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best plants for discus aquariums

Posted: Fri May 09, 2025 1:27 pm
by DuskRay
I'm setting up a 75-gallon tank for my Discus and wanna add some plants. What's the best choice for them? I've got sand substrate, a Fluval 307 filter, and LED lighting for 8 hours a day. Water's at 84°F, pH 6.8. No CO2 setup yet.

Re: best plants for discus aquariums

Posted: Fri May 09, 2025 1:39 pm
by Vista
Amazon Swords are a solid pick. They're hardy and don't need CO2. I've got them in my 100-gallon with Discus, same temp as yours. They grow slow but steady under moderate light. Just watch for iron deficiency, it'll yellow the leaves.

Re: best plants for discus aquariums

Posted: Fri May 09, 2025 3:32 pm
by silverbob
Agree with Vista on Amazon Swords. Also, try Java Fern. It's low-maintenance and thrives in Discus conditions. Tie it to driftwood or rocks. Mine's been growing for 2 years with zero issues. Just avoid burying the rhizome.

Re: best plants for discus aquariums

Posted: Fri May 09, 2025 4:18 pm
by Jurn
Yo, Anubias is a vibe too. Super chill plant, doesn't care about your water params. I've got mine glued to a piece of spiderwood, and my Discus love hiding in the leaves. Just don't plant it in the sand, or it'll rot.

Re: best plants for discus aquariums

Posted: Fri May 09, 2025 5:34 pm
by Fade
Jurn wrote: Fri May 09, 2025 4:18 pm Yo, Anubias is a vibe too. Super chill plant, doesn't care about your water params. I've got mine glued to a piece of spiderwood, and my Discus love hiding in the leaves. Just don't plant it in the sand, or it'll rot.
Second this. Anubias Nana is my go-to. It's small, so it won't overcrowd the tank. My Discus spawn near it regularly.

Re: best plants for discus aquariums

Posted: Fri May 09, 2025 6:53 pm
by barks
If you're gonna skip CO2, stick to easy plants. Vallisneria is another good one. Grows tall, so it's great for background. My 6 Discus school through it like it's a jungle. Just trim the tops if it gets too wild.

Re: best plants for discus aquariums

Posted: Fri May 09, 2025 7:37 pm
by DuskRay
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna start with Amazon Swords and Anubias, see how they do.

Re: best plants for discus aquariums

Posted: Fri May 09, 2025 8:22 pm
by jennyfish
Cryptocorynes are underrated. They melt at first but bounce back hard. My Discus tank's full of 'em, and they're thriving in 82°F water. Just don't freak out when they shed leaves the first week. It's normal, promise.

Re: best plants for discus aquariums

Posted: Fri May 09, 2025 10:15 pm
by annerox
i got java moss in mine. discus dont mess with it, and it grows like crazy. just toss it on a rock and forget about it. easy peasy.

Re: best plants for discus aquariums

Posted: Fri May 09, 2025 11:25 pm
by jolvy
For a 75-gallon, consider a mix. I use Amazon Swords for height, Anubias for mid-ground, and Java Moss for texture. My Discus seem happier with the variety. Tank's been stable for 8 months now, no algae issues.