discus tank water change volume

[Roadman]

Been keeping Discus for a year now, but still unsure about water change volume. I do 30% twice a week in my 75-gallon tank with 6 adults, sand substrate, and a Fluval FX4. They're fed beef heart mix twice daily. Should I bump it up to 50%? Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate stays around 10 ppm. Just wanna make sure they're thriving, ya know?

[Ticgo]

I've got a similar setup, 80-gallon with 5 Discus and a bunch of Cardinals. Been doing 40% changes weekly, but my nitrates creep up to 20 ppm by day 6. Maybe try 40% twice a week? My fish seem chill with it, and the Cardinals don't mind either. Using a canister filter too, Eheim 600.

[Ticgo]

I've got a similar setup, 80-gallon with 5 Discus and a bunch of Cardinals. Been doing 40% changes weekly, but my nitrates creep up to 20 ppm by day 6. Maybe try 40% twice a week? My fish seem chill with it, and the Cardinals don't mind either. Using a canister filter too, Eheim 600.

[Vista]

Been keeping Discus for a year now, but still unsure about water change volume. I do 30% twice a week in my 75-gallon tank with 6 adults, sand substrate, and a Fluval FX4. They're fed beef heart mix twice daily. Should I bump it up to 50%? Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate stays around 10 ppm. Just wanna make sure they're thriving, ya know?

Honestly, 30% twice a week sounds solid if nitrates are stable at 10 ppm. I'd only go higher if you notice sluggish behavior or fading colors. My 90-gallon with 8 Discus gets 25% changes twice a week, and they're breeding like crazy. Keep an eye on them, but don't fix what ain't broke.

[jovial]

Yep, agree with Vista. If your fish are healthy and params are steady, no need to mess with it. I do 20% weekly in my 55-gallon, but I've got way fewer fish, just 3 Discus and some Corys. They're all happy, and the water stays crystal clear with a sponge filter and weekly gravel vacs.

[Limey]

I'd lean toward bumping it to 50% if you're feeding heavy. Beef heart's rich, and more waste means more nitrates over time. My 100-gallon gets 50% changes twice a week, and the Discus are super active. Using a sump with matrix media, nitrates never top 5 ppm. Might be overkill, but they're worth it.

[Limey]

I'd lean toward bumping it to 50% if you're feeding heavy. Beef heart's rich, and more waste means more nitrates over time. My 100-gallon gets 50% changes twice a week, and the Discus are super active. Using a sump with matrix media, nitrates never top 5 ppm. Might be overkill, but they're worth it.

[Roadman]

Cheers for the input, everyone. Gonna stick with 30% for now but keep an eye on nitrates. Might tweak it if I see any issues. Appreciate the help!

[Ticgo]

I'd lean toward bumping it to 50% if you're feeding heavy. Beef heart's rich, and more waste means more nitrates over time. My 100-gallon gets 50% changes twice a week, and the Discus are super active. Using a sump with matrix media, nitrates never top 5 ppm. Might be overkill, but they're worth it.

That's a fair point. Maybe I'll try upping mine too. My Cardinals might thank me for it.

[Vista]

Just remember, bigger changes mean more temp and pH stability checks. I've seen Discus get sketchy if the new water's even slightly off. Always match temp within a degree and drip acclimate if you're paranoid like me.