Water changes....

[jread]

Did a 20% water change on my currently cycling 10-gallon today, and noticed something alarming:

On my reef tanks, I always had a jug of pre-mixed water as well as a jug of R/O water for water changes/top off. These jugs were at room temp. because they just sat there until I needed them. Whenever I did water changes, I never had to worry about the temp dropping too much.

Today I did a water change on my freshwater tank and used tap water. I didn't think about this, but the temp of the tap water is MUCH colder than the tank temp (especially with it being winter). After the water change, my tank temperature instantly dropped about 5 degrees!! Thankfully there are no fish in the tank right now!! That could have been bad!

My question is this: since I only have one jug for siphoning/filling my tank, should I turn on a little of the warm water when doing water changes? I know I shouldn't make it *warm* but at least not freezing cold like it is right now. It seemed like this would be the logical solution, but I wanted to make sure that using water that has been heated would not harm them in any way.

Will this work? What do you do on your tanks to keep from shocking the fish with a drastic temp. change?

 

[bayoupr]

Get a thermometer and check your tank water. Then turn on the water in your sink and let it run over the thermometer adjusting the temp as needed. Leaving the water run hold your jug up to the tap and fill and add chlorine remover after you fill it or before. If this makes a mess buy a funnel and add the water.

 

[jb_lyndon]

What I do since we have a water softener and only have access to a COLD drinking water tap for water changes is fill the buckets the night before the change. Even after sitting out over night the temp is usually about 16 - 17 degrees celcius (3 degrees lower than room temp). Since my Aquarium is set to about 25 degrees I boil a pot of water and add some to each bucket until desired temp is reached (you very quickly learn how much hot water you'll need).

About the hot water tap... I could be wrong but I think the water that passes through your homes water heater has a higher concentration of minerals. I'm not sure if they are bad for your fish or not. Growing up without soft water I never used the hot tap water for cooking pasta or anything so I personally would continue with my practise of boiling rather than hot tap water (it's really no trouble at all).

Hope this helps and someone else can explain the effects of mineral rich water.

 

[Lauren]

I've been told that hot water from the tap has more iron in it.

 

[jread]

Originally posted by Lauren
I've been told that hot water from the tap has more iron in it.

That's good, right? For the plants I mean (my tank is a planted tank).

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[ewok]

one of the best ideas i have seen so far involved a "sticky" thermometer right on the faucet.

for all of us "normal" people tho, turn on the water, let it run for a few to warm up and clear the pipes somewhat. adjust it to "slightly cool to the touch", and you'll be fine.

good luck

 

[JSchmidt]

Personally, I don't think a drop in tank temp of five degrees will harm your fish. I think most FW fish can handle that easily without any ill effects.

Jim