Changing the Water and Keeping it Clean

Clean water is a key to discus health. A clean tank with a constant exchange of new, fresh water will work wonders for your discus’ health. In this article, we will explain how to keep your water clean without requiring fancy equipment like reverse osmosis filters.

Water Changing Equipment

HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD I CHANGE MY DISCUS’ WATER?

One myth is that you need to change discus water constantly. The truth is that successful breeders vary widely in the amount of their discus’ water that they change. Some breeders change their discus’ water 100% only once a week. Others change their discus’ water 25% three times a week. Others change 50% of their discus water twice a week. So you don’t need to worry about following a strict, set regimen. Instead, just keep in mind that changing your discus’ water removes harmful toxins and other impurities. Change your discus’ water frequently if you can. But if you can’t change it frequently, just make sure you change it at least once a week. 

HOW MUCH OF MY DISCUS’ WATER SHOULD I CHANGE?

This is ultimately up to you and your abilities to carry out the water changes. Make sure to change your discus’ water frequently, and then decide on what percentage is best for your discus.

WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY DISCUS’ WATER?

The timing of the water change is just as important as the frequency. Discus, like all creatures, accustom themselves to you and your patterns. If you maintain a steady pattern, your discus will look forward to and be prepared for its water change. But if you provide an unstable pattern, your discus may become skittish during water changes.

A useful method is to time water changes after a major feeding period. This helps to remove any built up waste and left over food.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO HAVE CLEAN WATER?

One option is that you can have a bare tank without gravel. A tank without gravels provides the most pristine environment for the discus. Remove gravel that would normally hide waste and uneaten food. 

QUESTIONS

• Why is clean water important?
• How often do you change your discus’ water?
• Do you have a gravel-less or bare tank for you Discus?
• What volume of water do you change?