is my discus sick or just shy?

[Lacey]

My discus been hiding behind the plants since I got them last week. They eat fine but dart away when I come near. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10ppm. Tank is 75 gallons, temp at 84F, sand substrate, driftwood, and some java fern. Filter's a Fluval 407, weekly 30% water changes with Prime. Tankmates are 6 rummynose tetras and a bristlenose pleco. Is this normal or should I be worried?

[Duppy]

My discus been hiding behind the plants since I got them last week. They eat fine but dart away when I come near. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10ppm. Tank is 75 gallons, temp at 84F, sand substrate, driftwood, and some java fern. Filter's a Fluval 407, weekly 30% water changes with Prime. Tankmates are 6 rummynose tetras and a bristlenose pleco. Is this normal or should I be worried?

That's pretty common for new discus, especially if they're young. They're skittish by nature. How old are they? If they're eating and params are solid, I'd give 'em time to adjust. Maybe dim the lights a bit or add more cover. What's your feeding routine? Beef heart or pellets?

[BoldRom]

Agree with Duppy. New discus can take weeks to settle in. Mine were the same way. Key thing is consistency—keep the water changes steady, same time each week. Also, how's the flow from that Fluval? Too much current can stress them. Try baffling it if it's strong. And yeah, what're you feeding? Variety's key for their immune system.

[virus]

Yo, my discus did the same thing when I first got 'em. Freaked me out too. Turns out they just needed time to vibe with the tank. If they're eating and no white spots or clamped fins, prolly just shy. How many you got? Maybe they'd feel safer with more buddies.

[finch]

My discus been hiding behind the plants since I got them last week. They eat fine but dart away when I come near. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10ppm. Tank is 75 gallons, temp at 84F, sand substrate, driftwood, and some java fern. Filter's a Fluval 407, weekly 30% water changes with Prime. Tankmates are 6 rummynose tetras and a bristlenose pleco. Is this normal or should I be worried?

That's pretty common for new discus, especially if they're young. They're skittish by nature. How old are they? If they're eating and params are solid, I'd give 'em time to adjust. Maybe dim the lights a bit or add more cover. What's your feeding routine? Beef heart or pellets?

Exactly. Juvenile discus are notorious for this. Mine hid for almost a month before they started cruising the front glass. Lacey, what's your lighting schedule? Too much brightness can make them nervous. Also, any sudden noises near the tank? That'll spook 'em.

[FishNe]

Could be stress from the move. How'd you acclimate them? Drip or float? Either way, if they're eating and no visible issues, I'd lean toward shyness. But keep an eye out for rapid gilling or faded colors—those are red flags. Also, that pleco might be bothering them at night. Bristlenoses can get territorial.

[kayzer]

Mine were like that too! Took 'em forever to chill out. Maybe try adding some dither fish? My cardinals helped a ton—gave the discus confidence to come out. Just a thought. Oh, and what's your pH? Stable's more important than perfect, but curious.

[Lacey]

Thanks, all. They're about 3 inches, so prob juveniles. Feeding a mix of frozen bloodworms and Hikari pellets twice a day. pH is 6.8, pretty stable. Lights are on 8 hours, but I'll try dimming. Flow's medium, but I can adjust the spray bar. Gonna give it more time and watch for stress signs. Appreciate the help!

[Duppy]

Thanks, all. They're about 3 inches, so prob juveniles. Feeding a mix of frozen bloodworms and Hikari pellets twice a day. pH is 6.8, pretty stable. Lights are on 8 hours, but I'll try dimming. Flow's medium, but I can adjust the spray bar. Gonna give it more time and watch for stress signs. Appreciate the help!

Yep, that tracks. At that size, they're still figuring things out. Bloodworms are great, but try adding some beef heart or brine shrimp for variety. And yeah, dimming the lights should help. Keep us posted!

[virus]

Thanks, all. They're about 3 inches, so prob juveniles. Feeding a mix of frozen bloodworms and Hikari pellets twice a day. pH is 6.8, pretty stable. Lights are on 8 hours, but I'll try dimming. Flow's medium, but I can adjust the spray bar. Gonna give it more time and watch for stress signs. Appreciate the help!

Yep, that tracks. At that size, they're still figuring things out. Bloodworms are great, but try adding some beef heart or brine shrimp for variety. And yeah, dimming the lights should help. Keep us posted!

For real. My crew didn't start acting normal till they hit like 4 inches. Now they're pigs, begging for food every time I walk by. Just gotta be patient with the little dudes.