Adding water...

[Sea_Dawg]

I am going to be doing my first water change soon and I was wondering if I have to let the water airate, and get set to the correct temperature, ect.? I will hopefully be getting some snails/hermits this weekend, so I want to do a water change to lower nitrates.

...I still have to get my water tested by the LFS because I was too cheap to buy the Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate test kits... :fu :no:

 

[shaggydoo541]

I let my new water aerate over a couple of days before water changes. Also getting it up to the same temp is extremely beneficial. The closer you can get the parameters (temp, pH, etc) of your new water to your tank the better.

 

[skipm]

If you don't have any livestock in the tank its not as important to match parameters but if you do then you want to match salinity (SG), pH, alkalinity, and temperature.

 

[Jennie]

I agree with Skip.

Even though it is great that LFS check your params for you, I highly suggest you getting your kits and testing yourself. I say this for 2 reasons:

1. Doing this yourself gives you a better idea/understanding as to what is going on with your tank. When you understand the differences in your params and how they change, you are more knowledgable in the hobby.

2. And Im not saying this about YOUR LFS, but some will give you the information that you want to hear to make a sale.

Again, this is just my opinion :roll: