Partial Water Change Temperature

[ryshark]

This may be a dumb question but I better ask anyway. I need to do a 15% partial water change in my 75gallon. However, the saltwater that I have been storing is about 4-degrees cooler than my tank water. Do I have to poor this water into a bucket and then get another heater to put in the bucket to bring the temperature up? Or is there a better way? The last time I did a water change which was also my first time, I was able to put the water container outside in the sun to heat it up. But I know I can't always do this, especially in a few months from now. Thanks.

 

[Innovator]

I personally wouldn't worry about 4 degrees, but you can add a heater and powerhead to your holding container (if possible) if it makes you feel better. That or the bucket/heater method you mentioned.

 

[ezy33]

When I add water to my tanks, I add it to the sump so it mixes before it enters the main tank. Fast temperature changes will damage the fishes swim bladder leaving the fish stuck on the bottom.

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

I wouldn't worry about 4 degrees. But you will want to get a heater for the storage container for the coming months. Most likely, wherever your water is stored will be a lot cooler then and you won't have such a small temp difference between it and your tank. While you're at it, you probably want to throw a powerhead in there to, to keep the surface agitation/aeration going.

 

[chase33]

I agree with the others. For the summer months a small 4 degree difference on 15% of the water is not much and in most cases is a way to lower the temp from warm summer time weather. As winter approaches and the water becomes much cooler you'd want to add a heater to warm it up prior to putting it into the tank.

 

[BillyZ]

A few degrees isn't anything to worry about. However, it is worth mentioning that as the water temperature changes your SG reading can change with it (especialy if you're using a swing arm hydrometer). So it's always a good idea to bring your new water up to as close to the tank's temp before testing the SG to be sure it's as acurate as possible.

 

[roka64]

I would like to clarify a 4 degrees difference is not bad for a larger tank with a smaller amount of PWC, like you are going to do. Personally, I have my premixed water sitting with a heater and ph.