discus breeding pair separation

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pioneer
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Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 11:01 pm

discus breeding pair separation

Post by pioneer »

My Discus pair started fighting after laying eggs. Should I separate them or let them work it out? Tank is 55 gallons, temp at 84F, pH 6.5, with sponge filter and driftwood. They've been together for 8 months.
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metal
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Re: discus breeding pair separation

Post by metal »

If they're getting aggressive, it's best to separate them temporarily. I've seen pairs chill out after a break. Keep the male in the main tank and move the female to a 20-gallon with similar params. Feed them bloodworms and beef heart to reduce stress.
tyrny
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Re: discus breeding pair separation

Post by tyrny »

Yep, gotta cut the tension. My pair went full WWE last year. Split 'em for a week, then reintroduced with a divider. Worked like a charm. Tankmates are tetras, right? They might be adding to the weird vibe.
guppy
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Re: discus breeding pair separation

Post by guppy »

metal wrote: Mon Jun 02, 2025 10:57 pm If they're getting aggressive, it's best to separate them temporarily. I've seen pairs chill out after a break. Keep the male in the main tank and move the female to a 20-gallon with similar params. Feed them bloodworms and beef heart to reduce stress.
Agreed. Also, check ammonia and nitrites daily during separation. Even small spikes can mess with their mood.
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pioneer
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Re: discus breeding pair separation

Post by pioneer »

Thanks for the advice. I'll set up the 20-gallon tonight. Should I keep the lights dimmed?
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metal
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Re: discus breeding pair separation

Post by metal »

Dim lighting helps, yeah. And if you've got floating plants like frogbit, toss some in. They'll make her feel safer. How often are you doing water changes? Daily 10% might help too.
tyrny
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Re: discus breeding pair separation

Post by tyrny »

Ditch the bright lights, man. My Discus hate 'em when they're stressed. Also, crank the temp to 86F if she's not eating. Works every time.
guppy
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Re: discus breeding pair separation

Post by guppy »

tyrny wrote: Tue Jun 03, 2025 3:12 am Ditch the bright lights, man. My Discus hate 'em when they're stressed. Also, crank the temp to 86F if she's not eating. Works every time.
Just don't go over 86F for more than a day or two. Higher temps can mess with their oxygen uptake. What's your current feeding schedule?
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