Who Gives A Fish Forums

Rustic wrote: ↑Sun Jun 15, 2025 1:14 pm Overfeeding spikes ammonia fast in small tanks. I feed frozen brine shrimp every other day, 3 pieces max. 5 gallon, planted, no tankmates. Water stays pristine.

This. Also, invest in a turkey baster to spot-clean uneaten food. Game-changer for my 7 gallon.

I've had success with heaters near the bottom, angled slightly upward. Helps with circulation. Also, avoid direct contact with decor or glass. How old are your Discus?

Plants can slightly slow down the initial ammonia spike since they compete with bacteria for nutrients. But long-term, they're beneficial. What's your lighting schedule like?

Yep, mine are chillin' in hard water too, around 280 ppm. They're not as flashy as soft water ones, but no health issues. I do 30% changes twice a week, feed beef heart mix daily, and keep 'em with cardinal tetras. Tank's got a sponge filter and LED lights, 12 hours a day.


Interesting. What's ...

A 40-gallon tank is the minimum I'd recommend for a breeding pair. They need space to establish territory and reduce stress. Water changes should be frequent, at least 50% every other day, to keep nitrates low. Use a sponge filter to avoid sucking up fry.

Thanks for the input, everyone. Leaning toward the Fluval 407 with extra bio media. Appreciate the real-world experiences.

Setting up a 75 gallon tank for Discus and need advice on filters. I've heard canisters are best, but which model handles their bio load without too much flow? Tank has sand substrate, driftwood, and a few live plants. Water changes weekly, 50%, temp at 84F. Currently eyeing the Fluval 407 but open ...