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discus breeding tank water lighting
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2025 5:46 am
by Magus
Setting up a breeding tank for my Discus and wondering about the ideal lighting setup. Currently running a 55-gallon with sand substrate, driftwood, and a few Amazon swords. Water's at 84°F, pH 6.5, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Using a Fluval 307 canister filter. Heard conflicting advice on brightness and duration. What's worked for you guys?
Re: discus breeding tank water lighting
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2025 6:35 am
by Luxury
I've had success with dimmer lighting, around 6500K, for about 8 hours a day. My pair spawned in a 40-gallon breeder with similar params, but I kept the lights low to mimic their natural habitat. Used a Finnex Planted+ 24/7 on a timer. Also, floating plants like frogbit helped diffuse the light. How's your pair behaving? Any signs of breeding yet?
Re: discus breeding tank water lighting
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2025 8:00 am
by River
Luxury wrote: ↑Sun Aug 31, 2025 6:35 am
I've had success with dimmer lighting, around 6500K, for about 8 hours a day. My pair spawned in a 40-gallon breeder with similar params, but I kept the lights low to mimic their natural habitat. Used a Finnex Planted+ 24/7 on a timer. Also, floating plants like frogbit helped diffuse the light. How's your pair behaving? Any signs of breeding yet?
Yep, dim lighting's the way to go. Mine laid eggs under a Nicrew ClassicLED set to 50% brightness. Tank's bare-bottom with a cone, and I keep the room kinda dark too. They're fussy about light changes, so consistency's key.
Re: discus breeding tank water lighting
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2025 8:59 am
by pacer
My Discus won't spawn if the light's too bright. Tried a beefy LED setup at first, and they just hid. Switched to a cheap Hygger adjustable, set it low, and bam, eggs within a week. Tank's 75 gallons, 86°F, with a sponge filter and daily 20% water changes. Maybe yours just need a chill vibe?
Re: discus breeding tank water lighting
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2025 9:39 am
by Spark
Yo, my Discus dig the low light too. Got a 30-gallon with black sand, some java fern, and a basic Aqueon LED. Keep it on for like 6 hours, off the rest. They're always pecking at the cone when it's dim. Water's soft, 6.0 pH, and I feed 'em bloodworms twice a day. Works for me.
Re: discus breeding tank water lighting
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2025 11:24 am
by Magus
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna dial back the lighting and add some floaters. Pair's been cleaning a flat rock, so fingers crossed.
Re: discus breeding tank water lighting
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2025 12:56 pm
by Luxury
Sounds like they're getting ready. Just watch the water changes, keep 'em small and frequent. I do 10% daily with RO water when they're in breeding mode. Less stress, better results.
Re: discus breeding tank water lighting
Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2025 1:09 pm
by River
Luxury wrote: ↑Sun Aug 31, 2025 12:56 pm
Sounds like they're getting ready. Just watch the water changes, keep 'em small and frequent. I do 10% daily with RO water when they're in breeding mode. Less stress, better results.
Spot on. I mimic rain with a slow drip during water changes. Seems to trigger spawning behavior. Also, crank the temp up a degree or two if they're being shy.