I've always done cold water changes, but recently when I do 40-50% w/cs on my angelfish tank they start flipping upside down or laying sideways on the sand. I tried a w/c with slightly warmer water(but still cooler than tank temp) and they ended up fine.
Water changes - cold or slightly warm?
- Thread starter Freezekougra
- Start date
Water changes should be done with slightly cooler water, but no more than a 5* difference. This simulates a cool rain in the spring which induces fish to spawn. There is also nothing wrong with warmer water changes, so long as the temp difference isn't vastly higher.
Best to try to match temps as close as you can. Depending on the species cold water chanes, or chilling, can bring on ich if you're not careful and warmer water changes can spur spawning behavior......
any change in the environment is a form of stress and is usually something we try to avoid
any change in the environment is a form of stress and is usually something we try to avoid
You should try to match the temperature as closely as possible.
Tropical fish experience very stable temperatures in the wild - there are no "seasons" in the tropics. Water temperatures can vary somewhat over the year, but not by more than a few degrees and it would never change in a matter of minutes.
Tropical fish experience very stable temperatures in the wild - there are no "seasons" in the tropics. Water temperatures can vary somewhat over the year, but not by more than a few degrees and it would never change in a matter of minutes.
+4587
Agree on matching temps..
I just turn on my cold water all the way, turn on the warm just a little.. and keep turning up the warm till it feels right.. although I suggest if you don't know what 'feels right' to use your thermometer.. as your filling make sure to constantly check that the water hasn't gotten too warm..
Oh yeah, and the fish freaking out... What happens to you when the water is too cold?? LOL you freak out too!!
Agree on matching temps..
I just turn on my cold water all the way, turn on the warm just a little.. and keep turning up the warm till it feels right.. although I suggest if you don't know what 'feels right' to use your thermometer.. as your filling make sure to constantly check that the water hasn't gotten too warm..
Oh yeah, and the fish freaking out... What happens to you when the water is too cold?? LOL you freak out too!!
When I do it, the water is about 5 degrees cooler, and the fish LOVE it. They run into the current, then dart away, and then back again. And then my tinfoil barbs come and try to bite my hand off.