Only cold water for water change question.

FreakIndeed

FreakIndeed

Yo yo yo!
Oct 7, 2006
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Columbus, OH
Due to issues with my gas company, I'm stuck with only cold water. I need to do my weekly water change. Now I normally match the tank temperature with the faucet going in with my python, but obviously can't do that now. How much water do you think I can safely change when adding nothing but cold water back into the tank for replacement? I usually change about 40%. It's a 125 gallon with silver dollars, giant danios, gold gourami, jack dempsey, severum, pictus cats, and a common plec.

Thanks!!!!!
 
Why not just fill a rubbermaid container and let it at least get to room temp? Or even set it outside...It should warm up quickly.
 
Do 2 smaller changes. The water temp won't fluctuate more than afew degrees doing that and your fish will be fine, unless they are already sick.
 
I currently don't have any fish in my aquarium. I gave my cichlids away on Monday since my tank is no where big enough for them once they grow. And I'm currently trying to decide exactly what to replace them with.

I did a 30% water change last night using cold water. It dropped my temp from 79° down to 71°/72°. So hopefully that's some kind of indication to help.

If you have a couple of buckets, fill the buckets and let them warm to room temperature first. Then do your water change, using the water in the buckets to replace the water drained.
 
I'm just finishing an ich treatment with raised temp and salt. So temp is currently 84 degrees. However, the water change is tomorrow and I'm starting to lower the temp slowly back down to 78 degrees today. So hopefully by tomorrow's water change time it will be about 78 or so (what I normally keep my tanks at).

Tank is in a basement, and while the basement is finished, it's still rather chilly at only 67 or 68 degrees. I'd love to set water outside, that would warm it up fast! That's a lot of water to lug down steps though. Still, it may be the best option.

Looks like I'm going to have to go to the store tonight and get a new large rubbermaid tub and a five gallon bucket. My only aquarium buckets I currently have are 2.5 gallons... and that could make for one long water change.

Thanks for the tips!
 
...just pay your gas bill. :)
 
syphon the water out of the buckets back into the tank... if your hose is long enough to run down the stairs...
 
samsmom said:
put a spare heater in your water buckets to bring it to temp
Click to expand...

Or let it sit out, room temp water is better than cold, 2-3 difference should be OK, it will also mix with the water in the tank, try to run your tank closer to room temp, if this is going to be a prolonged issue......:)
 
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