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can discus eat tropical flakes?
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 12:09 pm
by Ranger2
I've been feeding my Discus a mix of frozen bloodworms and beef heart, but I'm curious if tropical flakes would work too. My tank's a 75-gallon with sand substrate, driftwood, and a few Amazon swords. Water's at 84°F, pH 6.8, and I do 30% changes twice a week. Anyone tried flakes with them?
Re: can discus eat tropical flakes?
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 12:17 pm
by LunaSky
Tropical flakes aren't ideal for Discus long-term. They need high-protein diets, and most flakes lack the necessary nutrients. I've kept them for years in a 120-gallon planted tank with CO2, and they thrive on a mix of frozen foods, pellets, and homemade beef heart. Flakes can be a occasional treat, but don't rely on them.
Re: can discus eat tropical flakes?
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 1:53 pm
by Haven
I dunno, my Discus kinda ignore flakes. I've got a 55-gallon with a canister filter, temp at 82°F, and they're all about the frozen brine shrimp. Maybe it's the texture? They're picky little dudes.
Re: can discus eat tropical flakes?
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 3:47 pm
by Lapad
LunaSky wrote: ↑Sat Jul 12, 2025 12:17 pm
Tropical flakes aren't ideal for Discus long-term. They need high-protein diets, and most flakes lack the necessary nutrients. I've kept them for years in a 120-gallon planted tank with CO2, and they thrive on a mix of frozen foods, pellets, and homemade beef heart. Flakes can be a occasional treat, but don't rely on them.
I agree with this. My group in a 90-gallon with soft water and lots of hiding spots won't touch flakes. They prefer live blackworms or frozen mysis. Maybe try mixing flakes with their favorite food to see if they'll accept it?
Re: can discus eat tropical flakes?
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 5:40 pm
by sunny
My Discus are in a 65-gallon with a sponge filter and java fern. They'll eat flakes if I crush them small, but only after I've fed them their usual frozen food first. It's like they're settling for it, not loving it.
Re: can discus eat tropical flakes?
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 6:18 pm
by virus
Flakes are whack for Discus, man. They need the good stuff. My crew in a 100-gallon with a sump and LED lights go nuts for frozen daphnia and pellets. Flakes just float around and mess with the water quality.
Re: can discus eat tropical flakes?
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 8:11 pm
by Craftsman
I've had some success with high-quality flakes, but it's hit or miss. My 80-gallon has a mix of Discus and tetras, and the flakes are more for the tetras. The Discus will nibble, but they're way more into the frozen stuff. Maybe try a premium brand if you're set on flakes?
Re: can discus eat tropical flakes?
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 9:27 pm
by BoldOne
Nope, flakes ain't gonna cut it. My Discus in a 75-gallon with a UV sterilizer and lots of driftwood won't even look at 'em. They're all about the live foods and beef heart mix. Flakes are just filler, bro.
Re: can discus eat tropical flakes?
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 10:03 pm
by Hawk
Flakes? Nah, my Discus crew in a 60-gallon with a HOB filter and dim lighting straight up ignore 'em. They're all about the frozen bloodworms and pellets. Flakes just sit there and rot, messing with the tank vibe.
Re: can discus eat tropical flakes?
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 11:47 pm
by rayon
My Discus in a 50-gallon with a planted bottom and sponge filter won't touch flakes. They're too bougie for that. Give 'em frozen or live food, and they're happy. Flakes are for the plecos, man.