Page 1 of 2
discus hiding in tank plants
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 3:20 am
by joshito
My discus have been hiding in the plants all day. Tank's a 75 gallon, temp at 84F, pH 6.8, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Got some driftwood and Amazon swords. They usually swim around but been acting sketchy since I added a new canister filter yesterday. Anyone else deal with this?
Re: discus hiding in tank plants
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 4:56 am
by Luckykeeper
Yep, discus can get spooked by changes. That new filter might've messed with the flow or noise level. Try turning it down a notch or adding more cover like floating plants. What's their feeding routine like? Sometimes they chill out if you stick to a schedule.
Re: discus hiding in tank plants
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 5:29 am
by spance
Mine did the same when I swapped lights. Could be the brightness or spectrum if you changed that too. How old are they? Juveniles hide more than adults.
Re: discus hiding in tank plants
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 5:46 am
by Deepsea
joshito wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 3:20 am
My discus have been hiding in the plants all day. Tank's a 75 gallon, temp at 84F, pH 6.8, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Got some driftwood and Amazon swords. They usually swim around but been acting sketchy since I added a new canister filter yesterday. Anyone else deal with this?
New equipment always stresses them out. Check if the outflow's too strong, discus hate strong currents. Baffle it with a sponge if needed. Also, what's your water change schedule? Dirty water can make them hide.
Re: discus hiding in tank plants
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 6:45 am
by joshito
Thanks for the tips, gonna try reducing the flow and adding more plants. Water changes are 30% twice a week, same as always.
Re: discus hiding in tank plants
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 7:33 am
by bloom
Mine hid for days after I moved their tank. They're drama queens. If params are solid, just give 'em time. What's the substrate? Sand's better for their barbels, keeps 'em comfy.
Re: discus hiding in tank plants
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 7:52 am
by faldo
Agree with bloom. Discus are sensitive to vibes. Tankmates could also be a factor—anything new or aggressive in there? My angelfish used to bully 'em till I rearranged the decor.
Re: discus hiding in tank plants
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 8:45 am
by pureride
bloom wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 7:33 am
Mine hid for days after I moved their tank. They're drama queens. If params are solid, just give 'em time. What's the substrate? Sand's better for their barbels, keeps 'em comfy.
For real, they're like aquatic divas. Joshito, what's the lighting cycle? Too much light can freak 'em out. Try dimming it or adding a siesta period.
Re: discus hiding in tank plants
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 8:59 am
by swiftly
Also, check for parasites. Hiding's a classic sign of stress from internal issues. When's the last time you dewormed 'em? Metroplex's a good call if they're off food too.
Re: discus hiding in tank plants
Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 10:19 am
by oldRash
Could be the filter media. Did you rinse it in tap water? Chlorine's a killer. Always use dechlorinated water for rinsing. Also, how's the oxygen level? Low O2 makes 'em lethargic.