Who Gives A Fish Forums

My discus pair have been hanging out in their corner for weeks but no spawning action. Tank's a 55 gal, temp at 84F, pH 6.5, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. They're about 2 years old, fed beef heart mix twice daily. Any ideas why they're not getting busy?

Sounds like your water params are solid. Have you checked the male's behavior? Sometimes they need a bit more time to get comfortable. Also, try upping the water changes to 30% daily, it can trigger spawning. What's your lighting schedule like?

I agree with Vista. Frequent water changes mimic the rainy season, which often encourages spawning. Are there any tankmates stressing them out? Discus can be picky about privacy.

Yo, my pair did the same thing till I swapped their diet to live blackworms. Maybe yours are just bored with the beef heart? Also, try dimming the lights a bit, they might wanna get cozy.

Vista wrote: ↑Mon May 19, 2025 5:06 pm Sounds like your water params are solid. Have you checked the male's behavior? Sometimes they need a bit more time to get comfortable. Also, try upping the water changes to 30% daily, it can trigger spawning. What's your lighting schedule like?

Thanks, I'll try the water changes. Lights are on 10 hours a day, but I'll dim them like purered suggested.

How's the male acting? If he's not cleaning a surface or showing off to the female, he might not be ready. Also, what's your substrate? Bare bottom tanks can sometimes make them feel exposed.

I feel your frustration! My pair took forever to spawn too. Try adding some almond leaves to soften the water a bit more. It worked like a charm for me. How often are you testing the water?

Ain't no rush, man. Sometimes they just gotta vibe. Mine took like 3 months to finally do the deed. Just keep the water clean and let 'em chill.

Have you tried moving them to a smaller tank? A 20 gal breeder might make them feel more secure. Also, what's the flow like in your current tank? Too much current can stress them out.

Yo, my discus didn't spawn till I added a flat slate rock. They need a solid surface to lay eggs on. Maybe yours just ain't got the right furniture, lol.