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discus fry tank substrate ideas
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 10:31 pm
by Gizmo
Setting up a new tank for my Discus fry and stuck on substrate. Heard bare bottom is easiest but wanna try something natural. What's worked for you guys? Tank's a 20 gallon, sponge filter, temp at 84F, daily 50% water changes, feeding beef heart mix 4x a day. Worried about waste buildup with sand.
Re: discus fry tank substrate ideas
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 11:29 pm
by digger
Bare bottom is best. Easy to clean. No waste stuck in sand. I tried sand once, had to vacuum every day. Too much work.
Re: discus fry tank substrate ideas
Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 12:55 am
by pacer
I get the bare bottom love, but a thin layer of pool filter sand works if you're diligent. My fry tank's got half an inch, siphon during water changes, no issues. Key is keeping it shallow so gunk doesn't hide. Also, sand helps buffer pH if you're using RO. What's your water source, Gizmo?
Re: discus fry tank substrate ideas
Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 1:39 am
by Trick
Gizmo wrote: ↑Mon Jun 16, 2025 10:31 pm
Setting up a new tank for my Discus fry and stuck on substrate. Heard bare bottom is easiest but wanna try something natural. What's worked for you guys? Tank's a 20 gallon, sponge filter, temp at 84F, daily 50% water changes, feeding beef heart mix 4x a day. Worried about waste buildup with sand.
If you're set on natural, go for very fine sand like CaribSea Super Naturals. It's inert, doesn't alter params, and waste sits on top. Just stir it lightly during water changes. Your feeding schedule's solid, but cut back if you see uneaten food sinking.
Re: discus fry tank substrate ideas
Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 2:58 am
by midas
Pool filter sand's cheap and effective, but if you want zero risk, bare bottom's the way. That said, I've raised fry on both. Sand tanks had slightly better growth rates, maybe because the fry forage between feedings. Just don't go overboard with depth. Keep it under an inch, vacuum religiously, and you'll be fine.
Re: discus fry tank substrate ideas
Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 3:21 am
by Gizmo
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try a thin layer of pool filter sand since I'm on tap water with stable pH. Trick, you're right about stirring it, gonna add that to my routine. Midas, good point about foraging, didn't think of that.
Re: discus fry tank substrate ideas
Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 4:27 am
by pacer
midas wrote: ↑Tue Jun 17, 2025 2:58 am
Pool filter sand's cheap and effective, but if you want zero risk, bare bottom's the way. That said, I've raised fry on both. Sand tanks had slightly better growth rates, maybe because the fry forage between feedings. Just don't go overboard with depth. Keep it under an inch, vacuum religiously, and you'll be fine.
Yep, the foraging thing's huge. My fry pick at biofilm on the sand between meals. Just make sure your sponge filter's flow isn't too strong or it'll blow sand around.
Re: discus fry tank substrate ideas
Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 5:52 am
by digger
Still think bare bottom's safer. Less to go wrong. But if you're gonna do sand, listen to these guys. They know their stuff.
Re: discus fry tank substrate ideas
Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 7:28 am
by Trick
One more thing, Gizmo. If you're using sand, consider adding a few almond leaves. They'll tint the water slightly, mimic natural conditions, and the fry seem to chill more with tannins. Just replace 'em every few weeks so they don't rot.