discus tank water change frequency

[Chili]

How often do you guys change water in your Discus tanks? I've got a 75 gallon with 6 adults, running a Fluval FX6, and I'm doing 50% twice a week. They seem happy, but I'm wondering if I can cut it back to once a week without stressing them.

[dudekay]

Twice a week is solid, especially with adults. I do 30% every 3 days on my 90 gallon, but I've got juvies in there. If your params stay stable (0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, under 10 nitrate), you could try scaling back. Just watch for clamped fins or fading colors.

[Coastal]

Yep, twice a week's the sweet spot for me too. My crew's in a 55 with sand substrate and driftwood. Tried once a week last month, and they got all sketchy, started hiding. Bumped it back up, and they chilled out. Maybe your FX6's doing extra heavy lifting though.

[Danca89]

How often do you guys change water in your Discus tanks? I've got a 75 gallon with 6 adults, running a Fluval FX6, and I'm doing 50% twice a week. They seem happy, but I'm wondering if I can cut it back to once a week without stressing them.

Honestly, stick with what's working. My tank's similar, but I slack sometimes, and they always let me know—either by ignoring food or turning dark. Not worth the risk unless you're testing daily.

[UTESO]

I agree with testing first. My 100 gallon has a sump and heavy planting, so I do 40% weekly. But I check nitrates every other day. If yours stay below 20ppm, you might be fine. Key thing is consistency—they hate sudden changes.

[bajil]

Mine are in a 60 with canister filter, no plants. I do 50% every 5 days. Tried weekly once, but the water got cloudy fast. Maybe your FX6 handles waste better than my cheapo filter.

[Chili]

Thanks for the input, everyone. I'll test nitrates more often this week and see if I can tweak it. Appreciate the details on your setups too.

[dudekay]

Yep, twice a week's the sweet spot for me too. My crew's in a 55 with sand substrate and driftwood. Tried once a week last month, and they got all sketchy, started hiding. Bumped it back up, and they chilled out. Maybe your FX6's doing extra heavy lifting though.

Sand's a game changer, right? I switched from gravel last year, and waste stays suspended way better. Makes water changes less of a chore since you're not vacuuming as deep.

[Coastal]

For real. Gravel traps so much gunk. Sand's easier to skim, and the Discus love sifting through it. Plus, it looks cleaner between changes. Win-win.

[Danca89]

Anyone else notice they're more active right after a change? Mine start cruising the front glass like they're showing off. Makes the extra work worth it.