Why discus fry get stuck?

[Raven]

My discus fry keep getting stuck in the sponge filter. They're about 2 weeks old, in a 20-gallon tank with a sponge filter, temp at 84°F, and I do 50% water changes daily. Anyone know why this happens?

[Dory]

That's a bummer. Sponge filters can be tricky with fry. What's the pore size on your sponge? If it's too coarse, they'll get sucked in. I use a fine-pore sponge in my 30-gallon breeder tank, keep the flow low, and feed them baby brine shrimp 3 times a day. Also, check for any sharp edges on the filter.

[Mindew]

Mine did the same thing. I switched to a bare-bottom tank and added more plants. They seem happier now.

[kayla]

That's a bummer. Sponge filters can be tricky with fry. What's the pore size on your sponge? If it's too coarse, they'll get sucked in. I use a fine-pore sponge in my 30-gallon breeder tank, keep the flow low, and feed them baby brine shrimp 3 times a day. Also, check for any sharp edges on the filter.

Yep, flow rate's key. I had fry stuck in mine until I dialed back the air pump. Now they're chilling in a 40-gallon with driftwood and java moss. How's your water hardness, Raven?

[Raven]

Thanks for the tips. The sponge is medium pore, so maybe that's the issue. Water's soft, around 3 dGH. I'll try a finer sponge and reduce the flow.

[Dory]

Soft water's good for them. Just watch the pH swings with daily changes. I buffer mine with crushed coral in the filter. Also, if you're using tap water, let it sit for a day to off-gas chlorine. Fry are super sensitive.

[Mindew]

I never thought about the chlorine. Gonna try that. My fry are in a 10-gallon with a heater set to 82°F. They're eating crushed flakes but still look skinny.

[kayla]

Crushed flakes might not cut it. Try live baby brine shrimp or microworms. My fry blew up once I switched. Also, keep the lights dim—they stress easy.

[Dory]

Crushed flakes might not cut it. Try live baby brine shrimp or microworms. My fry blew up once I switched. Also, keep the lights dim—they stress easy.

Absolutely. Live food's a game-changer. I hatch my own brine shrimp in a 2-liter bottle. Cheap and easy. Raven, you got a breeder box? Might help till they're bigger.

[Raven]

I'll grab a finer sponge and a breeder box tomorrow. Appreciate the help, everyone.