discus tank water change timing

[SunnyG]

How often do you guys change water for your Discus? I've got a 75-gallon tank with 6 juveniles, sand substrate, and a canister filter. Been doing 30% every 3 days but they seem stressed after. Temp's at 84°F, pH 6.8. Maybe I'm overdoing it?

[Bolden]

30% every 3 days is solid for juvies, but stress could mean the new water's off. Check if your tap matches tank params—temp, pH, hardness. I use a mixing valve to pre-heat, and Prime to neutralize chlorine. Also, how's your flow rate? Too fast can freak them out.

[cadence]

yo, same setup here! i do 25% every other day but drip the new water in over an hour. keeps things steady. also, my discus dig the dim lights during changes. try blackout curtains, it's a vibe.

[vital]

30% every 3 days is solid for juvies, but stress could mean the new water's off. Check if your tap matches tank params—temp, pH, hardness. I use a mixing valve to pre-heat, and Prime to neutralize chlorine. Also, how's your flow rate? Too fast can freak them out.

Agreed. My tap's pH is 7.4, so I buffer with peat moss in a storage barrel. Takes 24 hrs to stabilize. Also, are you vacuuming the sand? Waste buildup can spike nitrates fast.

[knight]

I'd cut back to 20% changes if they're stressed. Mine are adults in a 125-gallon, planted with driftwood. Weekly 40% works fine, but juvies need more. Maybe skip a change and observe? Sometimes they just need a chill week.

[SunnyG]

Thanks, all! Gonna test my tap and slow the flow. Didn't think about the lights—good call.

[Seadog]

Stress post-change could also be osmotic shock. What's your TDS? I aim for under 100 ppm for juvies. RO water helps, but remineralize with Equilibrium. Also, how's their appetite? If they're eating beef heart after, it's probably not the change itself.

[landfall]

mixing valve's a game-changer, like Bolden said. i rigged mine with a cheap inline heater. also, try aging the water 12 hrs with an airstone—lets gases off-gas. my discus stopped glass surfing after i started that.

[mander]

yo, same setup here! i do 25% every other day but drip the new water in over an hour. keeps things steady. also, my discus dig the dim lights during changes. try blackout curtains, it's a vibe.

Dripping's key. I use a 5-gallon bucket and airline tubing with a valve. Takes 2 hrs for 10 gallons, but zero stress. Also, check your water change tool—gravel vacs can suck up sand and stir debris.

[tonic]

Anyone else notice seasonal changes affect this? My discus hate winter water—extra skittish. I warm the storage barrel to 86°F December–March. Summer's easier, just match room temp.