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discus tank ph crash recovery
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 11:49 am
by Dock
My tank's pH crashed overnight from 6.8 to 5.2, and my Discus are stressed. Running a 75-gallon with sand substrate, planted, and a Fluval FX6. Did a 50% water change, but they're still hiding. Any quick fixes?
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 12:18 pm
by 3monkeys
First, test your KH. If it's below 2, that's the culprit. Add crushed coral in a media bag to your filter to stabilize it. Also, check your CO2 levels if you're running injected. How often do you water change?
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 1:34 pm
by guyah
3monkeys wrote: ↑Sat May 03, 2025 12:18 pm
First, test your KH. If it's below 2, that's the culprit. Add crushed coral in a media bag to your filter to stabilize it. Also, check your CO2 levels if you're running injected. How often do you water change?
Yep, crushed coral is a lifesaver. I'd also cut back on CO2 if you're blasting it. What's your lighting schedule? Too much light can mess with plants and CO2 balance.
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 2:36 pm
by Lion
Had this happen last year. My tap water's KH was sketchy low. Started mixing in RO with a remineralizer, and problem solved. What's your tap KH?
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 3:25 pm
by Dock
Thanks, all. Tap KH is 1, so that's probably it. Gonna grab some coral today. They're perking up after the water change, but still not eating.
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 4:38 pm
by Ticgo
Glad they're improving! Try offering live blackworms if they're refusing pellets. Mine go nuts for 'em after stress. Also, dim the lights for a bit—helps 'em chill.
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 6:03 pm
by Fuegoz
Yo, same thing happened to my crew. Crushed coral fixed it in like two days. Also, check your filter media—sometimes it goes acidic if you don't rinse it enough.
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 7:02 pm
by Lyn
Fuegoz wrote: ↑Sat May 03, 2025 6:03 pm
Yo, same thing happened to my crew. Crushed coral fixed it in like two days. Also, check your filter media—sometimes it goes acidic if you don't rinse it enough.
For real. My FX6 was a pH killer till I rinsed the sponges weekly. How old's your media?
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 7:41 pm
by Jester
Monitor the pH daily now. If it swings again, consider a buffering substrate like ADA Amazonia. It's pricey but keeps things stable.
Re: discus tank ph crash recovery
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 8:44 pm
by Lionheart
Agree with the coral advice. Also, avoid overfeeding while they recover. Excess food can lower pH further.