Discus fry growth rate issues

[rayon]

My Discus fry aren't growing like they should. Got 'em about 3 weeks ago, and they're still tiny. Tank's a 40-gallon breeder, temp at 86°F, pH 6.8, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate under 10ppm. Feeding 5x a day with crushed flakes and baby brine shrimp. Water changes every other day, 30%. What's the deal?

[blueguy]

Sounds like your water params are solid, but fry need more than just clean water. Are you using a sponge filter? High flow can stress them. Also, try adding more protein—beef heart paste or Hikari First Bites. I've seen fry stall if they're not getting enough fat.

[keeper]

My Discus fry aren't growing like they should. Got 'em about 3 weeks ago, and they're still tiny. Tank's a 40-gallon breeder, temp at 86°F, pH 6.8, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate under 10ppm. Feeding 5x a day with crushed flakes and baby brine shrimp. Water changes every other day, 30%. What's the deal?

How many fry are in there? Overcrowding can slow growth. I'd also bump water changes to daily, 50%. More fresh water = more growth hormones.

[turret]

Agree with blueguy on the diet. Flakes aren't gonna cut it for fry. Beef heart or frozen bloodworms ground up fine. Also, check your light cycle—12 hours max. Too much light can stress 'em out.

[rayon]

Thanks for the tips, y'all. Gonna try beef heart and up the water changes. There's about 20 fry in there, sponge filter only. Lights are on 10 hours. I'll report back.

[knight]

20 fry in 40 gallons is fine, but yeah, diet's the key. I've had luck with Repashy SuperGold too. Mix it thin so the tiny ones can eat it. Also, double-check your temp—86°F is good, but fluctuations can mess with growth.

[masterd]

Weird vibe, but are the parents still in there? Sometimes they stress the fry. Also, try adding some almond leaves—helps with the water and gives 'em hiding spots.

[garden]

Sounds like your water params are solid, but fry need more than just clean water. Are you using a sponge filter? High flow can stress them. Also, try adding more protein—beef heart paste or Hikari First Bites. I've seen fry stall if they're not getting enough fat.

Yep, protein's huge. I'd skip the flakes entirely. Baby brine shrimp alone is better than flakes. And yeah, sponge filter or nothing for fry.

[Suntech]

The temperature should be consistent. Check your heater's accuracy. A 1°F drop overnight can slow metabolism. Also, consider a black background—reduces stress.