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Hello everyone,

I would appreciate if something could help me with this query. I normally do a weekly 50% water change (as my tank is only a 20gallon right now and water gets cloudy pretty quickly), and it usually involves me placing my turtle Gamera in a separate container until the tank water temperature reaches the usual 79F temperature, after I've changed the water. This normally takes a few hours. My question is, is it safe to use warm water for water changes, as this will mean I wont have to wait as long for the water to reach the correct temperature before I put Gamera back into his tank. Is warm/hot water safe to use for water changes. Of course, this also includes me putting the usual dechlorinator as well as check that the water isnt too hot.

Thank you.

I usually do part of my water change with warm water. I have on occasion, had to put ice in the aquarium, because the temp was like 86 to begin with, but that's way easier and less time than waiting for your heater to warm the water enough. Iusually turn on the hot water tap 1/4 of the way and the cold full blast. In my house at least, the result is water at 79-80 degrees.

I always use the correct temp of water from the tap to fill the tank back up with. I just use the thermometer to get the correct temp and then fill it up and then use a dechloinator.

I do not recommend using hot water from the tap, especially from older homes. Hot water heaters might have problems because of corroded pipes or have lead soldering (which the hot water will dissolve). Impurities and contaminants, including heavy metals and bacteria, also tend to collect in the bottom of heaters. It's the same reasons why you shouldn't drink hot tap water.

Thank you all for your replies.

Now I dont know which way to go. I must admit, the reason I posed the question is because someone I know raised the same concern Steve brought, in regards to the presence of heavy metals especially. I just wanted to check on the validity of it before doing anything.

I guess I should lean towards the "better to be safe than sorry", and will continue to add cold water during changes.

Thank you for all your help.

I keep my turtles out of the tank overnight while the heaters are doing their job.