discus tank water change risks

[finch]

I've been doing weekly 50% water changes on my 75-gallon Discus tank, but lately they've been hiding after each change. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10ppm. Temp stays at 84°F with a Fluval heater, and I use Seachem Prime. Anyone else notice stress after changes? Could it be the tap water pH swing?

[novate]

I've been doing weekly 50% water changes on my 75-gallon Discus tank, but lately they've been hiding after each change. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate around 10ppm. Temp stays at 84°F with a Fluval heater, and I use Seachem Prime. Anyone else notice stress after changes? Could it be the tap water pH swing?

Yo, that's sketchy. I'd cut it to 30% changes for a bit. My crew freaks if the new water's more than 1°F cooler than the tank. You testing KH? Big swings mess with 'em bad.

[gold]

my fish do the same thing. i use ro water now. no more hiding.

[finch]

Thanks for the tips. I'll try smaller changes and check KH. Never thought about the temp difference either—my tap's around 70°F, so that might be part of it.

[novate]

my fish do the same thing. i use ro water now. no more hiding.

RO's clutch if your tap's whack, but you gotta remineralize or they'll stunt. Finch, you mixing hot/cold tap to match tank temp? Game changer if not.

[gold]

yep i add stuff to the ro. they like it better.

[novate]

What's your substrate? Deep sand beds can trap gunk that gets stirred during changes. My Discus bounced back after I switched to bare bottom, way easier to vacuum.

[finch]

I've got pool filter sand about 1.5 inches deep. Maybe I'll try vacuuming gentler. They're in with some Cardinals and Rams—no aggression, just post-change skittishness.

[novate]

I've got pool filter sand about 1.5 inches deep. Maybe I'll try vacuuming gentler. They're in with some Cardinals and Rams—no aggression, just post-change skittishness.

Sand's chill but yeah, go slow. My theory? Discus feel exposed during changes 'cause their territory gets disrupted. Try dimming lights for an hour after too.