discus breeding tank decor ideas

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chippy
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Joined: Thu Dec 14, 2023 5:42 pm

discus breeding tank decor ideas

Post by chippy »

Setting up a new breeding tank for my Discus and wanna make sure the decor's on point. What's your go-to setup? I've got a 55-gallon, sand substrate, and a sponge filter. Thinking about adding some driftwood and plants but not sure which ones work best.
Hawk
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Joined: Sat Dec 02, 2023 11:42 pm

Re: discus breeding tank decor ideas

Post by Hawk »

Yo, driftwood's a solid choice, but keep it simple. Too much clutter freaks them out. I've had luck with Java Fern and Anubias tied to the wood. They're hardy and don't need much light. Also, throw in some flat rocks for spawning sites. My pair digs that.
bloom
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Joined: Mon Jun 26, 2023 8:21 am

Re: discus breeding tank decor ideas

Post by bloom »

Hawk wrote: Sun Jul 13, 2025 9:41 pm Yo, driftwood's a solid choice, but keep it simple. Too much clutter freaks them out. I've had luck with Java Fern and Anubias tied to the wood. They're hardy and don't need much light. Also, throw in some flat rocks for spawning sites. My pair digs that.
Totally agree on the flat rocks! I use slate pieces, and my Discus lay eggs on them every time. Just make sure the wood's boiled first to avoid tannins messing with your water params.
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basis
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Re: discus breeding tank decor ideas

Post by basis »

I've got a 75-gallon with a mix of driftwood and PVC pipes for hiding spots. Sounds weird, but they love it. Plants are mostly floating ones like Frogbit to dim the light a bit. Oh, and a bare-bottom section for easy cleanup. Works like a charm.
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knight
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Joined: Tue Dec 27, 2022 8:31 am

Re: discus breeding tank decor ideas

Post by knight »

For breeding, less is more. I keep my tank sparse with just a few broad-leaf plants and a cone. Water changes are key, so avoid anything that traps debris. My pair spawned on a terracotta pot last week. Simple but effective.
mole
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:09 pm

Re: discus breeding tank decor ideas

Post by mole »

knight wrote: Mon Jul 14, 2025 1:13 am For breeding, less is more. I keep my tank sparse with just a few broad-leaf plants and a cone. Water changes are key, so avoid anything that traps debris. My pair spawned on a terracotta pot last week. Simple but effective.
Exactly! I've been using terracotta cones for years. They're cheap, easy to clean, and the Discus seem to prefer them over rocks. Just make sure the edges are smooth to avoid injuries.
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fixin
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Re: discus breeding tank decor ideas

Post by fixin »

Driftwood and plants are fine, but prioritize water quality. Use a canister filter with a pre-filter sponge to keep the flow gentle. Temp at 86°F, pH around 6.5. Decor won't matter if the water's off.
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Marksfish
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Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2024 1:26 pm

Re: discus breeding tank decor ideas

Post by Marksfish »

I've got a mix of driftwood and live plants in my 60-gallon. The Discus seem to like the Vallisneria for cover. Just watch out for snails if you're adding plants. They can carry parasites that stress your fish.
Jazzie
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Re: discus breeding tank decor ideas

Post by Jazzie »

I'm new to this, but my pair laid eggs on a piece of slate I put in. The tank's got some Java Moss and a small piece of driftwood. Water's at 85°F, and I do 20% changes every other day. Seems to work!
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chippy
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Joined: Thu Dec 14, 2023 5:42 pm

Re: discus breeding tank decor ideas

Post by chippy »

Thanks for all the tips, everyone! Gonna start with driftwood, Java Fern, and a slate piece. I'll keep the water changes frequent and monitor the params closely. Appreciate the help!
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