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discus tank undergravel filter use
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 1:19 pm
by gold
I've got a 75-gallon Discus tank with an undergravel filter, but I'm not sure if it's the best setup for them. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. They're about 4 inches, fed twice daily with frozen bloodworms and pellets. Tankmates are 6 cardinal tetras and 2 bristlenose plecos. Substrate is fine sand, temp at 84°F. Anyone else run undergravel filters with Discus?
Re: discus tank undergravel filter use
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 2:29 pm
by duskfox
Undergravel filters can work, but they're kinda sketchy for Discus long-term. I ran one in a 55-gallon years ago, and the waste buildup under the plates was nasty. Had to rip it out after 6 months. Your tank's bigger, though, so maybe it'll cut it. How often are you vacuuming the substrate?
Re: discus tank undergravel filter use
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 3:57 pm
by BlondeBloom
I've never used undergravel filters with Discus. I prefer canisters for better mechanical and biological filtration. What's your water change routine like? Frequent changes might help if you're sticking with the undergravel.
Re: discus tank undergravel filter use
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 4:22 pm
by buzzit
gold wrote: ↑Sun Jul 20, 2025 1:19 pm
I've got a 75-gallon Discus tank with an undergravel filter, but I'm not sure if it's the best setup for them. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. They're about 4 inches, fed twice daily with frozen bloodworms and pellets. Tankmates are 6 cardinal tetras and 2 bristlenose plecos. Substrate is fine sand, temp at 84°F. Anyone else run undergravel filters with Discus?
If your params are stable, it's probably fine for now. But like duskfox mentioned, waste buildup can be a headache. I'd monitor their behavior closely—any signs of stress or lethargy?
Re: discus tank undergravel filter use
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 4:35 pm
by gold
Thanks for the input, everyone. I do weekly 50% water changes and vacuum the substrate every other week. They seem active and eat well, but I'll keep an eye on them.
Re: discus tank undergravel filter use
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 6:21 pm
by giggle
Undergravel filters are outdated tech, honestly. A good canister or sponge filter would give you way better results. Discus are sensitive to water quality, and undergravel just doesn't provide enough surface area for beneficial bacteria. What's your pH and hardness?
Re: discus tank undergravel filter use
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 6:45 pm
by Misty
I agree with giggle. Undergravel filters are a relic. I've kept Discus for 10 years, and I'd never risk it. Sponge filters are cheap, easy to maintain, and provide excellent biofiltration. Have you considered switching?
Re: discus tank undergravel filter use
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 8:20 pm
by butteredBiscuit
Y'all are making me rethink my undergravel setup too. I've got a 60-gallon with Discus and a bunch of plants. The filter's been running for a year, but now I'm paranoid about hidden waste. Maybe time to upgrade.
Re: discus tank undergravel filter use
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 8:30 pm
by ameRio
butteredBiscuit wrote: ↑Sun Jul 20, 2025 8:20 pm
Y'all are making me rethink my undergravel setup too. I've got a 60-gallon with Discus and a bunch of plants. The filter's been running for a year, but now I'm paranoid about hidden waste. Maybe time to upgrade.
Plants might help with waste, but undergravel filters still suck for Discus. I switched to a Fluval canister last year, and my fish are way happier. Less algae, too.
Re: discus tank undergravel filter use
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 8:57 pm
by kayzer
I'm new to Discus, but this thread's got me worried. I've got an undergravel in my 40-gallon. Should I just yank it out now before problems start?