What Is The Best Filter For A Discus Tank? 7 Best Discus Filter


Filtration is very crucial for a Discus aquarium tank, and this is because Discus fishes are very sensitive. The best filter for a Discus aquarium tank is in different types such as the canister filter, the hang-on back filter, and external filters, which we are going to exhaustively discuss in this article.

Table of Contents

What Makes a Filter Good For a Discus Tank?

5 reasons that makes a filter good for Discus tank as below:

  1. Low Turn Overs Filters: The Discus fish will do best with filters with low turnovers, one time per hour turnover at most. An example of this filter is the sponge filter.
  2. Cost-Effective Filters: When choosing a filter for your Discus aquarium tank you should consider both the price and efficiency of the filter. Your choice of Discus aquarium filter should also be cost-effective.
  3. Low-Noise Filters: You should also choose a filter with less noise. The aqua clear filters are the noiseless filters. For example, the hang-on back (HOB) filters. Avoid the under-gravel filters, they are always very noisy and usually cause tension in your aquarium.
  4. Filter Perfect Size For Your Aquarium: Size is very important in choosing a filter for your tank. You should get a filter that is larger than your tank because the Discus fish is very messy, your filter should be able to filter more than the size of your aquarium.
  5. Easy Maintenance Filters: You should also choose a filter that will be easy to maintain, depending on your space and the size of your tank.

Types of Discus Filters

  • Internal Filters.
  • External Filters.
  • Cannister Filters.
  • Under-Gravel Filters.
  • Hang On Back Filters.
  • Sponge Filters.
Internal filter

The internal filters and under-gravel (UG) filters are not very good for Discus tanks, especially the under-gravel filters which make a lot of noise which causes tension for the Discus fish and also accumulate debris and create harmful bacteria in the Discus tank.

discus-fish-tank-external-water-filter
External canister filter
NOTE: The external and canister filters are the best choice for a long-live healthy Discus aquarium tank.
aquarium-Water-Filter
hang-on-back filter

You can also go for the hang-on-back (HOB) filters, they are not difficult to use and are also very efficient.

sponge filter
Sponge filters

The sponge filters are also good as they produce very effective filtration without strong water turnovers. They are also very efficient in growing important bacteria while clearing the debris in the tank. but they do not treat the water chemically.

7 Best Discus Tank Filters

  1. Fluval Canister Filters.
  2. Penn Plax Aquarium Cascade Canister Filters.
  3. Aqua Clear Filters.
  4. Deep Blue Sponge Filters.
  5. Hydor Series.
  6. OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo.
  7. Whisper Filters.
  8. Fluval Canister Filters.

[1] – Fluval Canister Filters

This filter is best for tanks of up to 100 gallons. It is very efficient, of high quality and is also very quiet. It is 25% quieter than most filters in this generation and one of the most silent in its range. With this filter, you will get the best quality for your Discus tank.

The system of this filter is designed for ergonomic use and can also be easily maintained, its compartments are sequentially placed which makes cleaning is quick and efficient. Not to forget that it also comes with a two years warranty.

This is a canister filter, so it is reliable to effectively clean up all mess from your tank, it is energy-efficient and produces a great performance.

[2] – Penn Plax Aquarium Cascade Canister Filter

The Penn Plax filter is a whole package that comes with other extra valuable accessories that will cause the filter to last longer.

This package comes with:

  • A complete necessary tubing and hosing.
  • Bio floss.
  • Bio-foam.
  • Algae magnet.
  • Ceramic rings, and so on.

Focusing on the direct function of the filter, this filter offers a three-stage filtration, which provides the best performance for the Discus aquarium tank. It comes with rotating flow valves that give one of the best filtrations and it is not difficult to clean without disassembling your hose and other parts of the filter.

NOTE: Installation of this filter is not difficult it will not take up to 30mins to install and takes less than a day to start function properly.

it contains a simple primer that gives them the opportunity to filter easily and quickly.

[3] – Aqua Clear Filters

The AquaClear filters are also very efficient, it has sufficient power and quality to clean the water effectively. They are also very affordable.

