Habitat - Indoor :: How can I do a full water change without killing the fishes?

[Tonysok]

I recently did a full water change. I moved my two turtle and fishes (Rosey Red) to a bucket of 75 degree tap water and left them there for about 30 minute while I clean and fill their tank with new water. As I was getting ready to return them to their tank a couple of the fishes were floating in the water on its side. The rest of the fishes not long after returning to their tank were floating as well, but the turtles are okay. How can I prevent this from happening in the future?

Thanks, Tony

[Tenodera]

I've never had this problem when I did full water changes...My fish were all okay, and they were guppies, tetras, and a pleco! I wonder why?...

Sorry I couldn't be much help,

Kevin

[SpotsMama]

When I did this I filled the bucket that I put the fish in with tank water or pond water. I never had a problem. I have even left them overnight in the bucket - over 24 hours - and they didn't seem to suffer any ill consequences. Must have been something in the water that didn't agree with them.

[sai_dee]

Fishes are more sensitive to sudden water temp/quality/hardness/etc etc change so your fishes probably died because of a huge flux of nitrite/temp/ammonia/etc because you used tap water.

Next time, use a bucket of the aquarium water instead and full water changes aren't really recommended. Most would suggest 50% change at most.

[Cim*Forever]

Along with what Sai_dee said, im willing to bet that the water was chlorinated and that probably did the fish in. Always use de-chlorinated water with fish (either let it sit for a day or so, or get water treatments)

When I move my fish(so I can scrub down my tank) I net them out and put them in 1 gallon of water with one drop of water conditioner (as what the instructions are) and I havn't had an issue.

Good luck, and sorry to hear about your fish.

[fluz2]

i always use water from a tank when i move the fish. i use a large rubbermaid container about 20 gal. the fish can delplete the oxygen levels in a gal. bucket pretty fast.it stresses the fish out to be moved. i also use a dechlorinator, when i refill a tank. aquarium salt also. good luck.

[TheComputerGremlin]

In addition to what everyone else said, it's also possible something was already lurking in the bucket. Make sure you have a special bucket that is only used for such occasions. Don't use the all-purpose kitchen bucket that probably has had chemicals for scrubbing the floor or anything like that. Have a bucket that you buy from the store, wash out with good hot water, and label it "Turtle". Fish are very susceptible to little environmental changes, although I suppose it's sometimes good because they act like the canaries did in the mines.