Filling Up From The Tap

[Samphire]

I use hot and cold and thermometer (sp), I check tank temp, mix the water to that temp and pour in with watering can with just nozel, gives me more control when putting the water in and I worry about my poor fish getting chills lol.

 

[JamieBailie]

My mother used to own nursing homes, We had to get a special thing fitted to the hot water tanks (Can't remember the name) as bacteria builds up in the hot water making it 'unsafe' to drink. It's only businesses that need this so it can't be that serious.

I'm not sure what type of bacteria it is or if it will effect fish in any way but maybe someone else will know.

 

[idlefingers]

My mother used to own nursing homes, We had to get a special thing fitted to the hot water tanks (Can't remember the name) as bacteria builds up in the hot water making it 'unsafe' to drink. It's only businesses that need this so it can't be that serious.

I'm not sure what type of bacteria it is or if it will effect fish in any way but maybe someone else will know.

Also, it depends on how your hot water is heated. If it's done using a combi boiler (where the water is heated on the fly as it passes through the boiler) then the hot water is exactly the same as the cold water. However if the hot water is from a water heater thing (can't remember the correct name) where it sits in a big drum getting heated and sitting there until it's used then IMO it's not safe. Sitting in the copper drum for that long surely can't be good for the water.

I (like many people with large tanks) use a pipe straight from the cold water tap and fill the tank on full blast with cold water. I've never noticed a drop more than a couple of degrees and have never had ich or whitespot. As arfie said, if you're worried about the temp drop, introduce the new, cold water slowly so it gets more of a chance to be heated by the tank heaters but IMO unless you're doing a really large water change where there is a risk of a large temp dip there's no need.

 

[zukimoo]

I use 18 litre water bottles and refill them after every water change. I've got 4 set-up for fresh water and 1 set up for brackish. They get to room temp and then I don't have to worry about changing the temp much. The only thing I hate is the space the bottle take to store but I like to keep a certain amount of water ready for the tanks.

 

[CFC]

Water from the hotwater tap is not considered safe for human consumption so in my mind that means its not safe for fish to live in either, particularly so if you have a hot water cylinder rather than a combination boiler.

If you are really worried about cold water chilling the tanks then invest in a couple of 25 litre plastic barrels which you can buy from camping shops and even some fish stores, fill the barrels with water the night before and leave them over night to warm up to room temperature.

 

[Teelie]

That's what I do. I have 46 gallons of storable water at any given time.

 

[idlefingers]

seems like far too much lifting to me..

 

[03Mach]

Just thought you might want to read this:
Lead Content Here is a quick quote:
"The second step is to never cook with or consume water from the hot-water tap. Hot water dissolves more lead more quickly than cold water. So, do not use water taken from the hot tap for cooking or drinking, and especially not for making baby formula. (If you need hot water, draw water from the cold tap and heat it on the stove.) Use only thoroughly flushed water from the cold tap for any consumption."

I'm new to freshwater fish, so I'm not sure on water quality needs. I know with Saltwater you really want the water as clean/pure as possiable. You are never supposed to really cook or consume hot water, only cold. Just my $.02.

 

[Teelie]

seems like far too much lifting to me..

Nah, it's good exercise.