discus breeding tank flow rate

[rositas]

What's the ideal flow rate for a breeding tank with Discus? I've got a 40-gallon setup with a sponge filter and a small powerhead, but I'm worried it's too strong. The pair seems stressed, and the fry keep getting pushed around. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, pH 6.8, temp at 84°F. Substrate is bare bottom, and I've got a few almond leaves in there. Should I dial it back or switch to just the sponge?

[bigDiscus]

I'd cut the powerhead completely for breeding. Discus fry need calm water to attach to the parents. Sponge filter alone is plenty, just make sure it's rated for the tank size. I run a double-sponge in my 55-gallon breeder, and the flow is gentle enough that the fry don't get tossed. What's the GPH on your powerhead? If it's over 200, it's definitely too much. Also, how old are the parents? Younger pairs might be more skittish.

[gett246]

I'd cut the powerhead completely for breeding. Discus fry need calm water to attach to the parents. Sponge filter alone is plenty, just make sure it's rated for the tank size. I run a double-sponge in my 55-gallon breeder, and the flow is gentle enough that the fry don't get tossed. What's the GPH on your powerhead? If it's over 200, it's definitely too much. Also, how old are the parents? Younger pairs might be more skittish.

Agreed. I've bred Discus for years, and anything beyond a sponge filter is overkill. The fry need stillness to feed off the parents' slime coat. Your pH and temp are spot on, but the flow is messing with their bonding. Ditch the powerhead, and maybe add a pre-filter sponge to the intake if you're worried about debris.

[SunnyG]

My pair did the same thing when I had a HOB running. Switched to sponge only, and boom, fry everywhere. How often are you doing water changes? I do 20% daily in my breeder to keep things pristine. Also, what's your feeding routine? Live baby brine might help the parents chill out.

[rositas]

Thanks, everyone. The powerhead is 250 GPH, so I'll yank it today. Parents are about 2 years old, first-time breeders. I do 25% water changes every other day, feeding frozen bloodworms and beef heart twice daily. I'll try dialing back to sponge only and see if they settle. Appreciate the help!

[bigDiscus]

Thanks, everyone. The powerhead is 250 GPH, so I'll yank it today. Parents are about 2 years old, first-time breeders. I do 25% water changes every other day, feeding frozen bloodworms and beef heart twice daily. I'll try dialing back to sponge only and see if they settle. Appreciate the help!

First-time parents can be a bit clueless. If they're still stressed, try dimming the lights or adding a divider to give them a break. Also, beef heart is great, but mix in some vitamins if you're not already. I use a garlic guard soak to boost their immune system.

[gett246]

Yep, lighting matters too. I run mine at 50% brightness during breeding. And yeah, beef heart is messy, so up those water changes if you're gonna stick with it. What's your tank's footprint? A 40-gallon breeder (36x18) gives them more room to maneuver than a standard 40.

[SunnyG]

Mine's a 30-gallon long, and even that feels tight sometimes. You might wanna consider a bigger tank if this pair keeps at it. Also, how's your CO2? If you're running any, shut it off during breeding. The pH swings can freak them out.