I've always had good heaters and water temp wasn't a concern. But I guess I just always took it out at the center position on the faucet.

I had a 110 gallon Salt tank.... I also had a 55 gallon freshwater tank with mostly Ciclids. That tank was healthy. When I took it down every fish that lived in there was born in there.

 

The siphon is the best way to go, and clean the gravel as you go.

I would not fill the tank from your tap-don't forget the chlorine! Basically I filled a bucket with tap water and used a floating thermometer to double check the temperature. I added my chlorine remover to the bucket, swirled the water around and added it to my tank. You shouldn't need to do more than a 20% change if you keep up with it and don't have an overstocked tank.

My experience includes your standard tropicals, african cichlids, and salt water fish. Had eight tanks going at one time and bred fish. Even ran my own aquarium service business for a little while.

Good luck!