i'm an idiot

[leigh]

so last night when i got home after a day of feeling poopy and being unable to eat anything...i took my temp and was running a fever. i fed the fish, noticed the water level was low but just didn't have the energy to go to my truck and lug in the jug of water i'd gotten that day at the fish store. for fear of starting a fire i unplugged the larger of my two heaters (they're both in my sump/fuge and the bigger one gets a bit out of the water if i'm not really on top of top offs. I figured it wouldn't be a big deal as I *thought* i was already more than overpowered on heaters and that the one should do fine overnight. However, this morning I notice the temp in the tank is down to 76 from 80 which wouldn't be the end of the world if i could top off promptly, but, recall, the jug of water was in the truck. Upon retrieving the jug of water (fever's gone this morning, thank goodness--24 hr flu i do believe) i notice that it is about 50% ice. (Gotta love Michigan in winter). So i've poured out the half of it that is still liquid and am heating it now as I type, but it's starting from literally about 33 degrees, does anyone have suggestions as to how i can get my tank topped off and heated quicker?? I figure I still shouldn't use tap water as that'd do more harm than good, right?
thanks,
-leigh, the village idiot.

 

[dreeves]

Heat the water portion in smaller containers (microwaves work great) to heat it faster...poor that back into the jug and repeat the cycle until it is heated to appropriate temp. Once your temp in your tank drops like that suddenly, you need to bring it back up slowly to prevent an ich outbreak, providing the drop will not cause one already. Everything has to be adjusted slowly.

 

[leigh]

ooh, like the microwave idea. thanks both of you!

 

[broomer5]

draw a hot/warm bath in the tub
set the half frozen jug in the tub
melt the ice
then take a bath while yer at it
glad you're feeling better

 

[leigh]

Thanks folks...i used both approaches, i used my largest pot to heat a bunch and microwaved some others and i'm already topped back off to a point where both of my heaters can function normally...i really should rethink this heater setup--i mean what seems like a drastic change in water height in the sump only correlated to a change of 0.0005 in salinity (from 1.025 to 1.0255). Anyhow thanks all...now i'm just gonna thaw the icy part, broomer I *really* like that suggestion, bathtub here i come

 

[califishdude]

is this considered ice fishing? lol

 

[dreeves]

The microwave trick works great with wet socks too...

 

[leigh]

yah but then wouldn't any food you microwave have stinky wet sock smell!?!

 

[newbe reefer]

I always use the bath tub to heat my water. I have a NEW plastic 5 gallon gas can that I get water in from the fish store and put that in a hot water bath. Heats it up nice.
NewBe

 

[dreeves]

Not stinky wet socks...those socks you get out of the dryer which didn't dry all the way and are still damp...I don't suppose a pair of socks straight from the gym and your sneakers would be such a good idea in the same microwave you prepare your food in...