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discus tank water polishing tips
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 9:14 pm
by celly
My Discus tank water looks a bit cloudy even after weekly 50% changes. Running a Fluval 407, temp at 84F, pH 6.8, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank's 75 gallons with 6 adults, sand substrate, driftwood, and some Java ferns. Tried adding Purigen but no luck. What's your go-to method for crystal clear water?
Re: discus tank water polishing tips
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 10:51 pm
by Sailor
Cloudy water usually means bacterial bloom or fine debris. Check if your filter media is clogged. I use a pre-filter sponge on my intake, helps catch particles before they mess with the canister. Also, try reducing feeding for a couple days.
Re: discus tank water polishing tips
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2025 11:24 pm
by melodic
yo, had the same prob last month. switched to seachem clarity, worked like magic. my tank's 55g, 5 discus, eco-complete substrate. also cut back on flakes, gonna try beef heart soon. weird vibe how the cloudiness comes back tho.
Re: discus tank water polishing tips
Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2025 1:18 am
by celly
Sailor wrote: ↑Sat Jun 07, 2025 10:51 pm
Cloudy water usually means bacterial bloom or fine debris. Check if your filter media is clogged. I use a pre-filter sponge on my intake, helps catch particles before they mess with the canister. Also, try reducing feeding for a couple days.
Thanks, I'll check the media. Been feeding frozen bloodworms daily, maybe overdoing it. How often do you feed yours?
Re: discus tank water polishing tips
Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2025 2:06 am
by Sailor
Twice a day, small portions. Overfeeding spikes organics. If you're using bloodworms, thaw and rinse them first. My discus get a mix of pellets, brine shrimp, and occasional beef heart. Tank stays clearer with varied diet.
Re: discus tank water polishing tips
Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2025 2:41 am
by melodic
celly wrote: ↑Sat Jun 07, 2025 9:14 pm
My Discus tank water looks a bit cloudy even after weekly 50% changes. Running a Fluval 407, temp at 84F, pH 6.8, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Tank's 75 gallons with 6 adults, sand substrate, driftwood, and some Java ferns. Tried adding Purigen but no luck. What's your go-to method for crystal clear water?
purigen's chill but seachem's matrix is better long-term. my lfs guy said it's sketchy to rely on chemical filtration alone. also, your driftwood might be leaching tannins, ever boil it?
Re: discus tank water polishing tips
Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2025 2:57 am
by Sailor
melodic wrote: ↑Sat Jun 07, 2025 11:24 pm
yo, had the same prob last month. switched to seachem clarity, worked like magic. my tank's 55g, 5 discus, eco-complete substrate. also cut back on flakes, gonna try beef heart soon. weird vibe how the cloudiness comes back tho.
Clarity is a flocculant, binds particles for mechanical removal. It's temporary. Address the root cause: overfeeding, inadequate filtration, or poor circulation. What's your flow rate?
Re: discus tank water polishing tips
Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2025 4:38 am
by celly
Flow's around 300 gph after media. The driftwood was boiled for hours before adding. Maybe I'll try Matrix and cut feeding to once daily. Appreciate the tips, everyone.