best discus tank filter media

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Lavent
Posts: 7
Joined: Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:34 am

Re: best discus tank filter media

Post by Lavent »

Y'all overcomplicating it. Just use sponges and ceramic, keep up with water changes. My 55 gallon's bare-bottom with 6 Discus, and they're thriving. Nitrates at 15 ppm, temp 84F. Simple is better sometimes. Also, skip the chemical media unless you've got a specific issue.
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tigercub
Posts: 17
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2022 2:17 am

Re: best discus tank filter media

Post by tigercub »

What's the flow rate like with all that media? I've got a 60 gallon with an FX4, but the flow seems weak after adding Matrix and floss. Discus are okay, but the plants aren't getting much movement. Temp's 83F, nitrates at 20 ppm. Weekly 50% changes.
Kairos
Posts: 7
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2024 1:51 pm

Re: best discus tank filter media

Post by Kairos »

tigercub wrote: Fri Jun 06, 2025 6:10 pm What's the flow rate like with all that media? I've got a 60 gallon with an FX4, but the flow seems weak after adding Matrix and floss. Discus are okay, but the plants aren't getting much movement. Temp's 83F, nitrates at 20 ppm. Weekly 50% changes.
Might need to clean the impeller. My FX6 was sluggish until I took it apart. Now it's fine with Matrix, sponges, and Purigen. 125 gallon, 10 Discus, temp 85F. Nitrates under 10 ppm with twice-weekly 25% changes.
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