why my discus has white poop?

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hanksid
Posts: 11
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2023 5:39 am

why my discus has white poop?

Post by hanksid »

My discus has been pooping white stringy stuff for the past two days. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank is 75 gallons, temp at 84F, running a Fluval FX6. Been feeding them frozen bloodworms and beef heart mix twice a day. Anyone know what's up?
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thart
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Mar 22, 2024 11:07 pm

Re: why my discus has white poop?

Post by thart »

White poop in discus is often a sign of internal parasites like hexamita or spironucleus. Have you noticed any other symptoms like loss of appetite, clamped fins, or weight loss? I'd recommend treating with Metroplex mixed into their food. Also, increase water changes to 50% daily for a week to reduce stress. What's your current water change schedule?
Lodgemaker
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2022 5:42 am

Re: why my discus has white poop?

Post by Lodgemaker »

Yo, sounds sketchy. My boy had the same thing last month. I cut the beef heart for a bit, stuck to pellets, and it cleared up. Maybe too much rich food messes with their guts. How old's your discus?
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Lyn
Posts: 10
Joined: Sat May 07, 2022 5:00 am

Re: why my discus has white poop?

Post by Lyn »

I've seen this before. It could be stress from recent tank changes. Did you add new fish or move decor around? Also, what's your lighting schedule? Too much light can stress them out. Mine chill better with dimmer lights.
hanksid
Posts: 11
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2023 5:39 am

Re: why my discus has white poop?

Post by hanksid »

thart wrote: Mon May 19, 2025 8:42 am White poop in discus is often a sign of internal parasites like hexamita or spironucleus. Have you noticed any other symptoms like loss of appetite, clamped fins, or weight loss? I'd recommend treating with Metroplex mixed into their food. Also, increase water changes to 50% daily for a week to reduce stress. What's your current water change schedule?
Thanks for the advice. No other symptoms yet, but I'll grab some Metroplex. I do 30% water changes twice a week. Should I bump it up?
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thart
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Joined: Fri Mar 22, 2024 11:07 pm

Re: why my discus has white poop?

Post by thart »

Yes, definitely increase water changes to 50% daily while treating. Parasites thrive in dirty water. Also, consider adding a UV sterilizer to your FX6 if this keeps happening. What's your substrate? Bare bottom is easier to keep clean for discus.
Lodgemaker
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2022 5:42 am

Re: why my discus has white poop?

Post by Lodgemaker »

Lyn wrote: Mon May 19, 2025 11:36 am I've seen this before. It could be stress from recent tank changes. Did you add new fish or move decor around? Also, what's your lighting schedule? Too much light can stress them out. Mine chill better with dimmer lights.
For real, lights matter. I run mine 6 hours max. You got plants? Too many can mess with the vibe.
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Lyn
Posts: 10
Joined: Sat May 07, 2022 5:00 am

Re: why my discus has white poop?

Post by Lyn »

Bare bottom tanks are easier, but if you've got sand, just vacuum it well during water changes. Also, what's your filter media? Old sponges can harbor bad stuff. Swap 'em out if they're past their prime.
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