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discus tank filter cleaning routine
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2025 9:41 am
by matto
What's your filter cleaning routine for a Discus tank? I've got a 75-gallon with 6 adults, sand substrate, and a Fluval FX4. Been doing monthly rinses with tank water, but my nitrates creep up fast. Wondering if I should tweak it.
Re: discus tank filter cleaning routine
Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2025 9:43 am
by Sand
Monthly might not be enough with that bioload. I run a similar setup, 80-gallon, 7 Discus, and clean my FX6 every 3 weeks. Key is to rinse the sponges lightly, never replace all media at once. How often are your water changes?
Re: discus tank filter cleaning routine
Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2025 8:19 am
by Bolden
matto wrote: ↑Fri Oct 03, 2025 9:41 am
What's your filter cleaning routine for a Discus tank? I've got a 75-gallon with 6 adults, sand substrate, and a Fluval FX4. Been doing monthly rinses with tank water, but my nitrates creep up fast. Wondering if I should tweak it.
Nitrates climbing usually means overfeeding or insufficient water changes. I do 50% weekly changes on my 90-gallon, clean the filter every 2 weeks. What's your feeding schedule like?
Re: discus tank filter cleaning routine
Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2025 8:37 pm
by melodic
I've got a 55-gallon with 4 Discus and a canister filter. I rinse the media every 2 weeks, but only half at a time. My nitrates stay around 20 ppm. Maybe try adding more plants? I've got Amazon swords and they help a bit.
Re: discus tank filter cleaning routine
Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2025 8:39 pm
by Frost
Agree with Bolden on water changes. I do 40% twice a week on my 75-gallon, FX4 cleaned every 3 weeks. Also, check if your filter flow is strong enough. Discus like calm water, but weak flow can let debris build up.
Re: discus tank filter cleaning routine
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2025 11:14 pm
by matto
Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll try bumping up water changes to 50% weekly and clean the filter every 2 weeks. Been feeding twice daily, mostly frozen bloodworms and pellets. Maybe I'll cut back a bit.
Re: discus tank filter cleaning routine
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2025 1:29 am
by Bolden
matto wrote: ↑Thu Nov 13, 2025 11:14 pm
Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll try bumping up water changes to 50% weekly and clean the filter every 2 weeks. Been feeding twice daily, mostly frozen bloodworms and pellets. Maybe I'll cut back a bit.
Twice daily is fine if they eat it all in a few minutes. Leftover food is the real nitrate culprit. Try feeding smaller portions and see if that helps.
Re: discus tank filter cleaning routine
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2025 1:31 am
by Sand
Also, consider adding a protein skimmer if nitrates are stubborn. I added one to my setup last year and it made a noticeable difference. Not a replacement for water changes, but it helps between them.
Re: discus tank filter cleaning routine
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2025 4:04 am
by Frost
melodic wrote: ↑Sat Oct 11, 2025 8:37 pm
I've got a 55-gallon with 4 Discus and a canister filter. I rinse the media every 2 weeks, but only half at a time. My nitrates stay around 20 ppm. Maybe try adding more plants? I've got Amazon swords and they help a bit.
Plants are a great idea. Floating plants like frogbit are nitrate hogs and Discus love the shade they provide. Just don't let them block too much light if you've got rooted plants.
Re: discus tank filter cleaning routine
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2025 4:06 am
by Dock
One more thing, matto, check your filter intake. Sometimes debris gets stuck in the pipes and rots, spiking nitrates. I clean mine with a pipe brush every other month. Easy to overlook but makes a difference.