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discus laying eggs but no fry
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 9:28 am
by purered
My discus laid eggs a few times now, but they never hatch. Tank's a 55 gallon, temp at 84F, pH around 6.5. I do 30% water changes twice a week, use RO water with a bit of tap for minerals. They're fed beef heart mix and frozen brine shrimp daily. Any idea why no fry? Eggs just turn white and disappear after a couple days.
Re: discus laying eggs but no fry
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 10:52 am
by dramatic
Sounds like the eggs might be getting fungus or the parents are eating them. What's your tank setup like? Any other fish in there? Discus can be sketchy with tankmates around breeding time. Also, how old are they? Younger pairs sometimes mess up the first few spawns.
Re: discus laying eggs but no fry
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 11:37 am
by Cloudy
purered wrote: ↑Tue Apr 29, 2025 9:28 am
My discus laid eggs a few times now, but they never hatch. Tank's a 55 gallon, temp at 84F, pH around 6.5. I do 30% water changes twice a week, use RO water with a bit of tap for minerals. They're fed beef heart mix and frozen brine shrimp daily. Any idea why no fry? Eggs just turn white and disappear after a couple days.
Water params sound solid, but you might wanna check for nitrates. Even low levels can mess with eggs. Also, try adding methylene blue next time they spawn. It'll cut down on fungus.
Re: discus laying eggs but no fry
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 12:56 pm
by Lapad
I had the same issue last year! My pair finally got it right after like five tries. Maybe just give them time? They're kinda slow learners, lol. Do you see them fanning the eggs at all? If not, they might not be ready to parent.
Re: discus laying eggs but no fry
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 2:10 pm
by discups
yo, check the male. sometimes he's just not doin his job right. if the eggs ain't fertilized, they'll go white quick. try watchin em next time they spawn, see if he's gettin close enough.
Re: discus laying eggs but no fry
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 2:41 pm
by purered
Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll try the methylene blue and keep an eye on the male. Tankmates are just a few tetras, but I can move them out if needed. The pair's about a year old, so maybe they're still figuring it out.
Re: discus laying eggs but no fry
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 4:10 pm
by dramatic
Lapad wrote: ↑Tue Apr 29, 2025 12:56 pm
I had the same issue last year! My pair finally got it right after like five tries. Maybe just give them time? They're kinda slow learners, lol. Do you see them fanning the eggs at all? If not, they might not be ready to parent.
Yep, patience is key. My first pair took eight months to raise fry successfully. If they're fanning and guarding, they'll get there. If not, might need to rethink the pair.
Re: discus laying eggs but no fry
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 4:57 pm
by Cloudy
Another thing, what's your lighting like? Too much light can stress them out during spawning. I keep mine dim for a few days when they're laying. Also, make sure the surface they're laying on is clean. A dirty cone or leaf can ruin the whole batch.
Re: discus laying eggs but no fry
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 5:14 pm
by discups
for real on the light thing. my boys spook easy if it's too bright. i use a dimmer now, way better vibe. also, what kinda filter you runnin? if the flow's too strong, it can blast the eggs off.
Re: discus laying eggs but no fry
Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 7:06 pm
by Lapad
Cloudy wrote: ↑Tue Apr 29, 2025 4:57 pm
Another thing, what's your lighting like? Too much light can stress them out during spawning. I keep mine dim for a few days when they're laying. Also, make sure the surface they're laying on is clean. A dirty cone or leaf can ruin the whole batch.
Totally agree! I use a sponge filter during breeding season. Less flow, less mess. And yeah, clean surfaces are a must. I wipe down the cone with a soft cloth before they spawn.