Python users

[SnakeIce]

I tried matching temps, until I read that because of the electrical field in the hot water tank there is a need for a sacrificial anode rod that leaches metal into the water. Because of this you are putting metal into your tank in the hot water portion of your change. Depending on the composition of the anode rod (there are a variety of metals and alloys used) you may have harmful metals in the hot portion of the water going into the tank.

So I read up, I learned that a thunderstorm's effect on the water temperatures in the amazon* is about the same as the difference I would see if I used straight tap water. My fish acted like it was enjoyable and some even spawned.

Unless you have a wild caught cave or mouth of spring dweller that lives in constant temperature water regardless of the weather I'd say your fish would not be harmed by a temporary fluctuation caused by a water change. If you are concerned that they are not used to it you can start with smaller % change and work your way up to normal change volume with tap cold.


*10-15 degrees F

to figure the change in tank temperature use: Difference in tank and tap temperature multiplied by the decimal representation of the percentage changed. Example: tank 78F tap 58 difference 20degrees F multiplied by .5 for 50% change = 10 degree F drop.

 

[Greggz]

Wow, thanks for all the replies. I learned a lot from your answers, I use a b Brute and a PH to pump water in and out of tank. I was just wondering, my water source is a long way from my tanks . so a Python is not in the works. Maybe my husband will install a sink closer?

My sink is 35' from the tank. I use a Quiet One 4000 and a garden hose to pump the water out, then just attach the hose to sink to fill. Really makes things easy, and saves a lot of time. It's in the tray because it stays under the tank in the stand need to catch any drips.

 

[Rbishop]

And Prime handles the most common heavy metals the last time I checked.

Better for a nearby sink if your house has high water pressure. That shutoff valve they have for the discharge coupled with a plastic attachment has caused for some sprays until I went all brass.

 

[Wild West]

Wow, thanks for all the replies. I learned a lot from your answers, I use a b Brute and a PH to pump water in and out of tank. I was just wondering, my water source is a long way from my tanks . so a Python is not in the works. Maybe my husband will install a sink closer?

I had atleast 50' of surgical tubing using the python adapters, not sure about your situation but an outside lawn hose reel worked well for me, plus I could drain it well after each using the turning of the wheel. If this gives you any DIY ideas

 

[NJ Devils Fan]

Wow, thanks for all the replies. I learned a lot from your answers, I use a b Brute and a PH to pump water in and out of tank. I was just wondering, my water source is a long way from my tanks . so a Python is not in the works. Maybe my husband will install a sink closer?

If you have good water pressure, they have longer pythons. I mention the water pressure because the longer the hose, the less suction there will be from the faucet. That probably would be a slightly cheaper solution than the new sink, but I'm sure hubby won't mind.

 

[tanker]

Oh, draining is not a problem, it's the refill. My tank is near our back yard. I use a PH and hose and drain directly into the yard.

 

[apastuszak]

I tried matching temps, until I read that because of the electrical field in the hot water tank there is a need for a sacrificial anode rod that leaches metal into the water. Because of this you are putting metal into your tank in the hot water portion of your change. Depending on the composition of the anode rod (there are a variety of metals and alloys used) you may have harmful metals in the hot portion of the water going into the tank.

So I read up, I learned that a thunderstorm's effect on the water temperatures in the amazon* is about the same as the difference I would see if I used straight tap water. My fish acted like it was enjoyable and some even spawned.

Unless you have a wild caught cave or mouth of spring dweller that lives in constant temperature water regardless of the weather I'd say your fish would not be harmed by a temporary fluctuation caused by a water change. If you are concerned that they are not used to it you can start with smaller % change and work your way up to normal change volume with tap cold.


*10-15 degrees F

to figure the change in tank temperature use: Difference in tank and tap temperature multiplied by the decimal representation of the percentage changed. Example: tank 78F tap 58 difference 20degrees F multiplied by .5 for 50% change = 10 degree F drop.

I read somewhere that lowering the temperature of the tank by 2 degrees during a water change simulates heavy rainfall during rainy season in Spring cooling the water down and will stimulate spawning behavior.

 

[apastuszak]

And Prime handles the most common heavy metals the last time I checked.

Better for a nearby sink if your house has high water pressure. That shutoff valve they have for the discharge coupled with a plastic attachment has caused for some sprays until I went all brass.

How did you go all brass? I just did a water change and when I turned the inline shutoff valve closed, I heard the waterfountain starting in my sink.

 

[Rbishop]

local hardware store had a brass shut off valve....easily adapted to the sink and another in line at the refill point. Don't trust any plastic unit even if for hose extension with high water pressure.

 

[apastuszak]

I was at Home Depot 2 weeks ago looking for brass shut off valves and had no luck.