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discus tank water change risks
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 2:05 am
by 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?
Re: discus tank water change risks
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 3:39 am
by novate
finch wrote: ↑Wed Jul 30, 2025 2:05 am
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.
Re: discus tank water change risks
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 4:53 am
by gold
my fish do the same thing. i use ro water now. no more hiding.
Re: discus tank water change risks
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 5:22 am
by 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.
Re: discus tank water change risks
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 6:58 am
by novate
gold wrote: ↑Wed Jul 30, 2025 4:53 am
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.
Re: discus tank water change risks
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 7:46 am
by gold
yep i add stuff to the ro. they like it better.
Re: discus tank water change risks
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 9:10 am
by 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.
Re: discus tank water change risks
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 9:40 am
by 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.
Re: discus tank water change risks
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 11:18 am
by novate
finch wrote: ↑Wed Jul 30, 2025 9:40 am
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.