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discus tank water change timing
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 7:09 am
by SunnyG
How often do you guys change water for your Discus? I've got a 75-gallon tank with 6 juveniles, sand substrate, and a canister filter. Been doing 30% every 3 days but they seem stressed after. Temp's at 84°F, pH 6.8. Maybe I'm overdoing it?
Re: discus tank water change timing
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 7:57 am
by Bolden
30% every 3 days is solid for juvies, but stress could mean the new water's off. Check if your tap matches tank params—temp, pH, hardness. I use a mixing valve to pre-heat, and Prime to neutralize chlorine. Also, how's your flow rate? Too fast can freak them out.
Re: discus tank water change timing
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 9:16 am
by cadence
yo, same setup here! i do 25% every other day but drip the new water in over an hour. keeps things steady. also, my discus dig the dim lights during changes. try blackout curtains, it's a vibe.
Re: discus tank water change timing
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 9:29 am
by vital
Bolden wrote: ↑Mon Aug 11, 2025 7:57 am
30% every 3 days is solid for juvies, but stress could mean the new water's off. Check if your tap matches tank params—temp, pH, hardness. I use a mixing valve to pre-heat, and Prime to neutralize chlorine. Also, how's your flow rate? Too fast can freak them out.
Agreed. My tap's pH is 7.4, so I buffer with peat moss in a storage barrel. Takes 24 hrs to stabilize. Also, are you vacuuming the sand? Waste buildup can spike nitrates fast.
Re: discus tank water change timing
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 10:16 am
by knight
I'd cut back to 20% changes if they're stressed. Mine are adults in a 125-gallon, planted with driftwood. Weekly 40% works fine, but juvies need more. Maybe skip a change and observe? Sometimes they just need a chill week.
Re: discus tank water change timing
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 11:44 am
by SunnyG
Thanks, all! Gonna test my tap and slow the flow. Didn't think about the lights—good call.
Re: discus tank water change timing
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 12:06 pm
by Seadog
Stress post-change could also be osmotic shock. What's your TDS? I aim for under 100 ppm for juvies. RO water helps, but remineralize with Equilibrium. Also, how's their appetite? If they're eating beef heart after, it's probably not the change itself.
Re: discus tank water change timing
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 1:57 pm
by landfall
mixing valve's a game-changer, like Bolden said. i rigged mine with a cheap inline heater. also, try aging the water 12 hrs with an airstone—lets gases off-gas. my discus stopped glass surfing after i started that.
Re: discus tank water change timing
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 3:23 pm
by mander
cadence wrote: ↑Mon Aug 11, 2025 9:16 am
yo, same setup here! i do 25% every other day but drip the new water in over an hour. keeps things steady. also, my discus dig the dim lights during changes. try blackout curtains, it's a vibe.
Dripping's key. I use a 5-gallon bucket and airline tubing with a valve. Takes 2 hrs for 10 gallons, but zero stress. Also, check your water change tool—gravel vacs can suck up sand and stir debris.
Re: discus tank water change timing
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 3:53 pm
by tonic
Anyone else notice seasonal changes affect this? My discus hate winter water—extra skittish. I warm the storage barrel to 86°F December–March. Summer's easier, just match room temp.