Temperature during a water change

[AK24]

Dear All,

I am new to the fish game. Have looked in the forum but can't seem to find an answer to this question.

I have a 60 litre tank, been running for about 3 weeks now, and for the last week has had 2 Zebra Danios living in it (just to start things off). I recently did my first water change with fish in the tank (about 25%), however I noticed (as you would expect) the water temperature dropped from its normal 25 Degress C to about 22-23 C. Is this likely to cause my fish any problems/stress?
I believe Zebra Danios are quite hardy fish, but what about more sensitive fish?
Is there anything else I should be doing?

Any advice would be greatly received.

Cheers

Ant.

 

[smb]

I would make sure that the water temp you put in is the same as the tank water. This can cause stress if it's a sudden change in temp and make them succeptable to diseases.

I would also make sure the water you are adding is dechlorinated first.

 

[gadazobe]

Hi Ant and first of all welcome to the forum. A slight difference in temperature won't hurt the fish - but why don't you add a little hot water to make the temperature the same as the tank. When I do water changes I always add a little hot water so there's no big difference in the temps of the new water and the tank water.

 

[Lateral Line]

As a beginner, I would also advise you try to replace the water you remove with water of roughly the same temperature.

Once you know what you're doing, adding cold water can be useful. It simulates heavy rainfall and can be used to induce certain species to spawn.

 

[Debo]

Hi,
I have an extra thermometer that I use while running the water for the water changes. I have it down to a science and was so anal anout it when I first started that I continue this practice. I make absolutely sure that the temps are the same. I even leave the water running at this temp while taking the buckets to the tank, that way insuring the same even temp. I love my little fishies and don't want to stress them out.

 

[Moe]

When I first started I did a water change with cold water. The next day all the fish had ICK. (white spots all over the fins) Now I use a thermometer to make sure the temp is about the same.

 

[AK24]

Many thanks for all your advice... can't believe I didn't think of adding a little hot water to up the temperature!

 

[bettabuddy]

I have 6 - 5Gal. buckets that I use to age/store replacement water. I treat tapwater with AquaSafe. I have a 1 liter Pyrex pitcher which I use only for fishkeeping. When I'm ready to do a water change I take a pitcher of water from the bucket and heat it in the microwave. After heating I return the water to the bucket and continue until replacement water is same temp. as tank water.
I have a Discus tank which I keep at 84F. Since I do a daily water change on the tank I do not want any temp. fluctuations.
Just wanted to let you know what works for me.