is co2 safe for discus tanks?

[soup]

Thinking about adding co2 to my 75 gallon discus tank. They're all around 4 inches, been in there for about 6 months. Tankmates are 10 cardinal tetras and a pair of rams. Running a Fluval 407 canister, sand substrate, and some Amazon swords. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Temp's at 84F. Anyone got experience with co2 and discus? Heard mixed things.

[blueguy]

Co2 can be safe if you're careful. I've run it in my 120 gallon discus tank for years. Key is to keep the co2 levels stable, around 20-30 ppm. Use a drop checker to monitor. My setup has a planted tank with driftwood, and I do 50% water changes twice a week. Discus are sensitive to ph swings, so make sure your kh is at least 3-4 to buffer. Also, introduce co2 slowly over a week or two.

[murse]

I've never used co2 with my discus. Always worried it might stress them out. They're in a 55 gallon with pool filter sand, a few anubias, and a sponge filter. Temp's at 82F, and I do 30% water changes every 3 days. Feeding them beef heart mix and flakes. Anyone else avoid co2 for this reason?

[Lion]

Co2 can be safe if you're careful. I've run it in my 120 gallon discus tank for years. Key is to keep the co2 levels stable, around 20-30 ppm. Use a drop checker to monitor. My setup has a planted tank with driftwood, and I do 50% water changes twice a week. Discus are sensitive to ph swings, so make sure your kh is at least 3-4 to buffer. Also, introduce co2 slowly over a week or two.

Yep, stability's the name of the game. I run co2 in my 90 gallon, but I had to dial it in real slow. Started at 1 bubble per second, now at 2. Discus are chill with it, but I've got a ton of plants to help with oxygen. Also, keep an eye on your fish's breathing. If they're gasping, cut the co2.

[sunsets]

Co2's totally safe if you do it right. My discus are in a 100 gallon with co2, and they're thriving. I've got a mix of vals, swords, and crypts. Running a co2 art regulator with a diffuser, and I check levels daily. Water changes are 40% weekly, and I use Seachem Prime. Temp's at 83F. Just make sure you're not overdoing it, and you'll be golden.

[Hued]

Thinking about adding co2 to my 75 gallon discus tank. They're all around 4 inches, been in there for about 6 months. Tankmates are 10 cardinal tetras and a pair of rams. Running a Fluval 407 canister, sand substrate, and some Amazon swords. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Temp's at 84F. Anyone got experience with co2 and discus? Heard mixed things.

Honestly, I'd skip it unless you're super into plants. Discus are already high-maintenance, and co2 adds another layer of complexity. My 65 gallon's low-tech with just some java fern and moss, and the fish are doing great. Less stuff to mess with, y'know?

[soup]

Thanks for the input, everyone. Gonna start slow if I decide to go for it. Appreciate the advice on stability and monitoring.

[blueguy]

One more thing, soup. Make sure your surface agitation is good. I run a small powerhead pointed at the surface to keep oxygen levels up. Co2 can lower oxygen, especially at night when plants aren't photosynthesizing. My discus are active and eating well, so it's working for me.

[Lion]

Thinking about adding co2 to my 75 gallon discus tank. They're all around 4 inches, been in there for about 6 months. Tankmates are 10 cardinal tetras and a pair of rams. Running a Fluval 407 canister, sand substrate, and some Amazon swords. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Temp's at 84F. Anyone got experience with co2 and discus? Heard mixed things.

Honestly, I'd skip it unless you're super into plants. Discus are already high-maintenance, and co2 adds another layer of complexity. My 65 gallon's low-tech with just some java fern and moss, and the fish are doing great. Less stuff to mess with, y'know?

Fair point, but if you're up for the challenge, it's worth it. My tank's a showstopper with the plants and discus together. Just gotta stay on top of maintenance. I test water every other day and adjust co2 as needed.

[sunsets]

Agree with blueguy on surface agitation. I've got a spray bar on my canister filter to keep things moving. Also, if you're dosing ferts, go easy. Discus don't like high nitrates, so I stick to half doses. My plants are still growing like crazy, and the fish are happy.