why discus swim in groups?

[Kairos]

Noticed my Discus always stick together in the tank, like they're glued or something. Got a 75 gallon with 6 of them, temp at 84F, sand substrate, and a bunch of driftwood. They're about 4 inches each, fed twice a day with frozen bloodworms and flakes. Anyone know why they do this? Seems kinda sketchy if they're stressed or just vibing.

[Purrer]

Yo, that's just how they roll. Mine do the same in my 55 gallon, packed with java ferns and a sponge filter. They're chill as long as the water's clean, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Maybe they're just social, like us at a party, but with fins.

[SeaAqua]

Discus are schooling fish by nature. In the wild, they group up for safety and to find food. Your setup sounds solid, but watch the nitrates. I keep mine at 5 ppm max with weekly 50% water changes, using Seachem Prime. They're less likely to stress if the water's pristine.

[Jumper]

Yo, that's just how they roll. Mine do the same in my 55 gallon, packed with java ferns and a sponge filter. They're chill as long as the water's clean, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Maybe they're just social, like us at a party, but with fins.

Yep, totally agree. My group of 5 in a 60 gallon with a canister filter and LED lighting does the same. They're just happier together, like a family dinner but underwater.

[Kairos]

Thanks for the input, everyone. Gonna bump up my water changes to twice a week and see if they loosen up. Appreciate the advice!

[SeaAqua]

Good call on the water changes. Also, make sure your driftwood isn't leaching too many tannins. Some Discus don't mind, but others get weird about it. I use activated carbon in my filter to keep the water clear.

[Purrer]

Tannins are nbd if you ask me. My Discus love the blackwater vibe, and it's kinda natural for them. Just keep the temp steady and feed 'em good, they'll be fine.

[Jumper]

Good call on the water changes. Also, make sure your driftwood isn't leaching too many tannins. Some Discus don't mind, but others get weird about it. I use activated carbon in my filter to keep the water clear.

I've had mixed results with tannins too. My last batch of Discus hated it, but the current ones don't care. Maybe it's a personality thing, like how some people dig coffee and others don't.