Why discus eggs fail to hatch?

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hanksid
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2023 5:39 am

Why discus eggs fail to hatch?

Post by hanksid »

My discus laid eggs again, but they never hatch. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Tank is 75 gallons, temp at 84F, soft water with pH 6.5. Parents are healthy, been feeding them beef heart and bloodworms. What's the deal?
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jellybelly
Posts: 18
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2022 8:22 am

Re: Why discus eggs fail to hatch?

Post by jellybelly »

Sorry to hear that. Have you checked for fungus on the eggs? Sometimes a methylene blue dip can help prevent it. Also, are the parents first-time breeders? They might eat the eggs if they're inexperienced.
Wildman
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:03 pm

Re: Why discus eggs fail to hatch?

Post by Wildman »

84F is a bit high for breeding. Try lowering it to 82F. Also, what's your TDS? Discus eggs need soft water, below 100 ppm. If it's too high, the eggs won't develop properly.
Haterw
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Joined: Thu Aug 03, 2023 10:47 am

Re: Why discus eggs fail to hatch?

Post by Haterw »

This is why discus are overrated. Too finicky. Just get angelfish instead.
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Magus
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Joined: Tue Jan 24, 2023 8:05 am

Re: Why discus eggs fail to hatch?

Post by Magus »

Haterw wrote: Tue Jul 22, 2025 12:29 am This is why discus are overrated. Too finicky. Just get angelfish instead.
That's not helpful. Discus are rewarding if you put in the work. OP, are you using a sponge filter? Strong currents can stress the parents and damage the eggs.
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Ranger2
Posts: 7
Joined: Wed Nov 02, 2022 5:35 am

Re: Why discus eggs fail to hatch?

Post by Ranger2 »

I had the same issue until I added more cover. Discus like privacy when breeding. Try adding some broad-leaf plants or a breeding cone if you haven't already.
Hued
Posts: 20
Joined: Thu Aug 03, 2023 8:36 am

Re: Why discus eggs fail to hatch?

Post by Hued »

Yo, sounds like your setup's mostly solid, but maybe the parents are just sketchy. Some pairs take a few tries to get it right. Keep at it, and they'll figure it out.
sunsets
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:08 pm

Re: Why discus eggs fail to hatch?

Post by sunsets »

Wildman wrote: Tue Jul 22, 2025 12:19 am 84F is a bit high for breeding. Try lowering it to 82F. Also, what's your TDS? Discus eggs need soft water, below 100 ppm. If it's too high, the eggs won't develop properly.
Yep, TDS is key. Also, make sure your water changes are consistent. Sudden changes can mess with the eggs.
Dream
Posts: 16
Joined: Sat Aug 03, 2024 9:37 pm

Re: Why discus eggs fail to hatch?

Post by Dream »

Are you using RO water? Tap water might have trace elements that affect egg development. Also, how old are the parents? Younger pairs sometimes struggle with fertilization.
hanksid
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2023 5:39 am

Re: Why discus eggs fail to hatch?

Post by hanksid »

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try lowering the temp and checking TDS. Parents are about 2 years old, so not super young. Gonna add more plants too.
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