Cold Water Changes

[Istanbul_Kop]

Does anyone else do cold water changes for their Malawis?

I started doing all cold water changes around 3 months ago, tank temp drops by aboout 5-7°C each time and it sends the fish into a breeding frenzy afterwards.

Just curious if anyone else does this?

 

[SubRosa]

Never tried it with Africans, but then I never had a problem getting Mbuna or Haplochromines to spawn! It is SOP for breeding other types of fish such as Cory Cats though.

 

[Hebily]

I've heard cooler, pH neutral, low tds water being added is like candle light and soft music for fish... Ahh, the spring rains...

 

[austinpetemo]

hmm. ill have to try that.

what does SOP mean?

 

[Hebily]

SOP= Standard Operating Procedure.

 

[Schneider]

I've done it before because I don't have a choice sometimes. Can't always stop the kids from using all the hot water up. Suddenly all my males think they can hold a territory. Too bad there are no females for them to court! They never seem to figure this out though.

 

[Pittbull]

Yeah i use water from outside off the spicket (waterhose) for a faster water change in the summer time and it usually drops the water about 2 to 3 degree and poses no issues.. (python no spill n fill rules)

Water changes inside during cold months is really slow so i cherish the faster water changes in the warmer months..

 

[efors]

I don't know Kop, but a 5-7 Celsius drop is a 9-12.5 Fahrenheit drop; which seems too much in a short time to me. IMO, you should be careful and avoid those large sudden drops in temp.

 

[ibr3ak]

Yeah I always do cooler water changes, not too significant, maybe 3-4 degrees cooler, but it does promote breeding behavior. In addition to it simulating the rainy season, cooler water also provides more oxygen.

 

[mcybyk]

Water changes in general seem to get my guys going regardless of the temp. It is usually the time when they decide to start scuffling a bit here and there. Once I am done, they seem to settle down.