discus fry tank water flow rate

[rustier]

What's the ideal water flow rate for a discus fry tank? I've got a 20-gallon with sponge filters, but the fry seem stressed when the flow's too high. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Temp's at 84F, and I'm doing 50% water changes daily. Fry are about 2 weeks old, eating baby brine shrimp. Tankmates are just a few cherry shrimp. Should I dial back the flow or let them adjust?

[Raptor]

I'd cut the flow way down. Fry don't handle strong currents well, and sponge filters can be tweaked by squeezing them to reduce output. My 20-gallon fry tank runs at half the usual flow, and they're way more active. Also, cherry shrimp might mess with the fry's food, so keep an eye on that. What's your sponge filter model?

[silverbob]

Agree with Raptor. Slow flow is key for fry. I use a dual-sponge setup with adjustable air pumps, set to the lowest bubble rate. Fry need calm water to feed properly. At 2 weeks, they're still fragile. Are you using any plants? Floating plants like frogbit can help buffer the flow and give them hiding spots.

[Purrer]

Yo, crank that flow down, dude. Fry ain't built for rapids. My lil' guys chilled way more when I dialed it back. Also, ditch the shrimp if they're stealing food. Fry need all the eats they can get.

[Finny]

I'd cut the flow way down. Fry don't handle strong currents well, and sponge filters can be tweaked by squeezing them to reduce output. My 20-gallon fry tank runs at half the usual flow, and they're way more active. Also, cherry shrimp might mess with the fry's food, so keep an eye on that. What's your sponge filter model?

Yep, squeezing the sponge works great. I've got a 20-gallon with a Hydro sponge, and reducing the air pump flow made a huge difference. Fry are way less skittish now. How often are you feeding the baby brine shrimp?

[Jumper]

I've had similar issues. Lower flow definitely helps. My fry tank has a sponge filter and a very gentle air stone. Fry are growing faster now that they're not fighting the current. What's your water change routine like? Daily changes might be stressing them too.

[Lodgemaker]

Bro, just slap a valve on that air line and call it a day. Fry don't need no whitewater ride. Keep it chill, and they'll thrive. Also, what's your substrate? Bare bottom's easier for fry tanks.

[Paisa]

Agree with Raptor. Slow flow is key for fry. I use a dual-sponge setup with adjustable air pumps, set to the lowest bubble rate. Fry need calm water to feed properly. At 2 weeks, they're still fragile. Are you using any plants? Floating plants like frogbit can help buffer the flow and give them hiding spots.

Exactly this. I've raised multiple batches of fry, and low flow is non-negotiable. Also, consider adding Indian almond leaves for tannins—they've got anti-stress benefits. What's your tank's pH? Fry do better in slightly acidic water.

[rustier]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try reducing the flow and maybe remove the shrimp. The sponge filter's a basic AquaTech model, and the substrate is bare bottom. pH is around 6.8. I'll look into the almond leaves too.