[Guest]

Although warm tap water is convenient to use, it unfortunately has to go through a hot water heater. Some pipes may be corroded or have lead soldering - which the hot water will dissolve. Impurities and contaminants, including heavy metals and bacteria, also tend to collect and precipitate in the bottom of heaters. This is the same reason why you should not use warm/hot tap water for drinking or cooking. Avoid using this type of water and use only cold tap water.

could it be bad enough to effect my fish

 

[Ispintechno]

Temperature shock would be worse I imagine, unless your plumbing is pretty hagard I'd stick with the ole' test the temperature with the top of hand trick and add water fairly close to the tank temperature. What your saying sounds plausible but it would be in microscopic levels. Fish have immune systems to fight off bacteria - more in lakes than in your tap water. Just my two cents, but if you're willing to heat new tank water in an alternative way, might be a good thing for water quality.

 

[prov356]

More fish keeping folklore IMHO.

 

[nick a]

Perhaps semi-plausible in a rural area supplied by a well?

Definitely not realistic for 99% of folks with municipal water supplies (that have passed Fed. regs.) The chloriminated water from the supply goes to the hot water heater as well. Most suppliers don't send acidic water through the lines (which is more likely to attack/dissolve pipe IDs than temperature--especially the relatively low temp generated for residential hot water).
Here in TX, hot water heaters tend to last for a max of 10 years--mainly because the piping IDs etc... build up calcium and clog---very different than leaching :thumb: Because they're replaced every decade or so--not very many with old-style lead solder joints around.

The fact that I bathed and showered for 50+ years (and allowed my children to do the same) without any of us growing third eyes :lol: and that I've been moderating refill water temp with hot water heater mixed water for years with no ill-effects leads me to the conclusion that this is a very unnecessary subject for concern.

 

[Laurel]

It's ridiculous to think that you'll pick things up from the bottom of your water heater. It's the same story with your gas tank. For those people who never let their gauge go below 1/2 tank because they're afraid of sucking up contaminants... Where the **** do you think your fuel pump pulls gas from? The top of the tank!?!?!

Same thing with your water heater. Lead pipes aren't used for plumbing either.

 

[Guest]

okay just wondering cuz i got that from another site and i though it was stupid but then again you never know