discus breeding pair tank lighting

Chat about all things related to Discus, from purchasing to breeding and everything in between. One of the most beautiful species in the hobby
archibald
Posts: 12
Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2023 10:37 pm

Re: discus breeding pair tank lighting

Post by archibald »

Lighting's only part of it. What's your filtration like? A sponge filter's good, but fry need near-zero current. I added a pre-filter sponge to my HOB to slow the flow. Also, temp stability's huge—you using a reliable heater? Inkbird controllers are worth every penny.
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Sailor
Posts: 19
Joined: Wed Jul 19, 2023 12:40 pm

Re: discus breeding pair tank lighting

Post by Sailor »

I'm new to Discus breeding, but my LFS said to use red lights for spawning. Anyone try that? My pair's in a 40-gallon with a cheap LED, no luck yet.
Olive
Posts: 27
Joined: Wed Jun 07, 2023 9:12 pm

Re: discus breeding pair tank lighting

Post by Olive »

Sailor wrote: Fri Aug 08, 2025 2:31 pm I'm new to Discus breeding, but my LFS said to use red lights for spawning. Anyone try that? My pair's in a 40-gallon with a cheap LED, no luck yet.
Red light can work, but it's more about intensity than color. I'd focus on water quality first—what's your pH and hardness? Discus need soft, acidic water to trigger spawning behavior.
BlondeBloom
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:03 pm

Re: discus breeding pair tank lighting

Post by BlondeBloom »

My pair didn't spawn until I switched to a dimmer light. Maybe try that before buying new equipment. Also, are you using any tannins? Indian almond leaves made a big difference for mine.
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tigercub
Posts: 27
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2022 2:17 am

Re: discus breeding pair tank lighting

Post by tigercub »

Lighting's tricky, but don't overthink it. My pair bred under a basic Nicrew LED. Key was keeping the room dark at night—no ambient light. Also, fry need infusoria ASAP. You culturing any?
Suntech
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon Apr 15, 2024 7:45 pm

Re: discus breeding pair tank lighting

Post by Suntech »

I've heard mixed things about lighting. Some say bright, some say dim. Maybe it's more about consistency? My pair spawned under a cheap LED but only after I kept the schedule rigid—on at 8 AM, off at 4 PM, no exceptions.
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