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why discus swim against glass?
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 10:25 am
by SlateFang
Noticed my Discus keep swimming against the glass like they're tryna break out. Tank's a 75-gallon, temp at 84F, pH 6.8, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Got driftwood and some Java ferns, sand substrate. They're about 4 months old, eating beef heart mix twice a day. Anyone else seen this weird vibe?
Re: why discus swim against glass?
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 12:22 pm
by Swiftsea
Glass surfing can mean stress or boredom. How's your water flow? I run a canister filter with a spray bar to keep it gentle. Also, what's the lighting schedule? Mine chilled out when I cut the light to 8 hours and added floating plants like frogbit.
Re: why discus swim against glass?
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 1:46 pm
by celly
Mine did this after I moved their tank across the room. Took 'em a week to settle. Maybe check if something's spooking them, like shadows or reflections. Oh, and how many tankmates? Overcrowding can sketch them out.
Re: why discus swim against glass?
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 3:19 pm
by vivid22
Mine do this before feeding time. Like they're begging. Maybe try spacing out meals? I do three smaller feeds now instead of two big ones.
Re: why discus swim against glass?
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 4:16 pm
by EasyGo
SlateFang wrote: ↑Wed Jun 18, 2025 10:25 am
Noticed my Discus keep swimming against the glass like they're tryna break out. Tank's a 75-gallon, temp at 84F, pH 6.8, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Got driftwood and some Java ferns, sand substrate. They're about 4 months old, eating beef heart mix twice a day. Anyone else seen this weird vibe?
Your params sound solid. Could be territorial behavior if they're juveniles establishing hierarchy. Try rearranging decor to disrupt any claimed spots.
Re: why discus swim against glass?
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 4:42 pm
by guyah
Mine glass surf when the cat's on the stand. They're not dumb, they know predators. You got other pets nearby? Also, what's your water change routine? Big shifts in TDS can make 'em twitchy.
Re: why discus swim against glass?
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 5:12 pm
by kayla
This is classic for new Discus adjusting to a tank. How long have they been in there? If it's under a month, give 'em time. Ensure dim lighting and maybe add black poster board to block reflections on the sides.
Re: why discus swim against glass?
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 5:22 pm
by coralCartel
Check for stray voltage. Had a heater leak current once, and my fish acted all kinds of weird till I unplugged it. Use a multimeter if you've got one.
Re: why discus swim against glass?
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 6:29 pm
by Sprig
Swiftsea wrote: ↑Wed Jun 18, 2025 12:22 pm
Glass surfing can mean stress or boredom. How's your water flow? I run a canister filter with a spray bar to keep it gentle. Also, what's the lighting schedule? Mine chilled out when I cut the light to 8 hours and added floating plants like frogbit.
Second the flow advice. Discus hate strong currents. I run a sponge filter plus a low-power internal near the surface for gas exchange. They're way calmer now.
Re: why discus swim against glass?
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 7:19 pm
by SlateFang
Thanks for the tips, y'all. Gonna tweak the lights and throw in some more plants. Appreciate it!