Water Changes - Heated Water

[fishfreak22]

im having problems currently with water changes, i have a 30g heated tank and keep the temp at about 26 - 28C.
When i fill the tank back up with fresh water the temp always drops a couple of degrees. I really hope this wont shock the fish.

At the moment i use a 20 litre bucket with a small water pump at the bottom, the water gets pumped out of the bucket and into the tank,
i set it at a low speed so the heater has time to acclimatize the fresh water. i found this helps quite a bit but i still dont know what is ideal.

Please Help!!

 

[treelo]

use warmer water to fill your bucket and stick a thermometer in so your putting the same heat water into the tank that is already in there

 

[fourthtimelucky]

use warmer water to fill your bucket and stick a thermometer in so your putting the same heat water into the tank that is already in there

Boil your kettle and use that as hot water from the tap can sometimes have nasties lurking in it.

 

[backtotropical]

Hi,

Some say that the change in temperature is of no real concern to the fish, others think it stresses them. Which is actually correct, i don't know, i suppose it depends on the species, how the fish has been reared (wild, farmed or tank bred) and individual fish preferences. I always say better safe than sorry so try to match the temperature of the water as far as possible.

I would suggest taking water from the cold tap as the cold water has a higher saturation of oxygen. Let it acclimitise to room temp or there abouts in the bucket, preferably with a powerhead or something to allow surface agitation. This will keep oxygen levels up.

Once you are happy with the temperature, dechlorinate and add to the tank.

You should be aware that although boiling water works, there is the chance that the water can absorb stuff from the pot, especially if the pot is metal. I would use this as a last resort, unless you are sure about what you are doing.

Hope this helps.

 

[bubblesburst80]

i use a ten l itre bucket, my cold water tap, the kettle and a thermometer, just add the hot water from your kettle to about half a bucket of cold and then top up with whichever is needed
you'll find a way which is comfortable for you to do

xXx

 

[idlefingers]

A couple of degrees drop shouldn't cause any damage to your fish, in fact it actually can induce spawning with a lot of fish as it simulates rain water. I used to try to get my water a similar temp as the tank but after reading many things about it on here have recently switched to using water straight from the cold tap on full blast down a hose pipe and straight into the tank and haven't noticed any ill effects yet.

 

[andywg]

idlefingers does the same as me.

When trying to change 100 gallons at a time you soon stop using buckets.

 

[cheesy feet]

A couple of degrees drop shouldn't cause any damage to your fish, in fact it actually can induce spawning with a lot of fish as it simulates rain water. I used to try to get my water a similar temp as the tank but after reading many things about it on here have recently switched to using water straight from the cold tap on full blast down a hose pipe and straight into the tank and haven't noticed any ill effects yet.

Exactly what I do with all my larger tanks .Doesn't stress my discus and I do a 50% every 4 days with them, the water gets cold but heats up quickly, so no problem.Recently I have seen signs of breeding aswell!