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discus breeding pair tank substrate
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2025 3:49 am
by Magus
What's the best substrate for a breeding pair tank? I've got a 40-gallon with a pair that's been showing signs of spawning, but I'm not sure if sand or bare bottom is better. They're currently on fine sand, but I've heard bare bottom makes it easier to clean. Water params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, pH 6.8, temp at 84°F. Using a sponge filter and doing 30% water changes twice a week. Any advice?
Re: discus breeding pair tank substrate
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2025 5:11 am
by Astrid
Bare bottom is the way to go for breeding tanks. It's easier to keep clean, and you won't have to worry about leftover food or waste getting trapped. I've bred multiple pairs in bare bottoms, and it's cut down on fungal issues significantly. Just make sure you've got a smooth surface for them to lay eggs on, like a cone or flat stone. Your water params sound solid, but I'd bump the temp to 86°F to encourage spawning. What's your feeding routine like?
Re: discus breeding pair tank substrate
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2025 5:25 am
by knight
I've had success with both, but bare bottom is def easier to manage. Sand looks nicer, but it's a pain when they start digging. My pair spawned on a piece of slate in a bare tank, and the fry were easier to see and feed. You might wanna add some java moss or floating plants to give the fry cover later. How old are your discus?
Re: discus breeding pair tank substrate
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2025 7:32 am
by Taleno
I'm new to this, but my buddy swears by bare bottom for breeding. He says it's less hassle and the fry don't get lost in the substrate. I'm setting up my first breeding tank soon, so I'm gonna try it. What kind of sand are you using right now?
Re: discus breeding pair tank substrate
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2025 10:37 am
by Magus
Astrid wrote: ↑Fri Sep 05, 2025 5:11 am
Bare bottom is the way to go for breeding tanks. It's easier to keep clean, and you won't have to worry about leftover food or waste getting trapped. I've bred multiple pairs in bare bottoms, and it's cut down on fungal issues significantly. Just make sure you've got a smooth surface for them to lay eggs on, like a cone or flat stone. Your water params sound solid, but I'd bump the temp to 86°F to encourage spawning. What's your feeding routine like?
Thanks for the tip. I'll switch to bare bottom this weekend. I'm feeding them beef heart mix twice a day and frozen bloodworms once. They're about 1.5 years old, and this is their first time showing breeding behavior. The sand is CaribSea Super Naturals, but I'm gonna remove it.
Re: discus breeding pair tank substrate
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2025 11:06 am
by Astrid
Magus wrote: ↑Fri Sep 05, 2025 10:37 am
Astrid wrote: ↑Fri Sep 05, 2025 5:11 am
Bare bottom is the way to go for breeding tanks. It's easier to keep clean, and you won't have to worry about leftover food or waste getting trapped. I've bred multiple pairs in bare bottoms, and it's cut down on fungal issues significantly. Just make sure you've got a smooth surface for them to lay eggs on, like a cone or flat stone. Your water params sound solid, but I'd bump the temp to 86°F to encourage spawning. What's your feeding routine like?
Thanks for the tip. I'll switch to bare bottom this weekend. I'm feeding them beef heart mix twice a day and frozen bloodworms once. They're about 1.5 years old, and this is their first time showing breeding behavior. The sand is CaribSea Super Naturals, but I'm gonna remove it.
That's a solid diet. Just watch the beef heart, it can mess with water quality if overfed. I'd add some live blackworms or brine shrimp to vary it up. The CaribSea sand is fine, but yeah, bare bottom will save you headaches. Keep us posted on their progress.
Re: discus breeding pair tank substrate
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2025 2:04 pm
by knight
Yep, live food can really kickstart spawning behavior. I've had pairs go nuts for blackworms. Also, if you're gonna switch to bare bottom, do it slowly so you don't stress them out. Maybe remove half the sand first, then the rest after a few days. How's their behavior now? Are they cleaning a spot yet?
Re: discus breeding pair tank substrate
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2025 2:45 pm
by Taleno
This is all super helpful. I'm gonna grab some slate and go bare bottom for my setup too. Do you think a 30-gallon is big enough for a breeding pair, or should I go bigger?
Re: discus breeding pair tank substrate
Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2025 7:01 pm
by Astrid
Taleno wrote: ↑Fri Sep 05, 2025 2:45 pm
This is all super helpful. I'm gonna grab some slate and go bare bottom for my setup too. Do you think a 30-gallon is big enough for a breeding pair, or should I go bigger?
A 30 is doable, but 40 is better. Gives them more space to establish territory, and you'll have room for fry later. Just make sure your filtration is on point, and keep up with water changes. What's your tap water like?