is discus tank too small?

[fixin]

I've got a 40 gallon tank with 5 Discus, all around 4 inches. They seem stressed lately, hiding more than usual. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate at 10 ppm. Temp's steady at 84°F with a Fluval heater. Using a canister filter, weekly 30% water changes with Seachem Prime. Substrate's sand, a few driftwood pieces, and some Java ferns. Feeding them frozen bloodworms and pellets twice a day. Is the tank too small for them?

[goldey]

Sounds like they might be cramped. I've heard Discus need more space, like 10 gallons per fish. Your tank's kinda tight for 5, especially if they're still growing. Maybe try upgrading to a 55 or 75 gallon? Also, how's the lighting? Bright lights can stress them out.

[cadence]

I've got a 40 gallon tank with 5 Discus, all around 4 inches. They seem stressed lately, hiding more than usual. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate at 10 ppm. Temp's steady at 84°F with a Fluval heater. Using a canister filter, weekly 30% water changes with Seachem Prime. Substrate's sand, a few driftwood pieces, and some Java ferns. Feeding them frozen bloodworms and pellets twice a day. Is the tank too small for them?

Yo, your setup's decent but yeah, 40 gallons is pushing it for 5 Discus. They're social but need room to swim. Try adding more plants or dimming the lights, see if that chills them out. Also, maybe cut back on the bloodworms, too much can mess with their digestion.

[Lippyton]

I'd agree with goldey on the tank size. Discus are sensitive to crowding, and a 40 gallon's gonna feel tight once they hit full size. Your water changes are solid, but maybe bump 'em up to 40% weekly. What's the flow like from that canister? Too much current can stress 'em out too.

[fixin]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll look into a bigger tank. The flow's pretty gentle, but I'll double-check. Lights are on a timer, 8 hours a day, not too bright. Gonna try adding more plants and see if that helps in the meantime.

[cadence]

I'd agree with goldey on the tank size. Discus are sensitive to crowding, and a 40 gallon's gonna feel tight once they hit full size. Your water changes are solid, but maybe bump 'em up to 40% weekly. What's the flow like from that canister? Too much current can stress 'em out too.

For real, flow's a big deal. I've got mine on a spray bar to diffuse it. Also, try some floating plants like Frogbit, gives 'em shade and makes 'em feel safer. You got any tankmates in there? Sometimes other fish can sketch 'em out.

[goldey]

Yeah, floating plants are a good call. I've got some Red Root Floaters in mine, and the Discus love hanging out under 'em. What's your feeding schedule like? Maybe try smaller meals more often instead of two big ones.

[Lippyton]

I'd agree with goldey on the tank size. Discus are sensitive to crowding, and a 40 gallon's gonna feel tight once they hit full size. Your water changes are solid, but maybe bump 'em up to 40% weekly. What's the flow like from that canister? Too much current can stress 'em out too.

For real, flow's a big deal. I've got mine on a spray bar to diffuse it. Also, try some floating plants like Frogbit, gives 'em shade and makes 'em feel safer. You got any tankmates in there? Sometimes other fish can sketch 'em out.

Spot on about the tankmates. I've seen Discus get weird with even peaceful fish like Tetras if they're too active. If you've got any, maybe move 'em to another tank and see if the behavior changes.