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discus fry survival rate tips
Posted: Sun May 11, 2025 9:56 pm
by Craftsman
My discus fry survival rate is pretty low, maybe 30%. I've got a 40 gallon tank, sponge filter, temp at 84F, doing 50% water changes daily. Feeding them baby brine shrimp 4 times a day. Any tips to bump those numbers up?
Re: discus fry survival rate tips
Posted: Sun May 11, 2025 10:08 pm
by Luxury
You're on the right track with the water changes and feeding. What's your water hardness? Discus fry thrive in soft water, around 50-100 ppm. Also, try adding some Indian almond leaves to mimic their natural habitat. It's a game changer for stress levels.
Re: discus fry survival rate tips
Posted: Sun May 11, 2025 11:21 pm
by Blaze
Dude, 30% ain't bad for starters. My first batch was like 10%, lol. Maybe cut the lights a bit? Fry are sketchy with too much brightness. And yeah, almond leaves are legit.
Re: discus fry survival rate tips
Posted: Mon May 12, 2025 12:27 am
by raid
Check your ammonia levels. Even slight spikes can wipe out fry. Also, make sure the sponge filter isn't too strong, they can't handle heavy flow.
Re: discus fry survival rate tips
Posted: Mon May 12, 2025 12:42 am
by joshito
Yo, try mixing in some microworms with the brine shrimp. Gives 'em variety and they go nuts for it. Also, keep the tank bare bottom, easier to clean and less chance of nasties building up.
Re: discus fry survival rate tips
Posted: Mon May 12, 2025 2:07 am
by Craftsman
Luxury wrote: ↑Sun May 11, 2025 10:08 pm
You're on the right track with the water changes and feeding. What's your water hardness? Discus fry thrive in soft water, around 50-100 ppm. Also, try adding some Indian almond leaves to mimic their natural habitat. It's a game changer for stress levels.
Thanks, I'll test the hardness today. Forgot about the almond leaves, gonna grab some.
Re: discus fry survival rate tips
Posted: Mon May 12, 2025 3:16 am
by Luxury
Glad to help. Another thing, if you're using tap water, let it sit for 24 hours before adding to the tank. Chlorine is a silent killer for fry.
Re: discus fry survival rate tips
Posted: Mon May 12, 2025 4:09 am
by Blaze
joshito wrote: ↑Mon May 12, 2025 12:42 am
Yo, try mixing in some microworms with the brine shrimp. Gives 'em variety and they go nuts for it. Also, keep the tank bare bottom, easier to clean and less chance of nasties building up.
Microworms are clutch, man. And yeah, bare bottom is the way to go. No debate.
Re: discus fry survival rate tips
Posted: Mon May 12, 2025 5:07 am
by raid
Also, keep an eye on the parents. Sometimes they'll eat the fry if they're stressed. Separate them if you notice any aggression.
Re: discus fry survival rate tips
Posted: Mon May 12, 2025 6:10 am
by joshito
True that. Parents can be sketchy. If you're gonna leave 'em in, make sure they're well fed. Hungry discus turn into jerks real quick.