discus tank water change mistakes

[Cloudy]

I've been doing weekly 50% water changes on my 75-gallon Discus tank, but they've been acting stressed lately. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Temp is steady at 84°F with a Fluval heater. Could I be messing something up during changes?

[Dory]

I've been doing weekly 50% water changes on my 75-gallon Discus tank, but they've been acting stressed lately. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Temp is steady at 84°F with a Fluval heater. Could I be messing something up during changes?

How's your water change routine? If you're pouring too fast or not matching temp/pH closely, that'll freak them out. I use a Python to refill slowly over 20 mins, and I always pre-treat with Seachem Prime.

[julian]

Yo, same issue here. My guys dart around like crazy after changes. I've got a bare bottom tank with sponge filters, so it's not like there's much to mess with. Maybe it's the tap water? I don't test for chloramines, just chlorine.

[Sprig]

Chloramines are a big deal if your municipality uses them. They don't off-gas like chlorine. Also, check your TDS—if it's swinging more than 50 ppm between changes, that's rough on them. I aim for 150–200 ppm with RO water and remineralizer.

[kadyash]

Lol, my Discus used to give me the side-eye after changes. Turns out I was being lazy with temp matching. Now I use a digital thermometer to check both buckets, and they're way more chill. Also, try dimming the lights during changes—sketchy vibes freak them out.

[3monkeys]

Chloramines are a big deal if your municipality uses them. They don't off-gas like chlorine. Also, check your TDS—if it's swinging more than 50 ppm between changes, that's rough on them. I aim for 150–200 ppm with RO water and remineralizer.

Exactly. TDS swings are brutal. I log mine before/after changes. Also, Cloudy, what's your substrate? Deep sand can trap gunk that gets stirred up during changes.

[Magus]

Are you vacuuming the substrate aggressively? I've seen folks rip up biofilm and crash their cycle mid-change. Stick to light surface cleaning unless you've got detritus buildup.

[Dapper]

This thread's a lifesaver. I've been rushing changes in my 55-gallon, and my Discus hide for hours after. Gonna try the slow refill and temp match thing. Thanks, y'all.

[Cloudy]

I've been doing weekly 50% water changes on my 75-gallon Discus tank, but they've been acting stressed lately. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Temp is steady at 84°F with a Fluval heater. Could I be messing something up during changes?

How's your water change routine? If you're pouring too fast or not matching temp/pH closely, that'll freak them out. I use a Python to refill slowly over 20 mins, and I always pre-treat with Seachem Prime.

Thanks! I'll grab a Python and slow it down. Didn't realize speed mattered that much.

[joshito]

bruh, my tap's pH is 8.2 but my tank sits at 6.8. i cut it with RO now, no more freakouts. also, prime's a must, no cap.