water changes

[leemer]

right ive been told i have to do 25% water change each week im also told the water i put back in has to be conditioned with aqua plus i can do that. but then im told the new water has to be the same temperture as the temperture in the tank how do i get it to the same temperture.
cheers

 

[Ricester61]

I just do it by feel. I keep the tank at around 76 and I don't seem to move the temp during a water change more than +/- a degree. I've read here that some use a thermometer or let the water age over night (and reach room temperature).

I did learn the hard way not to try a water change while the dishwasher (I use the kitchen sink for water changes) is running. Was impossible to keep the water at a constant temp.

 

[snowyangel]

I always have my hands in my tanks so i know the right temps. Just use my own senses to guess the temp. Haven't put a fish into shock yet.

 

[gale]

My husband can do it by feeling the water, but I use a thermometer (I bought a digital instant read one that is for cooking). I get the sink tap the right temp, then fill two gallon jugs at once. Condition and pour them into the tank and then repeat until the tank is full. My biggest 25% w/c is 5 gallons so I have to do this no more than 3 times.

 

[gadazobe]

The easiest way to heat up really cold water is to add a little hot water to it. I put just a little hot water into each bucket as I fill up the tanks.

 

[leemer]

so if i just feel the water and i think its roughly right every thing should be ok how accurate do you have to be.

 

[Tolak]

It depends on the fish. Due to inattentiveness, I've put water into a tank with dime size angels that was a good 7F cooler than the tank temp. They were fine. I wouldn't try this with more fragile fish, like discus.

Tolak

 

[Squirrelbuddies]

I use a digital meat thermometer. I run the water in the sink (into a glass) and get the temp right and then fill up a 5 gallon bucket. Add conditioner and it's all set to go into the tank.

 

[Mr Miagi]

I use a normal thermometre. I place water in the bucket, warm water plus cold water to get the right temps. Then i add dechlorinator and away you go!

As easy as that. I like to know im using the correct water temp though, but after years of doing it the same way, i know roughly how much warm water to add.

As for leaving it over night, BAH!

Benny

 

[yvez9]

if you're doing a 20% water change, you can be off by 3-4 degrees no problem

i bought a bunch of gear last boxing day so i actually have 2 spare heaters. I just put one of them at the correct temp and let it rest overnight.

before that, i would just add boiling water to my fresh water bucket until the temps were close enough!

 

[leemer]

Ok thanks to all of you for the replies