discus tank maintenance schedule

[melodic]

What's your weekly routine for keeping a Discus tank clean? I've got a 75-gallon with 6 adults, sand substrate, and a Fluval FX6. Been doing 50% water changes twice a week but they still seem stressed. Temp's at 84°F, pH 6.8. Maybe I'm missing something?

[Cleanse]

What's your weekly routine for keeping a Discus tank clean? I've got a 75-gallon with 6 adults, sand substrate, and a Fluval FX6. Been doing 50% water changes twice a week but they still seem stressed. Temp's at 84°F, pH 6.8. Maybe I'm missing something?

Yo, your setup sounds solid, but stress could be from flow. The FX6's a beast—try baffling the output with a sponge or turning it down. Also, check nitrates before changes. If they're above 10ppm, up the frequency. I do 30% daily in my 90-gallon, keeps 'em chill.

[Nimbus]

Agree with Cleanse on flow. My Discus hated strong currents until I added driftwood to break it up. How's your lighting schedule? Mine do better with 8 hours max, dimmed LED. Also, what's your feeding routine? Overfeeding can mess with water quality fast.

[Lacey]

bruh, u gotta chill with the big water changes. i do 25% every 3 days, temp-matched to a tee. my discus vibin'. also, u usin' RO water or tap? if tap, what conditioner? seachem prime's the goat, no cap.

[maverick]

I'd skip the sand if you're battling stress. Bare bottom's easier to keep pristine. My crew's in a 120-gallon bare tank, 30% changes every other day. Zero issues. Also, what's your filter media? Swap to coarse sponge if you're running ceramic—traps less gunk.

[archibald]

Consistency is key. I perform 40% water changes every Tuesday and Friday, always at 10 AM. My Discus anticipate it now—they swim to the front when I grab the hose. Perhaps your timing varies too much? Routine comforts them.

[ailam]

bruh, u gotta chill with the big water changes. i do 25% every 3 days, temp-matched to a tee. my discus vibin'. also, u usin' RO water or tap? if tap, what conditioner? seachem prime's the goat, no cap.

Lacey's onto something with temp matching. Even a 2°F swing can spook them. I use a digital thermometer to double-check. Also, how old's your sand? Deep sand beds can trap nasties. Stir it gently during changes.

[Mindew]

The substrate requires attention. Particles accumulate. Vacuuming is essential. Do you employ a gravel vacuum? If not, acquire one. Proceed methodically.

[Lena]

yo, my discus freaked out till i added more plants. now they hide in the java fern and chill. maybe toss in some floaters too? they cut the light and give 'em cover.

[duskly]

Plants help, but don't overdo it. Too many can mess with flow and oxygen levels. I keep it simple: anubias on driftwood and a few stems. What's your tank's nitrate reading right before changes?