discus tank filter cleaning routine

[matto]

What's your filter cleaning routine for a Discus tank? I've got a 75-gallon with 6 adults, sand substrate, and a Fluval FX4. Been doing monthly rinses with tank water, but my nitrates creep up fast. Wondering if I should tweak it.

[Sand]

Monthly might not be enough with that bioload. I run a similar setup, 80-gallon, 7 Discus, and clean my FX6 every 3 weeks. Key is to rinse the sponges lightly, never replace all media at once. How often are your water changes?

[Bolden]

What's your filter cleaning routine for a Discus tank? I've got a 75-gallon with 6 adults, sand substrate, and a Fluval FX4. Been doing monthly rinses with tank water, but my nitrates creep up fast. Wondering if I should tweak it.

Nitrates climbing usually means overfeeding or insufficient water changes. I do 50% weekly changes on my 90-gallon, clean the filter every 2 weeks. What's your feeding schedule like?

[melodic]

I've got a 55-gallon with 4 Discus and a canister filter. I rinse the media every 2 weeks, but only half at a time. My nitrates stay around 20 ppm. Maybe try adding more plants? I've got Amazon swords and they help a bit.

[Frost]

Agree with Bolden on water changes. I do 40% twice a week on my 75-gallon, FX4 cleaned every 3 weeks. Also, check if your filter flow is strong enough. Discus like calm water, but weak flow can let debris build up.

[matto]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll try bumping up water changes to 50% weekly and clean the filter every 2 weeks. Been feeding twice daily, mostly frozen bloodworms and pellets. Maybe I'll cut back a bit.

[Bolden]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll try bumping up water changes to 50% weekly and clean the filter every 2 weeks. Been feeding twice daily, mostly frozen bloodworms and pellets. Maybe I'll cut back a bit.

Twice daily is fine if they eat it all in a few minutes. Leftover food is the real nitrate culprit. Try feeding smaller portions and see if that helps.

[Sand]

Also, consider adding a protein skimmer if nitrates are stubborn. I added one to my setup last year and it made a noticeable difference. Not a replacement for water changes, but it helps between them.

[Frost]

I've got a 55-gallon with 4 Discus and a canister filter. I rinse the media every 2 weeks, but only half at a time. My nitrates stay around 20 ppm. Maybe try adding more plants? I've got Amazon swords and they help a bit.

Plants are a great idea. Floating plants like frogbit are nitrate hogs and Discus love the shade they provide. Just don't let them block too much light if you've got rooted plants.

[Dock]

One more thing, matto, check your filter intake. Sometimes debris gets stuck in the pipes and rots, spiking nitrates. I clean mine with a pipe brush every other month. Easy to overlook but makes a difference.