is discus tank too noisy?

[rustier]

I've got a 75-gallon tank with 6 Discus, and the filter noise is driving me nuts. It's a Fluval 407, and the hum is louder than my fridge. Anyone else deal with this? Tank's been running for 3 months, water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Sand substrate, driftwood, and a few Amazon swords. Temp's at 84°F.

[Roadman]

Yep, had the same issue with my Fluval 307. The motor's a bit sketchy sometimes. Try lifting it slightly off the stand with a towel underneath, cuts the vibration noise. Also, check if the impeller's clean, mate. Mine was gunked up with biofilm last month, made a right racket. Tank's 55 gallons, 5 Discus, same temp as yours.

[angelic]

Noise can stress Discus, especially if it's constant. Have you considered a sponge filter? They're silent and great for biofiltration. I run two in my 90-gallon with 8 Discus, zero noise issues. Water changes are 30% twice a week, and the fish are thriving. What's your water change routine like? That might help with the biofilm buildup Roadman mentioned.

[Duppy]

Yep, had the same issue with my Fluval 307. The motor's a bit sketchy sometimes. Try lifting it slightly off the stand with a towel underneath, cuts the vibration noise. Also, check if the impeller's clean, mate. Mine was gunked up with biofilm last month, made a right racket. Tank's 55 gallons, 5 Discus, same temp as yours.

That's a solid tip. I've got a 407 too, and the towel trick worked for me. Also, make sure the hoses aren't kinked, that can cause extra noise. My tank's 60 gallons, 7 Discus, temp at 83°F.

[Lodgemaker]

Filters are a pain, innit? My Eheim's quiet, but the air pump was proper loud. Switched to a USB one, dead silent now. Tank's 50 gallons, 4 Discus, sand and rocks. Water changes every 5 days, 25%. You lot ever try noise-cancelling mats under the filter? Heard they're decent.

[Aidsy]

Nah, mate, my tank's chill. Got a cheapo internal filter, does the job. Discus don't seem bothered. Tank's 40 gallons, 3 fish, temp at 82°F. Sand bottom, no plants, just a big bit of wood. Water changes? When I remember, lol.

[rustier]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try the towel trick and check the impeller. Water changes are 30% weekly, but I'll bump it up if it helps with the gunk.

[angelic]

Nah, mate, my tank's chill. Got a cheapo internal filter, does the job. Discus don't seem bothered. Tank's 40 gallons, 3 fish, temp at 82°F. Sand bottom, no plants, just a big bit of wood. Water changes? When I remember, lol.

Internal filters can work, but they're not ideal for Discus long-term. They need pristine water, and internals don't handle bio-load as well. Just a heads-up if you're planning to add more fish.

[Roadman]

True that, angelic. Discus are proper fussy with water quality. My mate lost a few from skimping on filtration. Stick with externals or sponges, and keep up with those water changes. Tank's looking lush now, plants are growing in nice.