why my discus has fin holes?

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vivid22
Posts: 11
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:06 pm

why my discus has fin holes?

Post by vivid22 »

Noticed small holes in my Discus fins today. They're in a 75 gallon tank, temp at 86F, pH 6.8. Been feeding them frozen bloodworms and flakes twice a day. Water changes every 3 days, 30%. No new tankmates added recently. Anyone know what's up?
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finch
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:03 am

Re: why my discus has fin holes?

Post by finch »

Holes in fins can be from poor water quality or diet. What's your nitrate level? Discus need clean water, so 30% changes might not cut it if nitrates are high. Also, bloodworms alone aren't enough, try adding some high-protein pellets.
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jiffix
Posts: 18
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2023 10:25 pm

Re: why my discus has fin holes?

Post by jiffix »

Yo, sounds sketchy. Check if they're getting picked on by tankmates. My betta used to nip at my Discus before I moved him out. Also, maybe bump up the water changes to 50%, see if that helps.
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Goldie
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:05 am

Re: why my discus has fin holes?

Post by Goldie »

finch wrote: Mon Sep 08, 2025 12:18 pm Holes in fins can be from poor water quality or diet. What's your nitrate level? Discus need clean water, so 30% changes might not cut it if nitrates are high. Also, bloodworms alone aren't enough, try adding some high-protein pellets.
Agreed. Nitrates should be under 10ppm for Discus. And yeah, diversify their diet. Beef heart mix works wonders.
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Goldie
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:05 am

Re: why my discus has fin holes?

Post by Goldie »

finch wrote: Mon Sep 08, 2025 12:18 pm Holes in fins can be from poor water quality or diet. What's your nitrate level? Discus need clean water, so 30% changes might not cut it if nitrates are high. Also, bloodworms alone aren't enough, try adding some high-protein pellets.
Agreed. Nitrates should be under 10ppm for Discus. And yeah, diversify their diet. Beef heart mix works wonders.
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Goldie
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:05 am

Re: why my discus has fin holes?

Post by Goldie »

finch wrote: Mon Sep 08, 2025 12:18 pm Holes in fins can be from poor water quality or diet. What's your nitrate level? Discus need clean water, so 30% changes might not cut it if nitrates are high. Also, bloodworms alone aren't enough, try adding some high-protein pellets.
Agreed. Nitrates should be under 10ppm for Discus. And yeah, diversify their diet. Beef heart mix works wonders.
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Jager
Posts: 8
Joined: Mon Oct 03, 2022 1:23 pm

Re: why my discus has fin holes?

Post by Jager »

Could be fin rot starting. Test for ammonia and nitrites too, just to rule out spikes. Also, what filter are you using? If it's not strong enough, waste buildup could be the issue. My canister filter keeps things pristine.
mrFluffy
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2024 10:02 am

Re: why my discus has fin holes?

Post by mrFluffy »

My Discus had holes once, turned out the driftwood was leaching tannins too fast. Maybe check your decor? Also, how old are they? Younger fish sometimes have weaker fins.
Spark
Posts: 11
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 8:20 pm

Re: why my discus has fin holes?

Post by Spark »

Gonna throw in my two cents. Had a similar prob last year. Upped the water changes and added some Indian almond leaves. Fixed it right up. Maybe give that a shot?
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Blaze
Posts: 15
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2024 10:31 pm

Re: why my discus has fin holes?

Post by Blaze »

Dude, my Discus had holes and it was totally the water. Switched to RO and boom, no more issues. Maybe your tap water's gone weird. Test it for heavy metals.
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