Water Conditioner for Changes?

[go fish]

I have a 10 gallon that I want to do a water change on and can't seem to find the answer to a couple questions that I hope aren't too awfully stupid! I'm also getting a lot of different answers from other fish owners I know and even different ones from different people at the pet shop! Confused! Do you nuetralize the water that you replace? If so can you add it directly to the tank? Directions (AquaSafe) calls for 1 tsp of conditioner for a 10 gallon tank. Do I add just 1/4 tsp to the replaced 25% water?. Also, can it be water that is straight from tap, and should I try to add water that feels about room temperature. Don't want to freeze them, either! :shake: Thanks!

[anonapersona]

when I do a 50% water change in my 10 gallon tank I add enough water treatment to handle the water volume I am replacing, which is about 4 gallons (10gallon with gravel has about 7.5 gallons of water in it) So, in my case i add 4 drops of conditioner.

So, yes, you would add 1/4 tsp of your conditioner to the tank as you are adding the fresh water, with the temperature matched as closely as possible to tank temp. (Use a thermometer at first then learn to judge by hand, you will be very close.)

[Tim Bo]

Sounds like you've got the right idea. My water conditioner requires 5 ml to 10 liter of water, so if I'm adding 5 liters of water I add 2,5 ml of conditioner etc.
2) Yes, make sure the water temperature matches the tank water's temperature.

[TKOS]

Things also depend on your fish selection. Certain fish are super picky about temp and need it exact. But most common fish like tetras and barbs don't mind a 2 degree difference in new water or even greater sometimes. Try to get it as close as possible but don't go insane trying to match things. Also the smaller the water change the less impact cooler water will have.

[go fish]

Thanks so much for your replies! I only have 2 Zebra Danio's at this time and 2 Platies. They're pretty hardy, aren't they? I think I'll add the 1/4 tsp conditioner to dissolve it in the water pitcher first and wait approx. 15 minutes between the remaining pitchers of water. That way I can keep an eyeball on the temperature so it doesn't fluctuate to much. Thanks again!

[Slappy*McFish]

There are many ways that people treat their new water during water changes. Some people add the water conditioner to the tank, others add it to the bucket of new water. I use 5 gallon water jugs to do my water changes. I add just enough water conditioner to the bottom of the jug to treat that amount of water(5g..but sometimes I'll double dose)..then I'll add the new tap water right on top of this conditioner. Then I'll pour the treated water into the tank. If you use a python, then you'll have to add the conditioner to the tank.