Water Change with Soft water?

Ashey20002

I have a water conditioner for my house. It uses only salt. I have it only for the hot water. What should I do for water changes? I use Seachem Prime. Can I use the hot water or not? I just filled 4 - 1gallon jugs with cold water and used prime. I will leave it set for a while, so it can get to room temp.. Any suggestions.

Thanks,
Ashey

AbbeysDad

No, you shouldn't use your hot water.
You didn't mention your tank size, but did mention 4, 1 gallon jugs, suggesting that would be enough for your water change. If I was you, I'd get a 5 gallon pail and an inexpensive submersible heater ($15 Tetra - Wallymart). Fill the pail with your cold water and set aside to come up to room temp. Then drop the heater in the day before your water change to get up to tank temp.
This solution is inexpensive and also gives you a temporary heater in the event your tank heater fails someday.

Edit: softeners use salt to strip/replace calcium, magnesium, potash... in favor of the sodium - not good for fish tanks! In this case only a portion would be used mixed with cold for warmth, but not worth the risk.

Ashey20002

Ok, Thanks... I didn't think so. So I haven't done it yet. I will get the 5 gallon bucket and use the heater. I have a 10 gallon tank.