discus fry survival rate tips

Chat about all things related to Discus, from purchasing to breeding and everything in between. One of the most beautiful species in the hobby
Post Reply
User avatar
Craftsman
Posts: 23
Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2022 8:45 am

discus fry survival rate tips

Post by Craftsman »

My discus fry survival rate is pretty low, maybe 30%. I've got a 40 gallon tank, sponge filter, temp at 84F, doing 50% water changes daily. Feeding them baby brine shrimp 4 times a day. Any tips to bump those numbers up?
Luxury
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Dec 18, 2023 2:58 pm

Re: discus fry survival rate tips

Post by Luxury »

You're on the right track with the water changes and feeding. What's your water hardness? Discus fry thrive in soft water, around 50-100 ppm. Also, try adding some Indian almond leaves to mimic their natural habitat. It's a game changer for stress levels.
User avatar
Blaze
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2024 10:31 pm

Re: discus fry survival rate tips

Post by Blaze »

Dude, 30% ain't bad for starters. My first batch was like 10%, lol. Maybe cut the lights a bit? Fry are sketchy with too much brightness. And yeah, almond leaves are legit.
User avatar
raid
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2022 5:19 am

Re: discus fry survival rate tips

Post by raid »

Check your ammonia levels. Even slight spikes can wipe out fry. Also, make sure the sponge filter isn't too strong, they can't handle heavy flow.
User avatar
joshito
Posts: 20
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2022 12:46 pm

Re: discus fry survival rate tips

Post by joshito »

Yo, try mixing in some microworms with the brine shrimp. Gives 'em variety and they go nuts for it. Also, keep the tank bare bottom, easier to clean and less chance of nasties building up.
User avatar
Craftsman
Posts: 23
Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2022 8:45 am

Re: discus fry survival rate tips

Post by Craftsman »

Luxury wrote: Sun May 11, 2025 10:08 pm You're on the right track with the water changes and feeding. What's your water hardness? Discus fry thrive in soft water, around 50-100 ppm. Also, try adding some Indian almond leaves to mimic their natural habitat. It's a game changer for stress levels.
Thanks, I'll test the hardness today. Forgot about the almond leaves, gonna grab some.
Luxury
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Dec 18, 2023 2:58 pm

Re: discus fry survival rate tips

Post by Luxury »

Glad to help. Another thing, if you're using tap water, let it sit for 24 hours before adding to the tank. Chlorine is a silent killer for fry.
User avatar
Blaze
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2024 10:31 pm

Re: discus fry survival rate tips

Post by Blaze »

joshito wrote: Mon May 12, 2025 12:42 am Yo, try mixing in some microworms with the brine shrimp. Gives 'em variety and they go nuts for it. Also, keep the tank bare bottom, easier to clean and less chance of nasties building up.
Microworms are clutch, man. And yeah, bare bottom is the way to go. No debate.
User avatar
raid
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2022 5:19 am

Re: discus fry survival rate tips

Post by raid »

Also, keep an eye on the parents. Sometimes they'll eat the fry if they're stressed. Separate them if you notice any aggression.
User avatar
joshito
Posts: 20
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2022 12:46 pm

Re: discus fry survival rate tips

Post by joshito »

True that. Parents can be sketchy. If you're gonna leave 'em in, make sure they're well fed. Hungry discus turn into jerks real quick.
Post Reply