why discus swim in tight circles?

Chat about all things related to Discus, from purchasing to breeding and everything in between. One of the most beautiful species in the hobby
Post Reply
User avatar
jade
Posts: 57
Joined: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:03 pm

why discus swim in tight circles?

Post by jade »

Noticed my discus swimming in tight circles today. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10 ppm. Tank is 75 gallons, temp at 84°F, running a Fluval FX6. They're about 6 months old, fed beef heart mix twice daily. Anyone seen this before?
Top
Dapper
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:44 pm

Re: why discus swim in tight circles?

Post by Dapper »

Yo, that's sketchy. Mine did that once when the heater was acting up. Check if your temp's steady. Also, how's the flow? Too much current can mess with them.
Top
User avatar
thart
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Mar 22, 2024 11:07 pm

Re: why discus swim in tight circles?

Post by thart »

Circling can indicate stress or territorial behavior. What's your tank setup like? Any new additions or changes? Discus are sensitive to disruptions. Also, check for visible signs of disease like clamped fins or rapid gill movement.
Top
User avatar
dynamo
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2023 2:24 am

Re: why discus swim in tight circles?

Post by dynamo »

Dapper wrote: ↑Wed Jul 23, 2025 11:57 pm Yo, that's sketchy. Mine did that once when the heater was acting up. Check if your temp's steady. Also, how's the flow? Too much current can mess with them.
Good point on the heater. I'd also look at the lighting. Sudden changes in light intensity can spook them.
Top
User avatar
SeaAqua
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2024 1:42 pm

Re: why discus swim in tight circles?

Post by SeaAqua »

Mine did this when I added a new powerhead. They chilled out after a few days. Maybe they're just adjusting to something new in the tank?
Top
Haterw
Posts: 12
Joined: Thu Aug 03, 2023 10:47 am

Re: why discus swim in tight circles?

Post by Haterw »

This is why discus are overrated. Too finicky. Get some tetras instead.
Top
User avatar
SunDay
Posts: 15
Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2023 3:06 am

Re: why discus swim in tight circles?

Post by SunDay »

Haterw wrote: ↑Thu Jul 24, 2025 3:29 am This is why discus are overrated. Too finicky. Get some tetras instead.
Not helpful, mate. Discus are rewarding if you put in the work. Jade, how often are you doing water changes? Poor water quality can cause weird behavior even if params seem fine.
Top
User avatar
DuskRay
Posts: 18
Joined: Thu May 19, 2022 7:09 am

Re: why discus swim in tight circles?

Post by DuskRay »

Mine did circles when they were bored. Added some driftwood and plants, and they stopped. Maybe enrich their environment a bit?
Top
User avatar
jade
Posts: 57
Joined: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:03 pm

Re: why discus swim in tight circles?

Post by jade »

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll check the heater and flow, and maybe add some more plants. Doing 50% water changes twice a week, so that should be okay.
Top
User avatar
thart
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Mar 22, 2024 11:07 pm

Re: why discus swim in tight circles?

Post by thart »

jade wrote: ↑Thu Jul 24, 2025 6:30 am Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll check the heater and flow, and maybe add some more plants. Doing 50% water changes twice a week, so that should be okay.
That's a solid plan. Keep us posted. Also, consider dimming the lights for a bit to see if that helps them relax.
Top
Post Reply

Return to “Discus”