best discus tank vacation care

[Dream]

I'm going on vacation for two weeks and need advice on keeping my Discus healthy while I'm gone. Tank is 75 gallons, with 6 adult Discus, a pair of German Blue Rams, and some Cardinal Tetras. I do 50% water changes twice a week, feed them frozen beef heart and pellets twice daily. Current setup has a Fluval FX6, CO2 injection, and LED lighting on a timer. What's the best way to automate feeding and maintenance without stressing them?

[blueguy]

For feeding, I'd recommend an auto feeder like the Eheim Everyday. Set it to dispense pellets once a day, just enough to keep them going without fouling the water. Skip the beef heart, it'll rot if uneaten. For water changes, a Python system with a timer could work, but honestly, a big water change right before you leave and another when you return might cut it. Test your tap water first, though.

[bloom]

Yo, I feel you on the stress thing. Last time I left mine for 10 days, I freaked out. But they were fine! I used an auto feeder for pellets, kept the lights on a 6-hour cycle, and had a neighbor check in once to top off the water. Tank's 55 gallons, sand substrate, no CO2. Just make sure your filter's clean before you bounce, and maybe add some extra bio media for stability.

[Lumina]

Yo, I feel you on the stress thing. Last time I left mine for 10 days, I freaked out. But they were fine! I used an auto feeder for pellets, kept the lights on a 6-hour cycle, and had a neighbor check in once to top off the water. Tank's 55 gallons, sand substrate, no CO2. Just make sure your filter's clean before you bounce, and maybe add some extra bio media for stability.

That's solid advice. I'd also suggest lowering the temp slightly to 82°F to slow metabolism and reduce waste. And double-check your auto feeder's battery life—mine died once mid-trip.

[Kairos]

Aight, so no beef heart, got it. But what if my Discus are picky? They barely touch pellets. Tank's 90 gallons, planted, with a canister filter. I usually feed live blackworms. Gonna be gone for 12 days. Sketchy to leave 'em without live food, right?

[ameRio]

Aight, so no beef heart, got it. But what if my Discus are picky? They barely touch pellets. Tank's 90 gallons, planted, with a canister filter. I usually feed live blackworms. Gonna be gone for 12 days. Sketchy to leave 'em without live food, right?

Nah, they'll survive. Hunger's the best sauce, as my grandma used to say. Maybe mix some freeze-dried blackworms with pellets beforehand to get 'em used to it. And yeah, clean that filter media real good.

[Chili]

Automated water changes are risky without monitoring. I recommend prepping 50% aged water in a separate container, then having someone pour it in slowly halfway through your trip. For feeding, use a battery-operated feeder with a mix of high-quality pellets and freeze-dried foods. Discus can go weeks without food if necessary, but water quality is non-negotiable.

[Silvan]

Man, I left mine for a week once with just an auto feeder and came back to a algae fest. Lights were on too long, I guess. Now I use smart plugs to control everything, even the CO2. Tank's 120 gallons, bare bottom, with a sump. Maybe overkill, but hey, no algae this time.

[Dream]

Thanks for all the tips, everyone. I'll set up the auto feeder with pellets, lower the temp, and do a big water change before I go. Appreciate the help!

[buzzit]

One more thing—unplug any non-essential equipment like wave makers or UV sterilizers to reduce failure risks. And maybe leave a detailed note for emergency contacts, just in case. My tank's 65 gallons, with a sponge filter backup. Peace of mind goes a long way.