is discus tank too cold?

[Frost]

My Discus tank is sitting at 78°F, but they seem sluggish. Heard they need it warmer, but my heater's maxed out. Got a 75-gallon with sand substrate, driftwood, and some Java Fern. Filter's a Fluval 407, water changes every 3 days. Anyone else run into this?

[fixin]

78°F is on the low end for Discus. They thrive at 82–86°F. Your Fluval 407 is solid, but you'll need a stronger heater. Check the wattage—should be at least 5 watts per gallon for stability. Also, how's your nitrate level? Frequent water changes help, but temp consistency is key.

[Lodgemaker]

Yep, 78's way too chilly for 'em. Mine are happiest at 84°F, no joke. Got a 300-watt heater in my 55-gallon, keeps it steady. Sand's good, but watch for debris buildup with that Fluval. How often you vacuuming?

[Sprig]

Yep, 78's way too chilly for 'em. Mine are happiest at 84°F, no joke. Got a 300-watt heater in my 55-gallon, keeps it steady. Sand's good, but watch for debris buildup with that Fluval. How often you vacuuming?

I agree with the temp advice. Also, what's your feeding routine? Cold fish might eat less. I do beef heart mix twice a day, bloodworms once. Tank's at 85°F, Discus are super active.

[midas]

Sluggish at 78°F? Yeah, that tracks. Mine were like that till I bumped it to 83°F. Got a Finnex titanium heater, never fails. How's your lighting schedule? Too much light can stress 'em if the temp's already low. I run mine 8 hours, dimmed.

[gurer]

Temp's def too low. My Discus perked up big time at 84°F. Using an Eheim Jager heater, 200 watts in a 40-gallon. You got any tankmates? Angels or tetras can handle the higher temp too, but watch for aggression if they're crammed.

[Frost]

78°F is on the low end for Discus. They thrive at 82–86°F. Your Fluval 407 is solid, but you'll need a stronger heater. Check the wattage—should be at least 5 watts per gallon for stability. Also, how's your nitrate level? Frequent water changes help, but temp consistency is key.

Thanks for the tips. Nitrates are at 10 ppm, so not bad. Gonna grab a 400-watt heater tomorrow. Appreciate the help, everyone.

[fixin]

10 ppm nitrates is solid. Just make sure the new heater has a guard—Discus can burn themselves. Also, acclimate them slowly to the higher temp, maybe 1°F per hour. Sudden jumps can shock 'em.

[Lodgemaker]

Good call on the heater guard. Mine's got one, saved my Discus more than once. How's your pH? Stable temps help, but if your pH swings, that'll mess with 'em too. Mine's at 6.8, no issues.

[Sprig]

pH stability is huge. I keep mine at 6.5 with driftwood and peat in the filter. Discus are colorin' up nice now that the temp's right. What's your water change routine? I do 50% weekly, but with your frequent changes, you might be golden.