How much water can be changed?

[joephys]

I was wondering if how many gallons of water they are able to change before they run out of hot water. I am thinking people with larger, or many tanks here.

Hot water tank is 50 gallons.
Hot water temp is about at 130 degrees.
Cold water temp is about 55 degrees.
Water added to tank is 77 degrees.

The way I figure it, I need 2.4 gallons of cold water for every gallon of hot water, so that would allow 170 gallons worth of water change at any one time.

I haven't tested this at all since I don't have that much water to change. I am curious if anyone has used all their hot water filling their tanks, and could tell me if they get around the same ammount of usable water?

[wesleydnunder]

At the pet shop where I maintain all the aquaria I have run out of hot water a couple of times. Only in the middle of winter. They have 20 tanks set up and I do water changes from daily to twice a week depending on individual tank load. At home I have a 200g plastic tank with 2) 200w heaters in it which I keep full and treated so Hot water isn't an issue at home.

Mark

[Mooman]

With my anal retentive WC schedule, if I ever got a tank over 75g, I would have a storage tank with heaters in it. Plumb it right to the main tank so All I would have to do is turn a valve. I'll probably still do that once I settle down and build a fishroom.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Yea, I don't think it would be that much of an issue if your hot water is running low and you have a large tank because a degree or two difference will be quickly offset by the majority of the water that is already is the tank and the heaters will kick on.

[DMark]

We generally do about 600 gallons with a water change. The water is plumbed directly into the tank and can be adjusted for temperature. Usually, we're waiting for the hot water tank to refill a couple of times during the water change.

Originally Posted by DMark

600 gallons

More water than I ever hope to have in my house.

[joephys]

Originally Posted by DMark

We generally do about 600 gallons with a water change. The water is plumbed directly into the tank and can be adjusted for temperature. Usually, we're waiting for the hot water tank to refill a couple of times during the water change.

I was hoping you would reply since you probably have the largest tank here.
Thanks

Devils Fan, I see what your saying, but if the water going into the tank is cold, the heaters are going to heat it up right a way. It takes a lot of energy to increase the water temperature. The area where the water is going into the tank would be much colder than the rest of the tank until the water is well mixed. I would think that any fish in that area (which mine always hang out by the hose) could get stressed due to a sudden rush of cold water.

wesleydnunder, I have considered doing this myself in the future when I will need that much water.

Really though, I was just wondering if people got around 170 gallons of tank temperature water before they ran out of hot water.

[Raskolnikov]

I have at least 100g of water in the same room as most of my tanks in storage vessels held within 5-10F of the tank temperatures via submersible heaters and pumps.

I'd never want to add tap water directly to my tanks anyway, so even if I were only maintaning a 10g tank I'd still use holding vessels to offgas the tapwater and bring it to temperature.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Originally Posted by joephys

I was hoping you would reply since you probably have the largest tank here.
Thanks

Devils Fan, I see what your saying, but if the water going into the tank is cold, the heaters are going to heat it up right a way. It takes a lot of energy to increase the water temperature. The area where the water is going into the tank would be much colder than the rest of the tank until the water is well mixed. I would think that any fish in that area (which mine always hang out by the hose) could get stressed due to a sudden rush of cold water...

Well, I'm only taking a degree or two, not 5+ which would stress the fish. I usually spread where I put the water in the tank from one side to the other to make it as even temperature-wise. Its impossible to get the exact same temperature water going into the tank using something like a python or a bucket from the sink without using an electronic thermometer. I use a cooking thermometer and get it as best I can between 76 and 78 before I start my fillup.

[tkos]

I have on demand hot water so as long as there is oil in the tank I have hot water.

That being said I use cold water for changes, up to 50% at a time with regular cold tap water. My tank has cories and white clouds and the burst of frsh cold water makes them very excited.

[nursie]

I tried to fill my 75 BEFORE plants or fish with hot water trying to sink the driftwood...couldn't do it. I got about half way and it started running cold. I ended up with lukewarm water. In retrospect...I would imagine not a good idea to try to fill your tank with hot water.

How much hot water you get out of your hot water heater has variables. First thing in the morning you don't get as much...but once it's been running and heating awhile...it's good. On the other hand...if there is another major draw in the house while you're trying to fill your tanks you will get less. At our house..the 3rd person in the shower when the dishwasher and the washing machine are running is chillly..and there is 4 of us, so the 4th is SOL!!!

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by nursie

At our house..the 3rd person in the shower when the dishwasher and the washing machine are running is chillly..and there is 4 of us, so the 4th is SOL!!!

Imagine the problem at our house with nine people and the washing machine's constantly running. During wrestling season, I come home from practice with three boys, all of us dripping with sweat. Someone has usually done a load of dishes by then. The girls know that if they want a warm shower, they have to take it before we get home. I always wait to take the coldest shower.

[DeputyChiefJR]

My apartment has massive water heaters in the basement that they just upgraded last year...I don't think I personally could run them oout of hot water...

[nursie]

Awwww...what a nice daddy, Dirk!! (9... )

Deputy..aaaa for the good old days. I remember apartment life with the unending hot water!!

[DeputyChiefJR]

Whaaa?

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by nursie

Awwww...what a nice daddy!! (9... )

And we waited five years before having our first of seven kids. We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in March.

[nursie]

Only 20 yrs....

[Dirk]

The first four are 15 months apart. When my wife decides to get busy, she doesn't fool around.

Maybe I didn't word that right.

[BadBud]

My "cold" water is currently running 76 degrees.

[Galaxie]

By July, my cold water will be running around 78 degrees. Towards summer's end its closer to 81.
Right now, its about 68, so I just use a touch of hot water to get it back to 77. Anyhow, I'm in a condo with a seemingly endless hot water supply. I'll do 50% water changes on a 55g, 37g, and 20g, then take a shower & its still steaming hot.