View Full Version : Impending Power Outage
WaterBaby
09-16-2003, 7:30 AM
Don't know if this is this is the right place to post this.
We all know (especially the east coast) that Isabel is coming. Just exactly where and how furiously on the coast is a mystery. I live on the Delaware river in NJ, and will be preparing for the storm for the next 2 days.
My question is:
How can we keep our fish safe in case there is a major power outage from this storm. I know that some of you just went through it in New England with the blackout. How did you all cope? No electricity means no filtration, no aeration, no heat.
I figured I'd post this today, just in case the lights (and computers) go out if this thing hits. Plus, it's always a good thing to know anyway........
mogurnda
09-16-2003, 7:50 AM
Battery-powered air pumps saved me during the last outage. Noisy, but provide a lot of turnover. The tank can do without heat, light, and filtration for a lot longer than it can go without circulation.
Wish I'd had the generator installed, though.
Agree w/Dave's comments above.
delmore
09-16-2003, 2:20 PM
Last I heard the storm is losing force. Let's cross our fingers.
At times like this folks wish that they:
1) had anatboids
2) Their tanks were not overstocked.
Good luck! What kind of fish do you have?
yashinfan
09-16-2003, 8:07 PM
Well, after that whole blackout last month, that lasted a good 9 hours, I can say with experience that you don't need ANYTHING. Provided your power isn't out for days, that is. But all my fish were absolutely fine, even my fry! I think I was more stressed than they were.
dethjam316
09-16-2003, 9:03 PM
i used to live in mt laurel, so i know right where you're at. highly highly doubt there will be any power outages from this storm. in fact, i would be absolutely stunned if there was any extended outages...i doubt you will see anything other than occasional isolated wind gusts and showers, if that.
in any event, a battery air pump is a handy thing to own for any such occasion when the power is out for more than a few hours or for moving fish long distances.
RClarkofNC
09-16-2003, 9:41 PM
The only battery-powered air pump I've seen looked pretty puny. Do you think that would provide enough "emergency air" for a 55g tank or would I be better off with multiple pumps?
The one I've seen automatically turns on when the power dies. I was thinking about using a T-connector to connect it the existing air line (which leads to a single airstone). That way I would be covered during outages even if I wasn't home.
If you do 'T' it into the existing airline, don't forget to put backflow stoppers on both lines between the T and the pumps.
Dahlia
09-17-2003, 8:21 AM
About 5 years ago the power went out during the winter for 4 days, and I lost nearly every fish I had. The tanks dropped to 45 F. The only survivors were a couple apple snails and some corydoras (I was very surprised about the corydoras).
I didn't know much of anything about what to do if the power went out. I started out by putting blankets over the aquariums. I've since heard of people putting a candle under the tank (far enough away that it is comfortable to put your hand over the flame - though this seems potentially dangerous), putting bags of warm water inside the tank, and other tricks. I now have stand alone space heaters to use near my tanks if this happens again. I'll just try and heat the room to the proper temperature. Of course you won't need this when it's warm out.
I've also heard of people adding balloons of ice water when it was very hot out and the power went out. It seems like this would be unnecessary unless your tank temps went high in the 80s.
When oxygen is low in the tank the lady at my LFS recommends putting a capful of pharmacy hydrogen peroxide (the kind you use on cuts) per 20 gallons of water. It did seem to help my fish recently, but I'd love to hear from someone who knows about chemistry on whether this really works and why it does. I also don't know the duration of this, how long the oxygen lasts.
If your filters stop working and the ammonia starts to rise you might add a water conditioner that neutralizes ammonia (like Amquel).
Then cross your fingers for the power to come back on! :p
rodney10954
09-17-2003, 8:26 AM
i have an idea and im wondering if it would work.
If i used a siphon, like my gravel cleaner and put one end in the tank and the other end in my power filter and let the natural siphon suck from the tank and then into my power filter would this work to circulater the water
WaterBaby
09-17-2003, 9:09 AM
Delmore- I have 2 small tanks. One is a 10G hex with 4 corys and 2 red eyed tetras. This is the tank I'm worried about, cause it's a pretty high tank.
