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can discus eat live blackworms?
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 9:51 pm
by gleek2
I've been thinking about adding live blackworms to my Discus diet. They're in a 75-gallon tank with sand substrate, driftwood, and a few Amazon swords. Water's at 84°F, pH 6.5, and I do 30% water changes twice a week. Anyone got experience with this?
Re: can discus eat live blackworms?
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2025 11:51 pm
by Wildman
Yep, blackworms are a solid choice. I've fed them to my Discus for years in a 120-gallon planted tank. Key is sourcing from a clean supplier. I use a small feeding dish to keep the worms contained. Just make sure your filtration can handle the extra waste.
Re: can discus eat live blackworms?
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 1:18 am
by Boldly
Sounds sketchy to me. My buddy's Discus got bloated after eating live worms. Maybe stick to frozen bloodworms? I run a canister filter on my 55-gallon, and even those mess with the water quality if I overdo it.
Re: can discus eat live blackworms?
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 1:41 am
by Pathmaster
Wildman wrote: ↑Sun Aug 03, 2025 11:51 pm
Yep, blackworms are a solid choice. I've fed them to my Discus for years in a 120-gallon planted tank. Key is sourcing from a clean supplier. I use a small feeding dish to keep the worms contained. Just make sure your filtration can handle the extra waste.
Agreed. I've had success with blackworms too, but quarantine them first. My Discus are in a 90-gallon with a sponge filter and weekly 50% water changes. No issues so far.
Re: can discus eat live blackworms?
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 3:38 am
by metiteh
Live blackworms are nutrient-dense, but risky if not handled right. I culture my own in a separate tank to avoid parasites. My Discus are in a 100-gallon with CO2 injection and LED lighting. They've thrived on a mix of blackworms, pellets, and occasional beef heart.
Re: can discus eat live blackworms?
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 5:04 am
by pepper
I'm new to Discus, so this is helpful. My tank's only 40 gallons with a hang-on-back filter. Maybe I'll try frozen first. How often do you feed live worms?
Re: can discus eat live blackworms?
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 5:52 am
by talon
metiteh wrote: ↑Mon Aug 04, 2025 3:38 am
Live blackworms are nutrient-dense, but risky if not handled right. I culture my own in a separate tank to avoid parasites. My Discus are in a 100-gallon with CO2 injection and LED lighting. They've thrived on a mix of blackworms, pellets, and occasional beef heart.
Culturing your own is smart. I feed live blackworms twice a week in my 65-gallon. Tank's got a UV sterilizer just in case. Discus go nuts for them.
Re: can discus eat live blackworms?
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 7:50 am
by Blossom
My Discus are picky. They'll eat flakes and pellets but ignore live food. Maybe I'll try blackworms next. Tank's a 50-gallon with a sponge filter and java fern. Water's at 82°F, pH 6.8.
Re: can discus eat live blackworms?
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 9:34 am
by sealine
Blackworms are great, but don't overdo it. I feed them once a week in my 180-gallon. Tank's got a sump, and I monitor nitrates closely. Discus are healthy, but variety's key. I rotate between worms, brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets.
Re: can discus eat live blackworms?
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2025 11:33 am
by gleek2
Thanks for the advice, everyone. Gonna start with a small batch and see how they react. Appreciate the tips on sourcing and quarantine.