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I've been doing weekly water changes on my 75 gallon Discus tank, but they've been acting stressed lately. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Temp's steady at 84°F with a Fluval heater. Using Prime for conditioning. Anyone else run into this? Maybe I'm messing with the flow too much.

How much water are you changing each time? I've got a 90 gallon with 6 Discus, and I stick to 25% weekly. Too much at once can freak them out. Also, check if your new water's pH matches. Mine's buffered with crushed coral in the filter.

Yo, same issue here! My crew gets sketchy if I change more than 20%. Try drip acclimating the new water over an hour. I use a cheap airline tube valve, works like a charm. Also, keep the temp within 1°F—they're picky like that.

bayside wrote: ↑Fri Jul 11, 2025 4:32 pm Yo, same issue here! My crew gets sketchy if I change more than 20%. Try drip acclimating the new water over an hour. I use a cheap airline tube valve, works like a charm. Also, keep the temp within 1°F—they're picky like that.

Drip acclimation's solid advice. I'd add that aged water (left to sit 24 hours) helps if your tap's got chlorine. My Discus chill way more with that.

Stress could also stem from flow rate during changes. If you're pouring water directly in, switch to a slower method. I use a Python hose with the valve half-open. Also, ensure your substrate isn't getting stirred up—Discus hate cloudy water.

Y'all are spot on! My guys were hiding post-change until I warmed the new water to 85°F beforehand. Now they're out and begging for food mid-change. Maybe toss in an extra airstone too? Mine love the bubbles.

Agree with the temp matching. I test new water with a digital thermometer before adding. Also, keep lights off during changes—mine panic less in dim light. Tank's planted with Amazon swords, so they've got cover.

Thanks for the tips! Gonna try the drip method and pre-warm the water. Didn't think about the lighting—mine's bright LED. I'll cut it next time.

seaquake wrote: ↑Fri Jul 11, 2025 10:11 pm Thanks for the tips! Gonna try the drip method and pre-warm the water. Didn't think about the lighting—mine's bright LED. I'll cut it next time.

Let us know how it goes! My Discus took a week to adjust to slower changes. Oh, and feed them after—distracts them from the weird vibe.

Mine used to bolt during changes until I started adding StressGuard. Now they barely flinch. Maybe worth a shot if the other tricks don't cut it.