The other is a 6 gallon eclipse with one betta. Not too worried about him.
Looking like we won't get the brunt of the storm, but are in for some gusty winds. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Meantime I'll call my lfs to see if they have a battery powered air pump for the hex.
anonapersona
09-17-2003, 11:30 AM
With a power outage you have lost filtration, air exchange and temp control.
First, no food. I'd note tank temps and start a journal so I kept all 4 tanks going in order. Consider treating with Prime or similar for nitrite and ammonia detoxing.
Second, temp control. Wrap tanks if it is cold to retain heat, uncover tanks if it is hot to increase evaporation and cooling. Net uncovered tanks to contain jumpers.
Third, air. Both the tank and the filter require air. Drag a dry net through the tank periodically to add some air. Remove filter cartridges and sink in the tank, open canisters (after sealing inlets). H2O2 is dangerous and can harm fish, so don't use this until really necessary. If you have a battery air pump, add some air to the canister on occasion. If you don't, I would think that by removing some water to a jug and shaking vigorously, then returning that to the tank, you'd add a lot of air to the tank. (shaken, not stirred!)
Last, water changes. It might be wise to draw a lot of water and store in a tub or big bucket for water changes. Some water treatment plants may be down and be required to use harsh chemicals upon restarting certain units, I'm guessing. After the east coast power failure I read of a few individuals who weathered the outage fine but lost fish upon doing a water change.
Planted tanks should have CO2 turned off and sunshine if weather and location permits. Net top if uncovered.
When the power returns, rinse all filter media gently before starting up. Maybe treat again with Prime at startup, monitor paameters.
Power outages, the best reason to be aware of stocking limits!
mogurnda
09-17-2003, 12:06 PM
Power outages, the best reason to be aware of stocking limits! Absolutely!
delmore
09-17-2003, 12:59 PM
Originally posted by anonapersona
Both the tank and the filter require air. Drag a dry net through the tank periodically to add some air. Remove filter cartridges and sink in the tank, open canisters (after sealing inlets).
Filter media does need air, from what I've read sinking the media in the tank will "drown" the nitrifying bacteria. When transporting tanks I take the sponge media from the AQ filter and place it in a zip lock back, and inflate. But don't take my advice. RTR or any experts want to chime in?
WaterBaby
09-17-2003, 1:05 PM
My DH just called. He found a generator!! :D (Even though I don't think we'll need it)...
anonapersona
09-17-2003, 3:33 PM
Originally posted by delmore
Filter media does need air, from what I've read sinking the media in the tank will "drown" the nitrifying bacteria. When transporting tanks I take the sponge media from the AQ filter and place it in a zip lock back, and inflate. But don't take my advice. RTR or any experts want to chime in?
Hmm, neat idea!
I recall reading posts from pond fourm where someone had dumped the filter contents on the patio for a day or so and forgot about it, came back and put it all back together and it semed to be fine. It was soggy and surrounded by air, sounds like that might be the thing to do. It would certainly give the bacteria more air than being in the tank (that advice had come from DrsFosterSmith catalog)
Dahlia
09-17-2003, 5:54 PM
canisters (after sealing inlets). H2O2 is dangerous and can harm fish, so don't use this until really necessary. If you
Is this hydrogen peroxide? Sorry been a while since I took chemistry... how can it harm the fish? Does this mean it does work, too?
Slappy*McFish
09-17-2003, 6:13 PM
Hydrogen Peroxide(H2O2) has saved my *** a few times. I usually dose about 1 capful per 10-15 gallons daily to provide oxygen. More than that, and yes, you can have some problems. You'll need to stir up the water some after dosing to disperse it. Also, it would be a good idea to turn off your filters if the power goes out, so you don't get "rotten" filter water blown all over the tank when power is restored. Be prepared to clean the filter well.
Along with too many tanks, I have stockpiles of supplies - in case of extended power outages, I dump my canister media into Pyrex baking dishes - barely covered with water, but shallow enough to stay reasonably well oxygenated.
The plastic bag bit should serve also, but don't leave it sealed too long - periodically open and purge the air to replenish the O2 and dump the CO2. Perhaps the breathable plastic bags? I have not tried, but they could work also.