discus tank powerhead placement

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tyrny
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:38 pm

discus tank powerhead placement

Post by tyrny »

Hey, I'm setting up a 75-gallon tank for my Discus and wondering where to place the powerhead. Got a Fluval FX6 canister and a couple of sponge filters, but the flow seems uneven. Any tips?
Buddy
Posts: 12
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 12:54 am

Re: discus tank powerhead placement

Post by Buddy »

I've got a similar setup in my 90-gallon. Place the powerhead near the surface pointing slightly downward to create a gentle ripple. Helps with oxygen exchange without stressing them. What's your water temp at?
tyrny
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:38 pm

Re: discus tank powerhead placement

Post by tyrny »

Thanks, Buddy! Temp's at 84°F, pH 6.8. I'll try angling it like you said. Appreciate the help.
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elixir
Posts: 27
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2022 6:37 pm

Re: discus tank powerhead placement

Post by elixir »

Make sure the powerhead isn't too close to the substrate. You don't wanna kick up debris. I keep mine about mid-tank, angled toward the front glass.
Fuegoz
Posts: 23
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:42 pm

Re: discus tank powerhead placement

Post by Fuegoz »

Yo, I had the same issue last month. Moved my powerhead to the back corner, and now the flow's smooth as butter. Also, check if your Discus are chill or if they're darting around. That'll tell you if the flow's too strong.
duskly
Posts: 7
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2024 5:25 am

Re: discus tank powerhead placement

Post by duskly »

Fuegoz wrote: Fri Aug 01, 2025 12:14 am Yo, I had the same issue last month. Moved my powerhead to the back corner, and now the flow's smooth as butter. Also, check if your Discus are chill or if they're darting around. That'll tell you if the flow's too strong.
Back corner works for me too. Less turbulence near the front where they feed.
Silvan
Posts: 13
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:16 pm

Re: discus tank powerhead placement

Post by Silvan »

Kinda random, but does anyone else's Discus vibe with the powerhead flow? Mine like to swim against it like they're in a gym. Weirdos.
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Craftsman
Posts: 34
Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2022 8:45 am

Re: discus tank powerhead placement

Post by Craftsman »

If you're using a powerhead, pair it with a wave maker controller. Gives you more control over the flow patterns. My Discus seem happier with intermittent gentle surges.
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citySpin
Posts: 8
Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2024 6:47 pm

Re: discus tank powerhead placement

Post by citySpin »

I ditched my powerhead altogether. Just using sponge filters and the canister output. Less tech, less hassle. Discus are thriving.
Veloce
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2024 4:00 pm

Re: discus tank powerhead placement

Post by Veloce »

For a 75-gallon, aim for a flow rate around 600-800 GPH total. Too much and they'll hide, too little and waste builds up. Balance is key.
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