Who Gives A Fish Forums

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try increasing water changes and keep an eye on the Rams. No discoloration yet, and they're still eating like pigs. Substrate is sand, and flow's pretty gentle. Appreciate the help!

Good call on the almond leaves, dandyfish. They're a solid natural remedy. Just don't overdo it—too many can lower pH further.

If it is nipping, you might need to rearrange the tank. Breaking up sight lines can cut down on aggression. Worked for my tank when the Rams got too feisty.

dandyfish wrote: ↑Sat Apr 19, 2025 3:41 am I'd lean toward water quality too. Even if params are good, dissolved organics can irritate fins. Try adding some Indian almond leaves—they've got antibacterial properties and might help.

Second this. Also, consider a UV sterilizer if you're battling persistent bacterial issues. They're pricey but worth it.

Before jumping to equipment, try a round of salt. A tablespoon per 5 gallons can help with mild fin issues. Just don't use it long-term with Rams—they're sensitive to salt.

How's the lighting? Bright lights can stress Discus, make 'em skittish and prone to damage. I run mine on a dimmer schedule, mostly mid-day peaks.

If you go the salt route, dissolve it in tank water first. Dumping it straight in can irritate their slime coat. Learned that the hard way.

Any updates, midas? Curious if the increased water changes helped. Also, what's your water source? Tap, RO, or mixed?

Tap water can have chloramines even if you use conditioner. Might wanna test for that if things don't improve.

If it's bacterial, kanamycin's a gentle option. Avoid heavy meds unless it's a last resort. Discus don't always handle meds well.