Discus fry tank water buffer tips

[Jumper]

My Discus fry tank's pH keeps swinging from 6.8 to 7.4 after water changes. I'm using RO water with a remineralizer, 50% changes twice a week, and a sponge filter. Tank's at 84°F, no tankmates, just a bare bottom. Any tips to stabilize it without stressing the fry?

[Misty]

RO water's tricky because it lacks buffering capacity. Try adding crushed coral or aragonite in a mesh bag near the filter. It'll dissolve slowly, keeping pH around 6.8–7.0. I've used this in my 20-gallon fry tank with a Tidal 35 filter, and it's been steady for months.

[Wildman]

RO water's tricky because it lacks buffering capacity. Try adding crushed coral or aragonite in a mesh bag near the filter. It'll dissolve slowly, keeping pH around 6.8–7.0. I've used this in my 20-gallon fry tank with a Tidal 35 filter, and it's been steady for months.

Yep, coral works. I toss a handful in my canister filter's media tray. Also, cut your water changes to 30% if the swings are bad. Fry hate instability.

[angelus]

Slang aside, you gotta chill with the big water changes, mate. Tiny fry tanks are like a moody artist, sensitive to everything. Dial back to 25%, use Seachem Acid Buffer if you're fancy, and test daily. My 15-gallon's been golden since I slowed my roll.

[turret]

Agree with reducing change volume. Also, ensure your remineralizer includes carbonates. I use Salty Shrimp GH/KH+ at 100 ppm KH, which buffers better than most. Tank's 29 gallons, planted with driftwood, and pH stays at 6.9. Fry are thriving.

[Jumper]

Thanks, all. Gonna try the coral and smaller changes. Appreciate the specifics!

[BoldRom]

If you're still seeing swings, check your tap's KH before mixing RO. My local water's KH is 2, so I blend 70% RO with 30% tap to keep things stable. Heater's an Eheim Jager, set to 86°F for fry growth.

[BoldRom]

If you're still seeing swings, check your tap's KH before mixing RO. My local water's KH is 2, so I blend 70% RO with 30% tap to keep things stable. Heater's an Eheim Jager, set to 86°F for fry growth.

[Magpie]

If you're still seeing swings, check your tap's KH before mixing RO. My local water's KH is 2, so I blend 70% RO with 30% tap to keep things stable. Heater's an Eheim Jager, set to 86°F for fry growth.

Solid advice. Also, skip the remineralizer if blending tap. My fry tank's a 40-gallon with sand substrate, and I just age the mix overnight with an airstone. pH stays put.

[swiftly]

Weird vibe, but my fry did better when I stopped chasing numbers. As long as ammonia's zero and temp's steady, they'll adapt. I use a cheapo sponge filter, feed live baby brine, and ignore my test kit unless fish act off.