discus tank heater placement tips

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Dapper
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:44 pm

discus tank heater placement tips

Post by Dapper »

Just set up a 75 gallon tank for my Discus and wondering about heater placement. Got two 200W heaters but not sure if they should be on opposite sides or together near the filter. Anyone got tips?
lyaka
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:16 pm

Re: discus tank heater placement tips

Post by lyaka »

Opposite sides is the way to go. It ensures even heat distribution, especially in a tank that size. I've got a 90 gallon with two 200W heaters on each end, and my Discus are thriving. What's your water temp right now?
Dapper
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:44 pm

Re: discus tank heater placement tips

Post by Dapper »

lyaka wrote: Fri May 23, 2025 6:29 pm Opposite sides is the way to go. It ensures even heat distribution, especially in a tank that size. I've got a 90 gallon with two 200W heaters on each end, and my Discus are thriving. What's your water temp right now?
Thanks! Temp's at 82°F, but it fluctuates a bit. Gonna try your setup.
mole
Posts: 12
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:09 pm

Re: discus tank heater placement tips

Post by mole »

Yep, opposite sides for sure. Also, make sure they're near water flow, like by the filter output. Helps circulate the heat. What kind of filter you running?
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Playful
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 12:42 am

Re: discus tank heater placement tips

Post by Playful »

I've got a similar setup, 75 gallon with a canister filter. Placed one heater near the intake and the other by the output. Temp stays steady at 84°F. How often you doing water changes?
boldo
Posts: 11
Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2022 10:04 am

Re: discus tank heater placement tips

Post by boldo »

Heater placement is critical for Discus. They're sensitive to temp swings. I'd recommend a backup thermometer too, just in case. What's your substrate? Sand can affect heat distribution.
Gizmo
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2023 9:56 pm

Re: discus tank heater placement tips

Post by Gizmo »

Mine are on the same side, but now I'm rethinking it. They're near the filter, but the other side of the tank feels cooler. Maybe I'll move one. What heater brand you using?
Foldo
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:04 pm

Re: discus tank heater placement tips

Post by Foldo »

I've had success with heaters near the bottom, angled slightly upward. Helps with circulation. Also, avoid direct contact with decor or glass. How old are your Discus?
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julian
Posts: 36
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2022 5:02 am

Re: discus tank heater placement tips

Post by julian »

Heaters on opposite sides, but make sure they're not too close to the glass. Had one crack once, sketchy vibe. You got any tankmates with your Discus?
butteredBiscuit
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2022 11:44 am

Re: discus tank heater placement tips

Post by butteredBiscuit »

julian wrote: Sat May 24, 2025 3:00 am Heaters on opposite sides, but make sure they're not too close to the glass. Had one crack once, sketchy vibe. You got any tankmates with your Discus?
Yikes, that's rough. I keep mine with some tetras and corys. They chill together fine.
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