BJClarke001

I am new to this forum and new to the hobby so forgive me for being so very very basic here. I tried searching the site but seem to not be able to find the information.

I read continually on here and on other sites, about water changes and the huge advantages in doing so for proper maintenance and for the health of the fish. And, I totally see the advantages for this. Specially while the tank is not cycled yet and I want to minimize the ammonia levels when they begin to rise with the water changes.

So, how do most of you get your ?New Water? temperature close to the aquarium temperature and how close can the temperature differences be? I run my new tank (5 days so far) at 76 degrees F. and typically my room temp is about 70 degrees but something tells me that is too much of a difference to go and just put it in after a de-chlorination process . Oh ? BTW: There are some Tetra Fish in there. I know I should have waited (until cycled) but became more educated after I populated the tank with fish. (DOH)

I have read that using hot water from your tap is not a good idea either because of the metals that may be present. I am envisioning maybe using the Microwave and add a little hot water to the room temp water and keep checking the overall new water temp. But something tells me you experienced folk will tell me something even better. LOL.

Love to hear you thoughts and THANX ! !

Brad

Hepcat021

Wow, I was just about to ask the same question. For the longest time I had a crappy heater and it did not seem to matter much. Now though I have a good heater that keeps the tank temp very constant. So now I want to know the same thing.

Thanks for asking
Bill

Tommy Gun

Brad and Bill,

I think the most common answer to your question is going to be 'it depends'. If the tank is small, maybe 10 to 20 gallons, I would simply keep a few milk jugs, well cleaned, with conditioned water for a couple of days or so before my planned water change. This would make the water room temperature and allow the water to be fully declorinated. I would also suggest 'shaking' up the water once in a while as well to get some even temperatures throughout the water (this might just be my cautious nature though).

Of course, keeping 50 milk jugs laying around with water in them isnt very feesable if you have a 150 gallon tank, so I have heard that many people will keep water in garbage cans in order to hold and treat enough water. This is what I do with my saltwater tank, but there is more to all of that like adding the right amounts of salt and letting it cure. It would be too hard to do mess with salinity and temps in a bunch of milk jugs, unless the tank is tiny I suppose.

Honestly, I use a python for my freshwater tanks that I attach to my sink. This creates the siphon I need by simply running the water with the valve open and when I am done, I just let the sink refill the tank. I keep a good eye on the thermometer in my tank and basically just guess at it. Then I add a declorinator/stress coat liquid to the tank once it is full. I base my water changes upon a few lines I have drawn on the tank's glass near the back, out of sight. I already have the math worked out for those lines and so I know pretty much exactly how much water I am taking out and putting in for dosing reasons.

Jay

Hey Brad ! Welcome to the forum
Hi Bill!

I change my water like Tommy.

Try not to over think this...tap water and a thermometer are the basics. A python is the ticket!! IME You have 4-5 degrees of wiggle room.

I dose the amount of declor for the volume of water I change directly into the tank.

Right on brother!!

Keep in mind that you need some ammonia in the tank during cycling or the process will stall. However, with fish in the tank, you are doing the right thing.

Regards,
Jay

BJClarke001

Tommy and Jay,

Thanks for your replys and it is so helpful to have people like you to respond in such a quick time. I continue to learn each time I read a post on here and hope someday, I can help others with advice.

BTW: you stated with a water change lowering the ammonia levels, interferes with the cycle process. I have read somewhere (can't now remember) that this didn't effect the cycle process. Is my understanding correct?

It's funny you mention to Not Overthink, I am an enginner and I am accused of this all the time (mainly my wife). Even making pancakes becomes a science for me. LOL. Oh -well, perhaps I will take your advice and just try to actually enjoy the hobby. THANX ! !

Brad

Jay

Your understanding is correct! As long as there is ammonia present the cycle will progress.

Jay