Hot water

[Kodiak]

We are maintaining our tank at ~78-9 degrees. When we add new water, it has usually come up to room temp (~74) overnight. Are we shocking our fish with the temp change in the tank?

The kids have been in charge of drawing fresh water for the changes, and are young enough that getting a certain temperature of water to come out of the tap will be a problem. We don't have chlorinated water though, so could get away without the overnight 'rest' before adding it to the tank? (Right now, the water temp is coming up overnight. If we draw warm water the temp would go down overnight, and still be 74 degrees by morning.)

I really hope this wasn't a really dumb question, but have seen info saying temperature shock contributes to fish diseases. And we have had more than our share of fish disease!

[AquariumPro]

First off, there's no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to aquaria. There's so much to learn that even so-called experts are learning new tricks daily.

Typically, most aquarists agree that a sudden change in tenmperature during a water change is a common cause of stress that can lead to immune system failure. The temperature change you're describing is not that drastic, but you didn't say how much water you're changing. My question is:

Why are you allowing your water to stand overnight? If you have well water, you should be able to temper the water to match your tank temperature perfectly, add some water conditioner, and do a water change.

[Kodiak]

"you didn't say how much water you're changing."

Usually 5 gallons in a 30 gallon tank. Though I'd like to change 10 this weekend. We've been medicating the tank and haven't had carbon in the filter It looks like we need to clean up and start a different medication.

"My question is:
Why are you allowing your water to stand overnight?"

Our kids are involved with the aquarium. They are young enough that we are concerned that they not be burned with hot water. We've been letting them draw the water (cold) and then letting the water warm up overnight. (Our water runs the heating system in our house and does get very hot.) They are very proud of 'their' job and how responsible they are about taking care of their pets. I hadn't wanted to interfer if possible, but can certainly preset the water temp/suppervise more closely for them if I need dto.

[AquariumPro]

Hello again!

Good for the kids but unfortunately, bad for the fish. The fish should receive water at the same temperature for water changes, and that usually means using hot water. Your only other option is to use a heater which you've pre-set (through experimentation) so that it will warm the water over night in the bucket.

[Kodiak]

Thanks again! I hadn't thought of using an old heater in the water 'buckets'. Good idea. Though I'm thinking a hose might be even better.... Forget the buckets! 5-10 gallons of water/change is ending up to be a lot of lugging and hauling!