Discus fry tank ph stability

[Rusty]

My Discus fry tank pH keeps swinging from 6.8 to 7.4 despite using RO water and buffering substrate. I do 30% water changes every other day, tank is 40 gallons, sponge filter only, temp at 84F. Anyone else dealt with this? Can't seem to lock it down.

[BoldOne]

Yo, that's a wild swing, dude. I'd check your KH first, sounds like it's too low to hold the pH steady. My 55-gallon stays rock solid at 6.5 with crushed coral in the filter. Maybe toss some in a media bag?

[bowsar]

Yo, that's a wild swing, dude. I'd check your KH first, sounds like it's too low to hold the pH steady. My 55-gallon stays rock solid at 6.5 with crushed coral in the filter. Maybe toss some in a media bag?

For real, crushed coral's a game-changer! I use it in my 30-gallon breeder, keeps things chill at 6.8. Also, how often you cleaning that sponge filter? Gunk buildup can mess with params.

[foxcape]

Or just stop obsessing over pH. Wild Discus live in rivers that swing daily. Mine thrive at 7.2, and I don't even use RO. Maybe your fish are just... adaptable? *shrug*

[Rusty]

Appreciate the tips. I'll test KH tonight and try the coral. Forgot to mention I'm using Seachem Acid Buffer, but maybe it's overkill.

[BoldOne]

Acid Buffer's sketchy with fry, man. Had a batch crash on me once after overdosing. Stick to natural buffers like the coral or driftwood. Less risky, ya know?

[bowsar]

Totally agree! Driftwood's my go-to. My tannins keep the pH around 6.6, and the fry seem to dig the darker water. Plus, it looks rad.

[foxcape]

Totally agree! Driftwood's my go-to. My tannins keep the pH around 6.6, and the fry seem to dig the darker water. Plus, it looks rad.

Unless you hate the 'tea-stained' vibe. Some folks freak out over yellow water, but hey, fish don't care about Instagram aesthetics.