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I'm planning to set up a breeding tank for my Discus and wanna make sure I get it right. Got a 40-gallon tank, sponge filter, and a heater set to 84°F. Substrate is bare bottom for now, but I'm thinking about adding some driftwood. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Anyone got tips on pairing or conditioning? Gonna feed them beef heart and frozen bloodworms.

Bare bottom is a solid choice for breeding, makes cleanup easier. I'd recommend keeping the pH around 6.5, soft water works best. Pairing can be tricky, but if you've got a group, they'll usually pair off naturally. Watch for aggression, though. What's your water change routine? Frequent changes help stimulate spawning.

Yo, I've had success with a similar setup. Driftwood's a vibe, just make sure it's boiled first to avoid tannins messing with your params. Beef heart's clutch for conditioning, but don't overdo it. How often you gonna do water changes? I do 50% every other day when prepping for spawn.

I'd skip the driftwood if you're going bare bottom. It's easier to maintain pristine water without it. Pairing is hit or miss, but if you've got a group, let them choose. What's your lighting schedule? I keep mine on 12 hours, dimmed to reduce stress.

luxe wrote: ↑Fri Apr 18, 2025 4:50 am Yo, I've had success with a similar setup. Driftwood's a vibe, just make sure it's boiled first to avoid tannins messing with your params. Beef heart's clutch for conditioning, but don't overdo it. How often you gonna do water changes? I do 50% every other day when prepping for spawn.

I agree with the water changes, but tannins ain't always bad. Some folks swear by 'em for mimicking natural habitat. Just gotta keep it consistent.

Conditioning is key. Beef heart's great, but mix in some live blackworms if you can. They're pricey but worth it. What's your tank's footprint? A 40-gallon's good, but make sure it's long rather than tall. Discus prefer horizontal space for spawning.

I'm new to this, but why 84°F? Is that the ideal temp for breeding? My tank's at 82°F, and I've got a pair that's been hanging out together. Should I bump it up?

Lyn wrote: ↑Fri Apr 18, 2025 10:33 am I'm new to this, but why 84°F? Is that the ideal temp for breeding? My tank's at 82°F, and I've got a pair that's been hanging out together. Should I bump it up?

Yeah, 84°F mimics their natural spawning conditions. Bumping it up might encourage them.

leemike wrote: ↑Fri Apr 18, 2025 10:11 am Conditioning is key. Beef heart's great, but mix in some live blackworms if you can. They're pricey but worth it. What's your tank's footprint? A 40-gallon's good, but make sure it's long rather than tall. Discus prefer horizontal space for spawning.

Spot on about the footprint. A 40-gallon breeder tank's perfect. Also, keep an eye on the pair's behavior. If they're cleaning a surface, that's a good sign.

Aight, so no driftwood for now. What about plants? I've seen some breeders use Java fern or Anubias. They're low-maintenance and won't mess with your water. You got any in there, sunsets?