discus tank water change schedule

[kayzer]

Been keeping Discus for a few months now, but I'm kinda lost on how often to change their water. Got a 75-gallon tank with 6 adults, sand substrate, and a Fluval FX4 filter. Temp's at 84°F, pH around 6.8. Been doing 30% changes weekly, but they seem stressed after. Should I cut it to 20% twice a week or stick with the current plan? Also, anyone use Seachem Prime with them?

[rositas]

Been keeping Discus for a few months now, but I'm kinda lost on how often to change their water. Got a 75-gallon tank with 6 adults, sand substrate, and a Fluval FX4 filter. Temp's at 84°F, pH around 6.8. Been doing 30% changes weekly, but they seem stressed after. Should I cut it to 20% twice a week or stick with the current plan? Also, anyone use Seachem Prime with them?

Hey, I've been in the same boat! With adults, I'd say smaller, more frequent changes are the way to go. I do 25% every 3 days in my 90-gallon, same temp and pH. They're way more chill now. Prime's a lifesaver, just dose it straight into the new water before adding. Also, check your tap params—sometimes it's the source water freaking them out.

[Frost]

Yep, agree with rositas. Big changes can mess with their vibe. I run a 55-gallon with 4 Discus, driftwood, and Java ferns. Do 20% Mondays and Thursdays, and they're solid. Prime's fine, but I prefer Safe since it's powder and lasts forever. What's your nitrate level before changes? If it's over 20ppm, you might need to up the frequency.

[picker]

Stick to smaller changes if they're stressing. In my experience, Discus adapt better to consistency. I've got a 120-gallon with 8 adults, CO2 injection, and a planted setup. I do 15% every other day, matching temp and pH precisely. Prime's good, but ensure you're not overdosing—it can bind oxygen if you go overboard. Also, how's your flow rate? High turnover might be adding to their stress.

[Lister]

Stick to smaller changes if they're stressing. In my experience, Discus adapt better to consistency. I've got a 120-gallon with 8 adults, CO2 injection, and a planted setup. I do 15% every other day, matching temp and pH precisely. Prime's good, but ensure you're not overdosing—it can bind oxygen if you go overboard. Also, how's your flow rate? High turnover might be adding to their stress.

Flow rate's a solid point. I dialed back my FX6 to 50% output for my Discus tank, and they stopped hiding. For water changes, I'd split the difference—try 25% twice a week and see if they perk up. Also, are you aging your water? Straight tap can have chlorine spikes even with Prime.

[kayzer]

Thanks, all! Gonna try 25% twice a week and check my tap params. Didn't even think about flow rate—FX4's on full blast, so I'll tweak that too. Appreciate the tips!

[rositas]

Keep us posted! Oh, and if you're not already, gravel vac during changes. Sand can trap nasties if you're not careful. I learned that the hard way last year.

[Frost]

Keep us posted! Oh, and if you're not already, gravel vac during changes. Sand can trap nasties if you're not careful. I learned that the hard way last year.

For real. I switched to pool filter sand after my first tank crashed from detritus buildup. Way easier to clean, and the Discus don't mind.