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Discus tank plant growth tips
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 8:32 pm
by Chili
My Discus tank plants aren't thriving like they used to. I've got a 75-gallon tank with Amazon swords, Java ferns, and some Anubias. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. I'm using a Fluval LED light for 8 hours a day and dosing Seachem Flourish weekly. Substrate is Eco-Complete. Any ideas why the plants are struggling?
Re: Discus tank plant growth tips
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 9:03 pm
by vimster
Chili wrote: ↑Thu Jul 17, 2025 8:32 pm
My Discus tank plants aren't thriving like they used to. I've got a 75-gallon tank with Amazon swords, Java ferns, and some Anubias. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. I'm using a Fluval LED light for 8 hours a day and dosing Seachem Flourish weekly. Substrate is Eco-Complete. Any ideas why the plants are struggling?
How old is your light? LEDs lose intensity over time, and 8 hours might not be enough if it's dimming. Also, Flourish is micros only—you might need macros like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. Try adding Flourish Advance or root tabs for the swords.
Re: Discus tank plant growth tips
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 10:26 pm
by garden
Yep, swords are heavy root feeders. Eco-Complete's decent but gets depleted. I'd stick some root tabs near 'em, maybe cut the light to 6 hours if you're getting algae. My Discus tank's similar, and I had to tweak the CO2 a bit too. You running any?
Re: Discus tank plant growth tips
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 11:15 pm
by bajil
I've got the same issue in my 55-gallon. Plants were fine, then just stalled. Using a Nicrew light, no CO2. Should I mess with that or try root tabs first?
Re: Discus tank plant growth tips
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 11:41 pm
by vimster
bajil wrote: ↑Thu Jul 17, 2025 11:15 pm
I've got the same issue in my 55-gallon. Plants were fine, then just stalled. Using a Nicrew light, no CO2. Should I mess with that or try root tabs first?
Root tabs first, especially if you've got swords or crypts. CO2's a bigger commitment—start with nutrients and light timing. Nicrew's decent but might need longer photoperiods if it's not super bright.
Re: Discus tank plant growth tips
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2025 11:49 pm
by Chili
Thanks for the tips. I'll grab some root tabs and dial back the light. No CO2 here either, so I'll hold off on that for now.
Re: Discus tank plant growth tips
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 12:44 am
by garden
Good call. Keep us posted. Oh, and check your temp—Discus like it warm, but some plants get fussy above 84°F. Mine chill at 82°F, and the Anubias do okay.
Re: Discus tank plant growth tips
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 1:37 am
by vimster
garden wrote: ↑Fri Jul 18, 2025 12:44 am
Good call. Keep us posted. Oh, and check your temp—Discus like it warm, but some plants get fussy above 84°F. Mine chill at 82°F, and the Anubias do okay.
Solid point. Java ferns and Anubias are hardy, but swords might melt if the temp's too high. If you're seeing yellowing, it's likely nutrients, not heat though.
Re: Discus tank plant growth tips
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2025 1:45 am
by bajil
Got it. I'll try root tabs and maybe bump my light to 10 hours. Temp's at 83°F, so I'll keep an eye on the plants. Thanks, y'all.