Water change temperature

donpatch

Hi-

I do water changes regularly, and I have heard you need to get the water to the same temperature as your tank before you put it in, but I cannot figure out a way to get my water past room temperature reliably(room temperature 68F, tank temp around 73F). Is this big enough of a difference to worry about (I know I can feel it, and I'm sure my fish can too)? If so, how do I get my replacement water up to the temperature of the tank? And, while we're on the topic of temperature, is 73 too cold for tetras?

Thanks.

okiemavis

Does your water not run hotter than 68 degrees? I always just use the hot water tap. How do you shower!? hehe.

I'd say that 73 is too cold for tetras. They're tropical fish, so they should be kept at around 78-80 degrees. I think you'll notice a big behavioral change if you up the temp and they'll be a lot less susceptible to disease.

donpatch

wow, how did I not think of that? that's sort of embarrassing. Won't the precipitates in my hot water tank get in the water, though? That's not good for my fish, is it?

Falina

Boil some cold water in the kettle and add a small amount of that to bring the temperature up. Just make sure you do this in a bucket or some container, and not into the tank!