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why my discus has white patches?
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 4:28 am
by Jazzman
My discus has developed white patches on its body over the past week. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate at 10 ppm. Tank is 75 gallons, temp at 84°F, pH 6.5. They're eating fine but seem a bit less active. Anyone know what's going on?
Re: why my discus has white patches?
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 5:21 am
by mole
Sounds like it could be a fungal infection or maybe even stress. How often do you do water changes? I'd bump it up to 50% every other day for a bit. Also, check if your heater's working right. Temp swings can mess with them.
Re: why my discus has white patches?
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 6:13 am
by luxe
Yep, fungal is my guess too. Had this happen last year. Try adding some methylene blue or kanamycin if you've got it. Also, cut back on feeding for a couple days. Less waste, less stress.
Re: why my discus has white patches?
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 7:32 am
by guppy
Jazzman wrote: ↑Sun Aug 10, 2025 4:28 am
My discus has developed white patches on its body over the past week. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, nitrate at 10 ppm. Tank is 75 gallons, temp at 84°F, pH 6.5. They're eating fine but seem a bit less active. Anyone know what's going on?
Could be columnaris. It's sneaky and moves fast. I'd quarantine the affected fish ASAP and treat with Furan-2. Keep the main tank clean with extra water changes.
Re: why my discus has white patches?
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 7:41 am
by BoldRom
Agree with guppy on the quarantine. Also, check your filter media. If it's clogged, it might not be removing waste properly. What kind of substrate are you using? Sand can sometimes harbor nasties if not vacuumed regularly.
Re: why my discus has white patches?
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 9:12 am
by thart
White patches can also be from rubbing against decor. You got any sharp edges or rough rocks in there? Discus are delicate, they'll tear their slime coat easy. Smooth things out if needed.
Re: why my discus has white patches?
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 10:45 am
by Jazzman
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll set up a quarantine tank and start treatment. Gonna double-check the heater and filter too. Appreciate the help.
Re: why my discus has white patches?
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 11:12 am
by Seadog
mole wrote: ↑Sun Aug 10, 2025 5:21 am
Sounds like it could be a fungal infection or maybe even stress. How often do you do water changes? I'd bump it up to 50% every other day for a bit. Also, check if your heater's working right. Temp swings can mess with them.
Spot on about the water changes. I'd also add some Indian almond leaves. They've got natural antifungal properties and help calm the fish down.
Re: why my discus has white patches?
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 12:08 pm
by Dubson
Hey Jazzman, hope your fish pulls through. If it's columnaris, keep an eye on the gills too. Sometimes it starts there before the patches show up. And yeah, temp stability is key. What heater brand are you using?
Re: why my discus has white patches?
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 1:39 pm
by bigDiscus
Had a similar scare last month. Turned out to be just a weird vibe from a new light I added. Too bright, stressed them out. Dialed it back and the patches cleared up. Maybe check your lighting setup?