The aqua clear 110 filter is the most powerful of the aqua clear filters and it is most efficient for Discus aquarium tanks, it has the power to cover Discus tanks of about 110 gallons. This filter is very easy to use, very easy to set up and also gives you quality filtration.

The enable the filter last longer, it is equipped with:

  • A foam,
  • Cycle guard.
  • Activated carbon.
  • It also comes with a warranty of two years.
NOTE: The aqua clear filters are not on the same level of strength and power capabilities with some of the listed filters but it surely has sufficient strength and power to filter your Discus aquarium tanks and keep it clean.

[4] – Deep Blue Sponge Filters

It uses a sponge and an air pump to draw water in the thank through the opening in the sponge.

They are efficient infiltration because of their gentle flow. Deep blue sponge filters are quiet, cheap, and very efficient, you can get these filters in your local pet shop, amazon, or any of the pet shops online.

NOTE: Deep Blue Sponge Filters may not be able to cover large Discus aquarium tanks.

This type of water filter is mostly used during the discus breeding process to add oxygen and clean the tank at the same time.

[5] – Hydor Filter Series

Hydor filter is a type of canister filter and the cover for mostly large tanks. The Hydor filters are very efficient infiltration and have a satisfying performance.

We will specifically look at the 450 version of the Hydor canister filter. This filter has the capacity to clean a Discus tank of 70 to125 gallons. This filter supplies you with a three-stage filtration which is chemical, mechanical, and biological.

An ecosystem that provides filtration is formed in this filter. An easy priming system that provides quick start-up and set up is available with this filter and it also comes with telescopic tubes which enable perfect filtration and good water flow.

NOTE: This filter work with ceramic shaft motors, which causes it to last longer and also provides quality filtration.

This filter can be used for different purposes but most importantly it will enable you to keep your Discus tank clean at all times.

[6] – OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo

This Oase filter takes care of all the filter needs of a Discus aquarium tank. This filter possesses an integrated heater with a compact design. This heater helps you maintain the temperature in your aquarium.

This filter operates basically in four stages:

  1. Prefiltration.
  2. Chemical,
  3. Mechanical.
  4. Biological filtration.
NOTE: The prefiltration permits for proper water flow and efficient chemical.

Mechanical and biological filtration and its compartment can be removed and cleaned separately.

NOTE: To get full use of this filter you have to get activated carbon to effectively remove toxic materials.

The filter can be placed under the aquarium and can allow the water flow to be adjusted to your preference.

Apart from its expensive nature, it is one of the best Discus aquariums filter you can get.

[7] – Whisper Filters

This is a powerful filter that uses cartridges and does not take so much space in your aquarium.

The cartridges collect the debris, fish wastes, and other unwanted particles in the tank in the first stage and then activates the carbon filter that removes toxins and odor from your aquarium.

This filter is available for different tank sizes. You can choose the size that best suits your tank.

Can A Filter Be Too Strong for A Discus Fish?

Yes, a filter can be too strong for a Discus fish, strong filters mostly have a strong current that can stress the fish and make their immune system low. however, lots of filtration may not cause as much problem for your Discus fish as the generated flow of water in your tank.

How Do I Know If My Fish Filter Is Too Strong?

To identify if your filter is too strong is by carefully observing your Discus fish, if you notice that your Discus are struggling like hide behind the aquarium plants or just stay on the gravel, some fishes may be too scared or too weak to swim, then you will have to change the fish filter to a more suitable one.

Can A Strong Filter Kill Fish?

Yes, a strong filter could kill your Discus fish, due to the heavy currents of strong filters, the fishes will have to go through so much stress to swim and this will cause weakness and a low immune system that could lead the fish to sickness and disease which if not treated will lead to death.

Conclusion

The importance of having the best filter for your Discus tank cannot be over-emphasized. When purchasing a filter for your Discus aquarium you have to consider properly with the guide I have given you above in order to make the right choice.

firassameer

This is me Firas Sameer, the founder of DiscusRescue.com, I am an aquarist guy with a passion and love for Discus fishes, I am learning every day with my hobby at home and sharing the things I am learning from my experience with you.

One thought on “What Is The Best Filter For A Discus Tank? 7 Best Discus Filter

Leave a Reply to Manuel E. Sanchez Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts