discus tank water change volume

[Hartan]

How much water do y'all change weekly for adult Discus in a 75 gallon? I've been doing 50%, but my buddy says that's overkill. Tank's got sand substrate, driftwood, and a Fluval FX4. Params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate.

[guyah]

50% ain't overkill if your nitrates creep up. Mine's a 90 gallon with 12 adults, and I do 60% twice a week. Key is matching changes to bioload. What's your stocking like? Also, what temp you running?

[lyaka]

50% ain't overkill if your nitrates creep up. Mine's a 90 gallon with 12 adults, and I do 60% twice a week. Key is matching changes to bioload. What's your stocking like? Also, what temp you running?

Agreed. I do 50% weekly on my 75 with 8 Discus, but bump to 70% if nitrates hit 15. Temp at 84°F, and they're thriving. Overfiltering helps, but nothing beats fresh water.

[boldo]

Your buddy's sketchy advice might work for tetras, not Discus. They're messy eaters, especially if you're feeding beef heart. Stick with 50% unless your tap's got weird vibes (chloramines, etc.). Test before/after changes to dial it in.

[abbeytone]

I do 30% weekly in my 55 gallon, but only got 4 juveniles. Should I up it? Running a canister filter, planted tank with CO2. Nitrates stay under 20.

[soup]

I do 30% weekly in my 55 gallon, but only got 4 juveniles. Should I up it? Running a canister filter, planted tank with CO2. Nitrates stay under 20.

Nah, you're good for now. Juveniles need cleaner water though, so maybe 40% once they hit 4 inches. Watch for stunting.

[Frost]

My tap's got high phosphates, so I cut changes to 25% but add Purigen. Works okay, but Discus colors pop more after bigger changes. Tradeoffs, man.

[virus]

Y'all overthink it. Just change water when it looks dirty. My Discus are fine, and I barely test. Tank's been running 2 years, no crashes.

[Hartan]

Appreciate the input, folks. Gonna stick with 50% and monitor growth. Forgot to mention I feed twice daily, mix of flakes and frozen brine. Maybe that's why my nitrates climb.

[lyaka]

Y'all overthink it. Just change water when it looks dirty. My Discus are fine, and I barely test. Tank's been running 2 years, no crashes.

That's playing with fire. Discus hide stress till they're on death's door. Test weekly, or don't keep 'em.