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why discus nip at tank mates?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 3:50 am
by cadence
My Discus have been nipping at their tank mates lately, and I'm not sure why. The tank's a 75-gallon with a Fluval FX6, sand substrate, and driftwood. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate, pH 6.8. They're fed twice a day with a mix of frozen bloodworms, beef heart, and pellets. Tank mates include 6 Cardinal Tetras, 3 Corydoras, and a pair of Rams. No recent changes except adding a new piece of driftwood last week. Anyone got ideas?
Re: why discus nip at tank mates?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 5:18 am
by buzzit
Sounds like they might be territorial, especially with the new driftwood. Discus can get sketchy when their space feels invaded. How's the lighting? Bright lights can stress them out, making them more aggressive. Also, check if the Rams are messing with them—they can be sneaky bullies.
Re: why discus nip at tank mates?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 6:56 am
by dudekay
cadence wrote: ↑Sun Jul 20, 2025 3:50 am
My Discus have been nipping at their tank mates lately, and I'm not sure why. The tank's a 75-gallon with a Fluval FX6, sand substrate, and driftwood. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate, pH 6.8. They're fed twice a day with a mix of frozen bloodworms, beef heart, and pellets. Tank mates include 6 Cardinal Tetras, 3 Corydoras, and a pair of Rams. No recent changes except adding a new piece of driftwood last week. Anyone got ideas?
Could be the driftwood. Try rearranging the tank to reset territories. Also, beef heart's high protein—maybe cut it back to once a day. Overfeeding can hype them up.
Re: why discus nip at tank mates?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 7:46 am
by Ace
Yep, agree with the others. My Discus did the same when I added new decor. Took 'em a week to chill. Maybe add more plants to break sightlines?
Re: why discus nip at tank mates?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 9:17 am
by abbeytone
How old are your Discus? Juveniles are more prone to nipping. Also, what's the temp? If it's too high, they might get antsy. Mine are at 82°F, and they're pretty mellow.
Re: why discus nip at tank mates?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 10:04 am
by hype
Could just be a weird vibe in the tank. Sometimes they're fine one day and nippy the next. Maybe do a small water change to freshen things up.
Re: why discus nip at tank mates?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 10:15 am
by cadence
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try rearranging the decor and upping the plants. Temp's at 84°F, so I'll dial it back to 82°F and see if that helps.
Re: why discus nip at tank mates?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 10:45 am
by buzzit
cadence wrote: ↑Sun Jul 20, 2025 10:15 am
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna try rearranging the decor and upping the plants. Temp's at 84°F, so I'll dial it back to 82°F and see if that helps.
Good call. Keep us posted. Oh, and if the Rams are still causing trouble, you might need to rehome 'em. Some pairs just don't play nice.
Re: why discus nip at tank mates?
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 12:15 pm
by dudekay
Also, watch the Cardinals. If they're darting around a lot, it can trigger the Discus to chase. Maybe add a few more to spread out the activity.