stressed with gradual changes. Tank's a 60g, temp 85°F, pH 6.4, TDS 120. Sponge and canister filters, no substrate. Feed live blackworms once a week to condition them. Also, make sure your water changes are consistent—fluctuations can mess with their rhythm.

[kicks]

yo, my discus only spawned when i cut the nitrates to 5 ppm. try adding more plants or upping water changes. i do 30% daily in my 40g breeder, temp 87°F, pH 6.3. no tankmates, just the pair. they're chillin' now, laying eggs every 10 days. also, beef heart's good but toss in some frozen brine shrimp for variety.

[Magus]

How old are your Discus? Younger pairs might take longer to spawn. Mine didn't start till they were 18 months old. Tank's a 50g, temp 85°F, pH 6.5, TDS 150. I use a mix of RO and tap, with a KH of 2. Sponge filter only, and I feed a mix of beef heart, flakes, and freeze-dried tubifex. Lighting's on for 10 hours with a gradual ramp-up.

[Coralite]

yo, my discus only spawned when i cut the nitrates to 5 ppm. try adding more plants or upping water changes. i do 30% daily in my 40g breeder, temp 87°F, pH 6.3. no tankmates, just the pair. they're chillin' now, laying eggs every 10 days. also, beef heart's good but toss in some frozen brine shrimp for variety.

Same here! Nitrates above 10 ppm stalled my pair for months. Now I run a heavily planted 55g, temp 86°F, pH 6.4, and nitrates stay below 5 ppm. Water changes every other day, 25%. They've spawned three times in two months. Also, try a darker background—seems to make 'em feel safer.

[Vista]

Has anyone tried lowering the pH further? Mine spawned at pH 6.0, temp 85°F, TDS 80. Tank's a 75g with a sump, bare bottom, and driftwood. I feed a mix of frozen bloodworms and pellets. Lighting's on for 8 hours with a 1-hour dim period. Also, make sure your water changes are same temp—shocks can stress 'em out.

[TankWarrior]

Consistency's everything. My pair didn't spawn till I nailed down a strict routine: 50% water changes every Monday and Thursday, temp 86°F, pH 6.3. Tank's a 65g, TDS 100, no substrate. I use a canister filter and a powerhead for flow. Feed them four times a day—beef heart, flakes, and live brine shrimp. They've been spawning like clockwork for six months now.

[Fantom]

Don't overlook tankmates. My pair stopped spawning when I added tetras. Removed 'em, and bam—eggs within a week. Tank's a 50g, temp 85°F, pH 6.2, TDS 90. Bare bottom, sponge filter, and a single piece of driftwood. I feed a mix of frozen foods and pellets, with garlic guard twice a week. Lighting's on for 10 hours, but dimmed for the last two.