discus hiding during feeding

[Darego]

My discus have been hiding every time I drop food in the tank. They're in a 75-gallon with sand substrate, driftwood, and some java ferns. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Temp's at 84°F, and I've got a Fluval FX4 running. They're about 4 inches, been with me for 3 months. Tankmates are 10 cardinal tetras and 6 corydoras. Anyone else deal with this? It's weird 'cause they used to swarm the front when I fed 'em.

[basis]

That's odd. Mine used to do that when I first got 'em, but they got over it after a week. Maybe it's the tankmates? Cardinals can be a bit pushy during feeding. What are you feeding 'em? I found mine got more confident with beef heart, but flakes made 'em skittish.

[dayton]

My discus have been hiding every time I drop food in the tank. They're in a 75-gallon with sand substrate, driftwood, and some java ferns. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Temp's at 84°F, and I've got a Fluval FX4 running. They're about 4 inches, been with me for 3 months. Tankmates are 10 cardinal tetras and 6 corydoras. Anyone else deal with this? It's weird 'cause they used to swarm the front when I fed 'em.

How's the lighting during feeding? Bright lights can spook 'em. Try dimming it or feeding when the room's darker. Also, check if the FX4's flow is too strong—discus don't like heavy currents.

[abbeytone]

Mine did the same thing when I switched to a new filter. Maybe the FX4's too much for 'em? I'd try turning it down during feeding. Also, what's your water change routine? Mine chill out more after a fresh change.

[Biker]

Yep, sounds like flow or lights. I run my canister at 50% during feedings, and my discus stopped hiding. Also, try feeding at the same spot every time—they'll learn it's safe.

[Darego]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try dimming the lights and adjusting the filter flow. I'll report back in a few days.

[basis]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try dimming the lights and adjusting the filter flow. I'll report back in a few days.

Cool, hope it works. Also, if you're using pellets, try soaking 'em first. Mine used to bolt when hard pellets hit the water.

[dayton]

Another thought—how often are you feeding? Overfeeding can make 'em lethargic. I stick to twice a day, small portions. And yeah, soaked pellets are a game-changer.

[abbeytone]

Mine are total divas about food temperature too. If it's too cold, they won't touch it. I thaw frozen food in tank water now, and they're way more into it.

[Biker]

Mine are total divas about food temperature too. If it's too cold, they won't touch it. I thaw frozen food in tank water now, and they're way more into it.

Same here. Discus are picky as heck. I even warm up my beef heart mix before dropping it in.