NeWb question on water changes ^_^

Maj0rFiSh

L33t 5p34k m0f0!!11one
Jan 14, 2005
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South Coast of UK
When doing your water changes, do you use plain cold water? Or do you mix a bit of hot swell too make it warm, i have been just using cold water and letting the heater warm it back up, is this wrong?
 
Maj0rFiSh said:
When doing your water changes, do you use plain cold water? Or do you mix a bit of hot swell too make it warm, i have been just using cold water and letting the heater warm it back up, is this wrong?

The water you replace should be the SAME temperature as the tank water or else the fish will be shocked. I use a photographer's dark room thermometer and adjust the tap until the temp is the same as the tank water I'm replacing. Then I add the conditioner and I'm ready to go. I ready the water just prior to vacuuming.

Ever been taking a nice hot shower and have someone use the hot water in the kitchen??? EEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Tom
 
Thanks, ill know that for next time, i always thought wether it would shock them, the temperature normally drops to 22C from 26C, ill make sure its warmer next time.
 
You might want to let your water sit for a while to precipitate out chlorine, if that is in your h2o. You'll still need conditioner. I've read that using hot tap is not good because your water hear may have built up minerals (I think) that could be harmful- especially it if is old. I live in an apartment built in the 1920's so that is somehting i am concerned with.

I usually let my water sit at least over night if not 2 days, condition it, adjust pH, etc.,and make sure the temp is ok for the fishies.
 
Yea, the only problem with that is i have to do 40% changes everyday for about 6 days, my nitrate levels went sky high the other day :( R.I.P platys!

And if thats not bad enough they have white spot too!
 
I keep buckets of water on hand, just in case. I use the bucket the kitty litter comes in because it holds a few gallons. though I only have a 5 gallon and a 15 gallon tank. I use two buckets when I expect more frequent changes. Seems like you have a bigger set up though.
 
I only have a 60 and 75 Litre tank, i have a couple of washing up bowls handy :)
 
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