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discus tank filter media choices
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 12:08 am
by mole
What's the best filter media for a 75-gallon Discus tank? I've been using sponge filters but wondering if I should switch to canister with bio balls or ceramic rings. My tank's got 6 adults, sand substrate, and a bunch of driftwood. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Temp's steady at 86°F. Just wanna make sure they're getting the cleanest water possible.
Re: discus tank filter media choices
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 1:26 am
by Duppy
I've had good luck with canister filters packed with ceramic rings and a coarse sponge pre-filter. My 90-gallon's been running that way for 2 years, zero issues. Just gotta clean the pre-filter every week or so. What's your water change routine like? That's gonna affect how much gunk builds up in there.
Re: discus tank filter media choices
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 2:23 am
by Danca89
mole wrote: ↑Wed Aug 27, 2025 12:08 am
What's the best filter media for a 75-gallon Discus tank? I've been using sponge filters but wondering if I should switch to canister with bio balls or ceramic rings. My tank's got 6 adults, sand substrate, and a bunch of driftwood. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Temp's steady at 86°F. Just wanna make sure they're getting the cleanest water possible.
Sponge filters are chill for bio filtration but if you're gonna crank up the stocking, a canister's the way to go. I mix ceramic rings and filter floss in mine, keeps the water crystal clear. How often do you feed them? Overfeeding's gonna mess with your media no matter what you use.
Re: discus tank filter media choices
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 3:48 am
by elixir
I use a canister with bio balls and a layer of activated carbon. The carbon helps with any weird vibes in the water, especially after feeding beef heart. My Discus seem happier since I switched from sponge filters. Tank's a 55-gallon, 4 fish, planted with Java fern. No algae issues since the change.
Re: discus tank filter media choices
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 5:05 am
by Taleno
Y'all ever try those fancy sintered glass media things? Heard they're supposed to be killer for bio filtration but they're pricey. My 60-gallon's got a canister with the basic ceramic rings, does the job but I'm curious if the upgrade's worth it. Water changes are every 3 days, 30%, so maybe it don't matter much.
Re: discus tank filter media choices
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 6:16 am
by Purrer
Nah, skip the bio balls, they're sketchy. Just stack ceramic rings and call it a day. My tank's been solid with that setup, no crashes, no drama. 75-gallon, 5 Discus, temp at 85°F. Feed 'em twice a day, bloodworms and pellets. Water's always clean, nitrates never above 15 ppm.
Re: discus tank filter media choices
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 7:00 am
by mole
Thanks for the input, everyone. Gonna try a canister with ceramic rings and keep the sponge as a backup. Appreciate the tips on feeding and water changes too.
Re: discus tank filter media choices
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 7:41 am
by Duppy
Purrer wrote: ↑Wed Aug 27, 2025 6:16 am
Nah, skip the bio balls, they're sketchy. Just stack ceramic rings and call it a day. My tank's been solid with that setup, no crashes, no drama. 75-gallon, 5 Discus, temp at 85°F. Feed 'em twice a day, bloodworms and pellets. Water's always clean, nitrates never above 15 ppm.
Bio balls ain't sketchy if you use 'em right, they just need more maintenance. But yeah, ceramic rings are easier for most folks. What's your flow rate like? Too much current stresses Discus out.
Re: discus tank filter media choices
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 8:08 am
by Danca89
Flow rate's key, forgot to mention that. I keep mine low, just enough to move the surface but not blast the fish around. Also, if you're gonna add plants, make sure the media don't clog up too fast. My Java moss loves the gentle flow from the canister.
Re: discus tank filter media choices
Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2025 8:55 am
by elixir
I adjust my canister's output with a spray bar to diffuse the flow. Works great for the Discus and the plants. Tank's got Amazon swords and Anubias, all thriving. No issues with media clogging since I added the pre-filter sponge.