Dano83

It's time for me to do a 10-15% water change and I don't know if I can add cold water or do the water have to be room temp? I have to do the water change tomorrow & I really need help with this. I don't want to see all my tropical fish come floating to the top.

Drea

Glad you checked first, Dano...the new water going in the tank needs to be the same temp as the tank water. I use an extra tank thermometer in the new bucket with the water to get the temp the same. If you don't have an extra, use the one from the tank, after getting the temp reading it was showing.New water also needs to be conditioned, using a product that will remove chlorine and other tap water ingredients, that aren't good for your fish. If you don't have anything for that, get some first before doing the water change. Also if you haven't checked it, look at the filter media. If it's gunky, rinse it in the water that you remove from the tank, before dumping it. Don't rinse filters in the tap water. Okie Doke!

COBettaCouple

It's best to have it close to the tank temp rather than room temp. You can use a combination of hot & cold water to get the water to the right temp. It will feel cool to the touch but not REAL cold.

Chief_waterchanger

Also,

If you are on well water rather than a municipality water supply there -shouldn't- be chlorine in your water.

Dano83

Thanks everyone for the great advice