discus breeding tank water buffer

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dynamo
Posts: 27
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2023 2:24 am

discus breeding tank water buffer

Post by dynamo »

Setting up a breeding tank for my Discus and need advice on water buffers. Currently running a 40-gallon tank with RO water, pH around 6.5, temp at 86°F. Using a sponge filter and driftwood for tannins. What's the best buffer to keep things stable without messing with their breeding behavior?
pacer
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Aug 04, 2024 8:07 pm

Re: discus breeding tank water buffer

Post by pacer »

I've had success with Seachem Discus Buffer. It's designed for soft water fish like them. My setup's similar, 55-gallon, RO water, pH 6.8. I do 30% water changes twice a week, and they've spawned three times this year. Just don't overdo it, or you'll stress them out.
Fuegoz
Posts: 23
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:42 pm

Re: discus breeding tank water buffer

Post by Fuegoz »

Yep, Seachem's solid. I mix it with Equilibrium to keep the GH in check. My pair's in a 30-gallon, bare bottom for easy cleaning. Temp's at 85°F, and I feed them beef heart mix twice a day. They're super picky about water stability, so test daily.
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foxcape
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Joined: Sat Jun 08, 2024 12:53 am

Re: discus breeding tank water buffer

Post by foxcape »

Honestly, buffers are overrated. Just use crushed coral in a media bag. Cheap, easy, and it'll slowly dissolve to keep things steady. My Discus are breeding like rabbits in a 75-gallon with sand substrate and tons of plants. pH stays at 6.7, no fuss.
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dynamo
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Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2023 2:24 am

Re: discus breeding tank water buffer

Post by dynamo »

Thanks for the suggestions. Gonna try the Seachem Buffer first since I've got some on hand. I'll keep an eye on the pH and GH like Fuegoz said. Appreciate the help!
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Rider
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Joined: Thu Sep 14, 2023 4:25 am

Re: discus breeding tank water buffer

Post by Rider »

foxcape wrote: Sun Aug 24, 2025 5:51 pm Honestly, buffers are overrated. Just use crushed coral in a media bag. Cheap, easy, and it'll slowly dissolve to keep things steady. My Discus are breeding like rabbits in a 75-gallon with sand substrate and tons of plants. pH stays at 6.7, no fuss.
Crushed coral's a gamble though. If your water's already hard, it'll spike the pH too fast. I'd stick with buffers for more control.
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Pathmaster
Posts: 18
Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2022 4:55 pm

Re: discus breeding tank water buffer

Post by Pathmaster »

Agree with Rider. Buffers give you precision. I use a mix of Discus Buffer and Acid Buffer to fine-tune. My 50-gallon's got a canister filter, temp at 84°F, and I feed live blackworms. The pair's spawned twice since I dialed in the water.
gurer
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:15 pm

Re: discus breeding tank water buffer

Post by gurer »

My tap water's pretty soft, so I just add a pinch of baking soda. Works fine, pH stays at 6.6. Tank's a 40-gallon with a HOB filter, temp 85°F. They're not breeding yet, but they're coloring up nicely.
Jester
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:03 pm

Re: discus breeding tank water buffer

Post by Jester »

I'm new to this, but my LFS told me to avoid buffers altogether. They said natural tannins from driftwood are enough. My 29-gallon's got a sponge filter, temp at 86°F, and I do 20% water changes every other day. No spawns yet, but the fish seem happy.
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Biker
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Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2022 11:05 am

Re: discus breeding tank water buffer

Post by Biker »

Buffers or not, consistency's key. I test my water every morning, 55-gallon, pH 6.8, temp 85°F. Use a mix of RO and tap to keep things stable. Feed them frozen bloodworms and pellets. They've spawned once, but the eggs didn't hatch.
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