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discus hiding during feeding
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 5:21 pm
by Darego
My discus have been hiding every time I drop food in the tank. 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 at 84°F, and I've got a Fluval FX4 running. They're about 4 inches, been with me for 3 months. Tankmates are 10 cardinal tetras and 6 corydoras. Anyone else deal with this? It's weird 'cause they used to swarm the front when I fed 'em.
Re: discus hiding during feeding
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 6:09 pm
by basis
That's odd. Mine used to do that when I first got 'em, but they got over it after a week. Maybe it's the tankmates? Cardinals can be a bit pushy during feeding. What are you feeding 'em? I found mine got more confident with beef heart, but flakes made 'em skittish.
Re: discus hiding during feeding
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 6:16 pm
by dayton
Darego wrote: ↑Wed Aug 06, 2025 5:21 pm
My discus have been hiding every time I drop food in the tank. 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 at 84°F, and I've got a Fluval FX4 running. They're about 4 inches, been with me for 3 months. Tankmates are 10 cardinal tetras and 6 corydoras. Anyone else deal with this? It's weird 'cause they used to swarm the front when I fed 'em.
How's the lighting during feeding? Bright lights can spook 'em. Try dimming it or feeding when the room's darker. Also, check if the FX4's flow is too strong—discus don't like heavy currents.
Re: discus hiding during feeding
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 6:37 pm
by abbeytone
Mine did the same thing when I switched to a new filter. Maybe the FX4's too much for 'em? I'd try turning it down during feeding. Also, what's your water change routine? Mine chill out more after a fresh change.
Re: discus hiding during feeding
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 7:10 pm
by Biker
Yep, sounds like flow or lights. I run my canister at 50% during feedings, and my discus stopped hiding. Also, try feeding at the same spot every time—they'll learn it's safe.
Re: discus hiding during feeding
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 8:32 pm
by Darego
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try dimming the lights and adjusting the filter flow. I'll report back in a few days.
Re: discus hiding during feeding
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 9:44 pm
by basis
Darego wrote: ↑Wed Aug 06, 2025 8:32 pm
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try dimming the lights and adjusting the filter flow. I'll report back in a few days.
Cool, hope it works. Also, if you're using pellets, try soaking 'em first. Mine used to bolt when hard pellets hit the water.
Re: discus hiding during feeding
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2025 11:15 pm
by dayton
Another thought—how often are you feeding? Overfeeding can make 'em lethargic. I stick to twice a day, small portions. And yeah, soaked pellets are a game-changer.
Re: discus hiding during feeding
Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 1:08 am
by abbeytone
Mine are total divas about food temperature too. If it's too cold, they won't touch it. I thaw frozen food in tank water now, and they're way more into it.
Re: discus hiding during feeding
Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2025 1:28 am
by Biker
abbeytone wrote: ↑Thu Aug 07, 2025 1:08 am
Mine are total divas about food temperature too. If it's too cold, they won't touch it. I thaw frozen food in tank water now, and they're way more into it.
Same here. Discus are picky as heck. I even warm up my beef heart mix before dropping it in.