Water Change Volume, and Temp Measurement

[sageautumn]

So... the hot water question has me curious about this...

When you do water changes, what do you use to check the temp on the incoming water? I've been using a digital cooking thermom, and I'm just not certain it's as accurate at low temps as I would like. (Nor am I certain that I've been using it correctly.)

And _that_ question lead to this one...

What is your stance on water changes? How much, how often?

My fishbible has been The Simple Guide to Fresh Water Aquariums by David Bor-something... http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Guide-Fresh-Water-Aquariums/dp/0793821010

so my water changes are large (50-60%), and (fairly) often. About once a week until I had a stable cycle, and normally bi-weekly after that. A far cry from the 10% that seems to be touted so often.

It's seemed to work for me, going on three years now... but have I just been lucky, or is it valid? (And either way... what's your stance, and why?)

 

[Cory Keeper]

I change %25 every week or more often, for my 20g tank.

 

[Radar]

I have used a digital cooking thermom for years and have not had a problem with it.As far as water changes all my tanks get 2 water changes a week anywhere from 30% to 50% each time.

 

[smyke]

I am doing 50% pwc weekly. using the python makes it very easy. as far as water temp I take my glass thermometer and stick it under the running water and get the temp to match and then add water to the tank.

 

[sillypony]

I (used to) do 25-50% every week. I just planted the tank, and hope to follow a different plan, which involves fewer fertz and thus fewer w/c's (like, once a month)

I used to just match water by feel- a cup of tank water and feel it and a cup off the tap. Now i se a thermometer that i suppose was for cooking? Idk. It works.

 

[SchizotypalVamp]

It really depends on what works for your tank. Whatever keeps the nitrates and DOCs at a good level and makes the fishies happiest. AKA it's stock, plant, and tank size dependent.

 

[Slappy*McFish]

I use the back of my hand to test the temp.

 

[OldMan47]

You can get a good temperature match by sitting a bowl of tank water by the sink and testing by hand. You would probably be surprized at the accuracy of doing it that way. As you have read, let the nitrate levels guide you on how much and how often to do a water change. For me, most of the tanks are about 25% every 2 weeks. I tend to go light on stocking so need less water change than I might otherwise.

 

[Rbishop]

I feel the water temp by laying a hand on the faucet, and then watch the response to the thermometer since I point the incoming at it or the sensor.

25% minimum, usually more like 50-75% changes weekly or more frequently in some tanks.

 

[duke33]

I started with that book too! I use a meat thermo. Can tell buy feel pretty much now though.