discus fry tank feeding amount

Chat about all things related to Discus, from purchasing to breeding and everything in between. One of the most beautiful species in the hobby
Post Reply
User avatar
Mindew
Posts: 17
Joined: Mon Jun 17, 2024 2:08 pm

discus fry tank feeding amount

Post by Mindew »

How much should I be feeding my Discus fry? They're in a 20-gallon tank, about 2 weeks old, and I've been doing 50% water changes daily. Using a sponge filter, temp at 84°F, and feeding crushed flakes 3 times a day. Not sure if it's enough or too much.
User avatar
tigercub
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2022 2:17 am

Re: discus fry tank feeding amount

Post by tigercub »

I've got a similar setup, 15-gallon tank with fry around the same age. I feed mine baby brine shrimp 4 times a day, plus a bit of crushed pellets. Water changes every other day, sponge filter too. They seem to grow faster with more protein, but gotta keep the tank clean.
Lister
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2024 4:30 pm

Re: discus fry tank feeding amount

Post by Lister »

Mindew wrote: Sat Jul 12, 2025 2:37 am How much should I be feeding my Discus fry? They're in a 20-gallon tank, about 2 weeks old, and I've been doing 50% water changes daily. Using a sponge filter, temp at 84°F, and feeding crushed flakes 3 times a day. Not sure if it's enough or too much.
Crushed flakes might not cut it for growth. At this stage, they need high-protein food like baby brine shrimp or microworms. Feed small amounts 5-6 times a day, but watch for uneaten food. Your water change routine is solid, though.
User avatar
Mindew
Posts: 17
Joined: Mon Jun 17, 2024 2:08 pm

Re: discus fry tank feeding amount

Post by Mindew »

Thanks for the tips. Gonna try baby brine shrimp and see how they do. I'll bump up the feeding to 5 times a day and keep an eye on the water quality.
User avatar
tigercub
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2022 2:17 am

Re: discus fry tank feeding amount

Post by tigercub »

Yep, baby brine shrimp is the way to go. Mine went from tiny to chunky in a few weeks. Just make sure to rinse it well before feeding. Also, keep the temp steady, any drops can mess with their appetite.
Lister
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2024 4:30 pm

Re: discus fry tank feeding amount

Post by Lister »

tigercub wrote: Sat Jul 12, 2025 5:39 am Yep, baby brine shrimp is the way to go. Mine went from tiny to chunky in a few weeks. Just make sure to rinse it well before feeding. Also, keep the temp steady, any drops can mess with their appetite.
Exactly. Stability is key. I'd also recommend adding a bit of spirulina powder to their diet for extra nutrients. It's helped mine grow more evenly. And don't skip those water changes, even if it feels like overkill.
User avatar
tigercub
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2022 2:17 am

Re: discus fry tank feeding amount

Post by tigercub »

Spirulina's a good call. I mix it into their food sometimes, and they seem to dig it. Just don't go overboard, or you'll end up with green water. Been there, done that, not fun to fix.
Lister
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2024 4:30 pm

Re: discus fry tank feeding amount

Post by Lister »

Another thing to watch is tankmates. If you've got any other fish in there, they might outcompete the fry for food. I keep mine in a bare tank until they're big enough to hold their own.
User avatar
tigercub
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2022 2:17 am

Re: discus fry tank feeding amount

Post by tigercub »

True that. I made the mistake of adding a few tetras too early, and the fry barely got any food. Had to move them out quick. Now it's just the fry and a snail for cleanup.
Lister
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2024 4:30 pm

Re: discus fry tank feeding amount

Post by Lister »

tigercub wrote: Sat Jul 12, 2025 9:40 am True that. I made the mistake of adding a few tetras too early, and the fry barely got any food. Had to move them out quick. Now it's just the fry and a snail for cleanup.
Snails are great for fry tanks. They help keep the substrate clean without bothering the fry. Just avoid anything that might nip at them, like shrimp or larger fish.
Post Reply