best discus tank filter media

[Boldy]

What's the best filter media for a Discus tank? I've got a 75 gallon with 6 adults, sand substrate, and a Fluval FX6. Been using ceramic rings and sponge but wanna know if there's something better. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrates around 10 ppm. Temp's at 84F, weekly 50% water changes. Any upgrades y'all recommend?

[Lardy]

Ceramic rings are solid for bio filtration, but you could add Seachem Matrix or BioHome Ultimate. They've got way more surface area for beneficial bacteria. I run Matrix in my sump with a 100 gallon, 8 Discus, and nitrates stay under 5 ppm. Also, toss in some filter floss for mechanical, cuts down on debris between water changes.

[Misty]

Ceramic rings are solid for bio filtration, but you could add Seachem Matrix or BioHome Ultimate. They've got way more surface area for beneficial bacteria. I run Matrix in my sump with a 100 gallon, 8 Discus, and nitrates stay under 5 ppm. Also, toss in some filter floss for mechanical, cuts down on debris between water changes.

Agreed. I've used BioHome in my 120 gallon for years. Pair it with a pre-filter sponge on the intake to catch big gunk. My Discus are less stressed since I switched, and the water's crystal clear. Temp's at 86F, with twice-weekly 30% changes.

[Sand]

Yo, don't sleep on Purigen. It's killer for polishing water. I run it in a mesh bag in my FX4, alongside sponges and ceramic. Tank's a 55 gallon with 5 Discus, driftwood, and Java fern. Nitrates never spike above 15 ppm, even if I slack on water changes. Just recharge it with bleach every few months.

[Dapper]

How often do y'all replace the filter floss? I've got a 90 gallon with 7 Discus, and the floss clogs up fast. Using a canister with Matrix and sponges, but the floss turns nasty in like a week. Temp's 85F, weekly 40% changes. Also, anyone tried lava rock? Heard it's cheap and effective.

[Corona]

How often do y'all replace the filter floss? I've got a 90 gallon with 7 Discus, and the floss clogs up fast. Using a canister with Matrix and sponges, but the floss turns nasty in like a week. Temp's 85F, weekly 40% changes. Also, anyone tried lava rock? Heard it's cheap and effective.

I swap mine every 2 weeks in my 65 gallon. Run it with Seachem Matrix and a coarse sponge. Discus are chill, nitrates at 20 ppm max. Lava rock works, but it's messy. Gotta rinse it forever before it stops shedding dust. Not worth the hassle imo.

[ameRio]

Anyone tried those bio balls? Got a 50 gallon with 4 Discus and a HOB filter. Currently using sponges and ceramic, but the bio balls look neat. Tank's planted with Anubias, temp at 83F. Nitrates hover around 25 ppm with weekly 50% changes. Also, does media order matter in the filter?

[pepper]

Bio balls are okay, but not great for Discus tanks. They need more surface area. Stick with Matrix or ceramic. Media order matters, yeah. Mechanical first (sponge/floss), then chemical (Purigen if you use it), then bio media. My 75 gallon's got sponges, Matrix, and a UV sterilizer. Nitrates stay below 10 ppm.

[Boldy]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna grab some BioHome and Purigen this weekend. Appreciate the help!

[Cody]

Don't forget to cycle the new media slowly. Toss it in a mesh bag next to your old ceramic for a few weeks. I learned the hard way when I swapped all at once in my 80 gallon. Discus got super stressed, nitrites spiked. Temp's 85F, weekly 30% changes now. All good after a month though.