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How often to change discus tank water?
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 9:38 am
by kicks
I've got a 75-gallon tank with 6 Discus, all around 4 inches. Been doing 30% water changes twice a week, but they still seem stressed. Should I bump it up to 50%? Tank's got a Fluval FX6, sand substrate, and a few Amazon swords. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate stays under 20 ppm.
Re: How often to change discus tank water?
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 11:29 am
by Misty
Twice a week is solid, but with Discus, bigger changes are better. I do 50% every 3 days in my 100-gallon. They're super sensitive to buildup, even if params look fine. What's your temp at? They like it hot, around 84-86°F. Also, how's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can mess with water quality fast.
Re: How often to change discus tank water?
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 12:45 pm
by Halse
Misty wrote: ↑Wed Apr 23, 2025 11:29 am
Twice a week is solid, but with Discus, bigger changes are better. I do 50% every 3 days in my 100-gallon. They're super sensitive to buildup, even if params look fine. What's your temp at? They like it hot, around 84-86°F. Also, how's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can mess with water quality fast.
Yep, agree with Misty. I've got a 55-gallon with 5 Discus and do 50% changes every other day. They're way more active now. Also, check your tap water—some places have sketchy pH swings after changes.
Re: How often to change discus tank water?
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 1:10 pm
by lad
Mine are in a 40-gallon breeder, and I change 25% weekly. They're doing okay, but not growing fast. Maybe I should up it? Running a sponge filter and keeping temp at 82°F. Feed them frozen bloodworms twice a day.
Re: How often to change discus tank water?
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 1:28 pm
by finch
Weekly changes are cutting it too close for Discus. They're not like other tropical fish—way more demanding. Bump it to at least twice a week, and see if they perk up. Also, bloodworms are great, but gotta mix in some high-protein pellets or beef heart for growth.
Re: How often to change discus tank water?
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 2:43 pm
by vivid22
I'm new to Discus but heard they need super clean water. Got a 60-gallon with 4 juveniles. Doing 20% daily changes—is that overkill? Tank's planted with driftwood, and I use Seachem Prime. Temp's at 85°F.
Re: How often to change discus tank water?
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 4:03 pm
by abbeytone
vivid22 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 23, 2025 2:43 pm
I'm new to Discus but heard they need super clean water. Got a 60-gallon with 4 juveniles. Doing 20% daily changes—is that overkill? Tank's planted with driftwood, and I use Seachem Prime. Temp's at 85°F.
Nah, daily's chill for juvies. They grow faster with frequent changes. Just watch your tap water's TDS—some stuff doesn't show up on basic tests.
Re: How often to change discus tank water?
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 6:02 pm
by oizeT
My tank's 50 gallons, 3 Discus. I change 40% weekly. They seem fine, but now I'm wondering if I should do more. Filter's a canister, and I feed flakes and brine shrimp. Nitrates never go above 10 ppm.
Re: How often to change discus tank water?
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 6:38 pm
by kicks
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try 50% changes every other day and monitor their behavior. Also switching to a mix of beef heart and pellets. Appreciate the help!
Re: How often to change discus tank water?
Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2025 8:35 pm
by Halse
kicks wrote: ↑Wed Apr 23, 2025 6:38 pm
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try 50% changes every other day and monitor their behavior. Also switching to a mix of beef heart and pellets. Appreciate the help!
Good call on the beef heart—it's a game-changer for growth. Just don't overdo it, or you'll cloud the water fast. Keep us posted!