wc problem

[My HD PVR]

i have been having problems with temp. in my tote, i cant get a heater at the moment so i just add really hot water after 24hours, so i decided to put really hot water in my tote, and its still warm. So, heres my question, i have had my powerhead on for about 4 and a half hours, and i dont feel any salt around or on the bottom of my tote (this powerhead is supposed to be used on a 30 gallon fish tank, using it for a 18 gallon tote) so, can i add in the water now? i need a quick answer before the water gets cold (for future reference it gets cold b/c its in my basement and my parents arent going to heat it...)

[Pufferpunk]

Did you check the SG of the mixed BW?

[My HD PVR]

1.005, perfecto

[Pufferpunk]

I'd say you're good to go but check the SG of your tank again tomorrow. The powerhead may put out some heat too.

[My HD PVR]

the thing is, i have done the same thing over and over again, and my water gets cold the next morning, and colder when i come home... im almost positive the salinity will not change because one and a half cups is my number with the salt i use

[sevenyearnight]

If you're not going to drop the sg back to freshwater, just be prepared for likely a very long time for the tank to cycle if you can't get someone's used media from a 1.005 sg.

[My HD PVR]

should i just get a new filter pad... cause i can wait another 2 months for my tank to cycle because by the time my tank gets cycled as fw ill be off to camp for 2 weeks, and i don't want myparents having to feed my f8's a strict diet that they will mess up on...thats what ive decided, just to wait because id rather not go to fw and back to bw just to see my f8's dead after camp.. fair sevenyear?

[sevenyearnight]

That is very wise.
Yes, that would be very sad
I can't even trust my husband to feed the fish! Lol

[My HD PVR]

that was the reason i was a bit hesitant to go back to fw... so still need my answer... should i do the change its now been 5 and a half hours so lets go! ineed an answer! also, so just getting a new filter pad in there would be fine and let it build up my own bacteria?

[Pufferpunk]

What are you using to keep the bacteria alive in there?

[My HD PVR]

the barbs that no one will take, i went to my lfs and they wouldnt take them.... dont ask because i have no idea

[My HD PVR]

i REALLY need to know if i should do the wc the water is losing heat

[sevenyearnight]

Change your water. PP already said so.

[sevenyearnight]

Why do you feel it is necessary to change your filter pad?

[My HD PVR]

2 months old....