Water Change Question

[Reapar]

I am about to do my first water change with fish in my tank.

It is a 46 gallon set up.

I have 10 gallons of salt water ready to go.

The only problem I see is that the water in my buckets is 72 degrees and the water in my tank is 79.5

I have been told water temp changes can be very bad for my fish.

Am I over thinking this?

Any suggestions?

[aquamanSD]

Thats almost a 25% change. With that much difference i'd try to get it at least 75 degrees at least. Just quick throw a heater in and get it to 79

[Typlus5]

you'll need to get the change water temp up to match your tank temp...heaters, sunlight, warm room, etc. The temp change albeit small (based on water change percentage) will be quick and detrimental to your livestock. You should try and get it as close as possible.

While you're at it, make sure the salinity matches as well.

[Aquarist007]

I keep my water in a 35 gal plastic garbage can. Up to the day before I keep a power head in there and keep the salt about 1.022.
24 hours before using it I bring the temp up to the display tank water and the salt level to 1.026

[Billybeau1]

That's a little less than a 25% change. I would get the temperature up to close to your tanks temp.

I've added a couple of gallons at a time before at room temp but 25% is a bit much to chance.

As some have said, throw a heater in there for a bit. It does not take long to warm up 10 gallons of water. :)

[therealfatman]

Do not heat it real fast though as that can cause precipitation, especially on the heaters surface.