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is discus tank too cold?
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 5:57 am
by 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?
Re: is discus tank too cold?
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:44 am
by 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.
Re: is discus tank too cold?
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 7:10 am
by 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?
Re: is discus tank too cold?
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 8:47 am
by Sprig
Lodgemaker wrote: ↑Sat Jul 19, 2025 7:10 am
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.
Re: is discus tank too cold?
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 10:27 am
by 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.
Re: is discus tank too cold?
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 11:04 am
by 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.
Re: is discus tank too cold?
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 12:59 pm
by Frost
fixin wrote: ↑Sat Jul 19, 2025 6:44 am
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.
Re: is discus tank too cold?
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 2:22 pm
by 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.
Re: is discus tank too cold?
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 3:45 pm
by 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.
Re: is discus tank too cold?
Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2025 5:09 pm
by 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.