Water temp when doing a water change

[saullman]

So I live in Florida where it is generally warmer climate. However the last few days have been cooler (50's). I do bi-weekly water changes and I keep all my water in the garage. A few days ago I performed my water change and realized that the saltwater that I am changing is very cold compared to the temp in my tank (usually around 78 degrees). Is this bad for the tank? Can it harm my fish or corals?

 

[RobZilla04]

What did the water temp in the tank drop to right after the change was completed?

N FL has experienced the same abnormal cold days recently. I have a pair of heaters that I use to quickly increase the new salt water before adding to the system. Twenty gallons into a 90g system, heated to over 70F, usually the drop is only a few degrees for a short time. Typically from 79ish down to 74ish, then rebounds within an hour. Never seen any adverse effects to livestock.

 

[dwest]

So I live in Florida where it is generally warmer climate. However the last few days have been cooler (50's). I do bi-weekly water changes and I keep all my water in the garage. A few days ago I performed my water change and realized that the saltwater that I am changing is very cold compared to the temp in my tank (usually around 78 degrees). Is this bad for the tank? Can it harm my fish or corals?

Depends what the difference is in the temperature and the amount of water you are changing, as well as the livestock you are keeping. In general, match the temperatures closely unless you are doing a small wc.

 

[Firemanreefkeeper]

I'm in the same boat as you. I keep my water in the garage and normally it's not a problem but it has been cold here. I've been using an old heater to heat it up for now. Hopefully in a month or 2 I won't need it anymore.

 

[Ghost463]

Montreal has had a few really cold weeks as well. I run a 75 gal salt and fresh.
I have found myself just taking an extra coupke hours with water changes just to be safe.

 

[ihavecrabs]

I would be cautious around letting it drop too low. A degree or two I wouldn't worry. Maybe try doing the change in smaller goes (a bit of a pain but worth while I think). Or hook up an AWC and never touch a water change again!

 

[saullman]

What did the water temp in the tank drop to right after the change was completed?

N FL has experienced the same abnormal cold days recently. I have a pair of heaters that I use to quickly increase the new salt water before adding to the system. Twenty gallons into a 90g system, heated to over 70F, usually the drop is only a few degrees for a short time. Typically from 79ish down to 74ish, then rebounds within an hour. Never seen any adverse effects to livestock.

The temp dropped about 2 degrees. I have a small tank (45 gallon) so I am only changing out 5 gallons at a time.

 

[saullman]

I would be cautious around letting it drop too low. A degree or two I wouldn't worry. Maybe try doing the change in smaller goes (a bit of a pain but worth while I think). Or hook up an AWC and never touch a water change again!

AWC?
Sorry I'm a newbie at this, so I don't have the lingo down yet.

 

[SPR1968]

I would probably say you will ‘get away’ with a fluctuating temperature like that but it’s not ideal as marine life doesn’t like sudden changes to water parameters.It also depends on what your keeping as to how they will react

If your into long term reef keeping I wouldn’t recommend this. I have a water container in my garage with 2 heaters and 2 power heads and a few days before or even the same day I’m doing a water change, I turn it all on to mix new saltwater. Problem solved.

The other simple option is to do a much smaller water change so the temperature of the tank isn’t affected as much

 

[Captain Quint]

I hate to wait so I just keep my RODI fresh that I do in the garage the same temperature as the tank within a degree or two then pump it to a container and let the salt mix overnight.

 

[saullman]

I would probably say you will ‘get away’ with a fluctuating temperature like that but it’s not ideal as marine life doesn’t like sudden changes to water parameters.It also depends on what your keeping as to how they will react

If your into long term reef keeping I wouldn’t recommend this. I have a water container in my garage with 2 heaters and 2 power heads and a few days before or even the same day I’m doing a water change, I turn it all on to mix new saltwater. Problem solved.

The other simple option is to do a much smaller water change so the temperature of the tank isn’t affected as much

Are you making your own water?

 

[Redfoxtang]

Since it has been a little chilly and I also keep my water in garage. Central Florida here. I just mixed the water and bring it inside overnight and then do the water change as it’s 74 in my house and not 55 in the garage so no need for a heater. Just let the water acclimate to your inside temperature.

 

[ihavecrabs]

AWC?
Sorry I'm a newbie at this, so I don't have the lingo down yet.

Auto Water Change (via dosers or peristaltic pumps) pulls the exact amount of water out that they are putting in.

 

[SPR1968]

Are you making your own water?

Yes I make my own fresh saltwater using my own produced RODI water and Red Sea standard salt mix

The RO is at 0 TDS

 

[saullman]

Since it has been a little chilly and I also keep my water in garage. Central Florida here. I just mixed the water and bring it inside overnight and then do the water change as it’s 74 in my house and not 55 in the garage so no need for a heater. Just let the water acclimate to your inside temperature.

Good idea. I will do that.