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why discus avoid tank center?
Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2025 11:59 pm
by Lena
Noticed my discus always hang out near the sides or back of the tank, never in the middle. They're in a 75-gallon with sand substrate, driftwood, and some java ferns. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Temp's steady at 84°F with a Fluval heater. Anyone else see this behavior? Wondering if it's the light or maybe the flow from the canister filter.
Re: why discus avoid tank center?
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 1:21 am
by Frosty
Could be the lighting. Discus often feel exposed in bright light, especially if the center's the brightest spot. Try dimming the lights or adding floating plants like frogbit to break it up. Also, check if the flow's too strong in the middle. I run my FX6 at 50% in my 120-gallon, and they'll venture out more when it's calm.
Re: why discus avoid tank center?
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 2:37 am
by Jazzie
Mine do the same thing! They're in a 55-gallon with black sand and tons of anubias. I've got a Nicrew light on for 8 hours a day, and they bolt to the corners when it's on. Maybe they're just shy? I've had them for 3 months, and they're still skittish around me.
Re: why discus avoid tank center?
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 2:49 am
by Fantom
Lena wrote: ↑Mon Jul 07, 2025 11:59 pm
Noticed my discus always hang out near the sides or back of the tank, never in the middle. They're in a 75-gallon with sand substrate, driftwood, and some java ferns. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Temp's steady at 84°F with a Fluval heater. Anyone else see this behavior? Wondering if it's the light or maybe the flow from the canister filter.
How's your tank scaped? If the center's too open, they might feel vulnerable. Try adding a tall piece of driftwood or a cluster of plants mid-tank to give 'em a sense of security. Mine chill near the center more after I added a big sword plant.
Re: why discus avoid tank center?
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 3:28 am
by Lumina
Agree with Frosty on the flow. I had the same issue until I redirected my spray bar toward the surface instead of across the tank. Also, what's your feeding routine? If you always drop food near the edges, they'll associate safety with those spots. Try feeding in the center occasionally with a turkey baster.
Re: why discus avoid tank center?
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 5:26 am
by duskfox
Yo, mine are the same way! 90-gallon with a bunch of valisneria and a sponge filter. They're all about that back wall life. I cut the light intensity in half and boom, they started creeping toward the middle. Maybe your setup's just too bright, fam.
Re: why discus avoid tank center?
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 6:00 am
by Jager
Check your tankmates too. If you've got fast swimmers like tetras hogging the center, discus might avoid it. In my 100-gallon, the discus only claimed the middle after I moved the rummynoses to another tank. Also, how old are they? Juveniles are way more timid than adults.
Re: why discus avoid tank center?
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 7:27 am
by buzzit
Frosty wrote: ↑Tue Jul 08, 2025 1:21 am
Could be the lighting. Discus often feel exposed in bright light, especially if the center's the brightest spot. Try dimming the lights or adding floating plants like frogbit to break it up. Also, check if the flow's too strong in the middle. I run my FX6 at 50% in my 120-gallon, and they'll venture out more when it's calm.
Spot on! I added a dimmer to my LED and saw a huge difference. Also, try a darker substrate if you've got light-colored sand. My discus were way more active after I switched to black blasting sand.
Re: why discus avoid tank center?
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 8:54 am
by Wind
Mine used to do this until I added more dither fish. Now with a school of cardinals, the discus are out and about way more. Maybe they just need some buddies to feel safe? Also, what's your water change schedule? Stable params help with confidence.
Re: why discus avoid tank center?
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 9:10 am
by Lena
Thanks for all the tips, y'all! Gonna try dimming the lights and adding some floaters first. The driftwood's pretty centered already, but I'll tweak the flow and see if that helps. Appreciate it!