discus tank water change safety

[seaquake]

I've been doing weekly water changes on my 75 gallon Discus tank, but they've been acting stressed lately. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Temp's steady at 84°F with a Fluval heater. Using Prime for conditioning. Anyone else run into this? Maybe I'm messing with the flow too much.

[maverick]

How much water are you changing each time? I've got a 90 gallon with 6 Discus, and I stick to 25% weekly. Too much at once can freak them out. Also, check if your new water's pH matches. Mine's buffered with crushed coral in the filter.

[bayside]

Yo, same issue here! My crew gets sketchy if I change more than 20%. Try drip acclimating the new water over an hour. I use a cheap airline tube valve, works like a charm. Also, keep the temp within 1°F—they're picky like that.

[Swiftsea]

Yo, same issue here! My crew gets sketchy if I change more than 20%. Try drip acclimating the new water over an hour. I use a cheap airline tube valve, works like a charm. Also, keep the temp within 1°F—they're picky like that.

Drip acclimation's solid advice. I'd add that aged water (left to sit 24 hours) helps if your tap's got chlorine. My Discus chill way more with that.

[3monkeys]

Stress could also stem from flow rate during changes. If you're pouring water directly in, switch to a slower method. I use a Python hose with the valve half-open. Also, ensure your substrate isn't getting stirred up—Discus hate cloudy water.

[jovial]

Y'all are spot on! My guys were hiding post-change until I warmed the new water to 85°F beforehand. Now they're out and begging for food mid-change. Maybe toss in an extra airstone too? Mine love the bubbles.

[finch]

Agree with the temp matching. I test new water with a digital thermometer before adding. Also, keep lights off during changes—mine panic less in dim light. Tank's planted with Amazon swords, so they've got cover.

[seaquake]

Thanks for the tips! Gonna try the drip method and pre-warm the water. Didn't think about the lighting—mine's bright LED. I'll cut it next time.

[SunKnot]

Thanks for the tips! Gonna try the drip method and pre-warm the water. Didn't think about the lighting—mine's bright LED. I'll cut it next time.

Let us know how it goes! My Discus took a week to adjust to slower changes. Oh, and feed them after—distracts them from the weird vibe.

[darksage]

Mine used to bolt during changes until I started adding StressGuard. Now they barely flinch. Maybe worth a shot if the other tricks don't cut it.