discus tank ph crash recovery

[Dock]

My tank's pH crashed overnight from 6.8 to 5.2, and my Discus are stressed. Running a 75-gallon with sand substrate, planted, and a Fluval FX6. Did a 50% water change, but they're still hiding. Any quick fixes?

[3monkeys]

First, test your KH. If it's below 2, that's the culprit. Add crushed coral in a media bag to your filter to stabilize it. Also, check your CO2 levels if you're running injected. How often do you water change?

[guyah]

First, test your KH. If it's below 2, that's the culprit. Add crushed coral in a media bag to your filter to stabilize it. Also, check your CO2 levels if you're running injected. How often do you water change?

Yep, crushed coral is a lifesaver. I'd also cut back on CO2 if you're blasting it. What's your lighting schedule? Too much light can mess with plants and CO2 balance.

[Lion]

Had this happen last year. My tap water's KH was sketchy low. Started mixing in RO with a remineralizer, and problem solved. What's your tap KH?

[Dock]

Thanks, all. Tap KH is 1, so that's probably it. Gonna grab some coral today. They're perking up after the water change, but still not eating.

[Ticgo]

Glad they're improving! Try offering live blackworms if they're refusing pellets. Mine go nuts for 'em after stress. Also, dim the lights for a bit—helps 'em chill.

[Fuegoz]

Yo, same thing happened to my crew. Crushed coral fixed it in like two days. Also, check your filter media—sometimes it goes acidic if you don't rinse it enough.

[Lyn]

Yo, same thing happened to my crew. Crushed coral fixed it in like two days. Also, check your filter media—sometimes it goes acidic if you don't rinse it enough.

For real. My FX6 was a pH killer till I rinsed the sponges weekly. How old's your media?

[Jester]

Monitor the pH daily now. If it swings again, consider a buffering substrate like ADA Amazonia. It's pricey but keeps things stable.

[Lionheart]

Agree with the coral advice. Also, avoid overfeeding while they recover. Excess food can lower pH further.