Power Outage solutions

spoonsofspinach

spoonsofspinach

AC Members
Dec 14, 2005
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Last night we had a big snowstorm and I awoke at 3am to no electricity and no telephone. Since this is the first time I've experienced a power outage since I started my filtered and heated aquarium, I was very worried about my fish. I wrapped a quilt tightly around the tank and hoped for the best. Mercifully, the power came back on 6 hours later and when I removed the quilt, everyone was happily swimming about and ready to eat. If the power had stayed off for any length of time, I was thinking about heating some water on the Coleman stove and gradually adding a bit at a time to keep the temperature from falling any further. Would this be a good idea?

S. :huh:
 
Fresh water fish can withstand pretty dramatic temprature changes. What you did with the quilt was a good Idea but usually not needed. About the only time you would need to add heated water was for prolonged power outtages (longer than 12 hours). Basically just watch the temp. If it falls below 55 then add heated water. But not extreamly hot water. Jumping them temp up to quickly will kill fish faster than dropping it, I never figured out why though.
 
Good to know. I was sure when I uncovered them this morning that they would be barely swimming. It was a great surprise to see them all healthy and active. I think an extreme water temperature change could send them into shock. It was the only other remedy I could think of if the power stayed off for a long time but I'm glad I didn't have to put it to the test.
 
you could always go to you local office store and buy a small battery backup. It should keep a filter and heater running for some time.
 
Well, It would run the filter relativly easily but the heater may use the power up faster.
 
That's an interesting idea. I think I'll be trying that because the winter power outages here can sometimes be rather lengthy. Never thought of such a thing. Thanks.
 
They also sell battery operated air pumps that turn on when the power goes off, and stays on when the power is on. They provide oxygen at times when people overlook this!

Edit---> Btw, your fish seem like fairly hardy fish. I went through the bad ice storm a few years ago with only the battery operated air pump. If you have a fireplace, try moving the fish in a bucket in the room with the fireplace (not too close of course) so that it stays near room temperature! But do this if you know you'll have no power for over 2 days
 
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I've only had this aquarium for a couple of months now so I am learning, learning, learning. I thought it was a big deal to take them out of their environment. I've removed my betta a couple of times to clean out his little tank but I haven't taken any of the others out of the big tank since they moved in. With these ideas, I'm a little more comfortable with the winter staring me in the face.
 
msouth468 said:
Well, It would run the filter relativly easily but the heater may use the power up faster.
Click to expand...


I have an APC UPS connected to my heater and filter. If the power goes out for a brief period, say less than 45 minutes it does fine. Remember the heater doesn’t run constantly just for short spurts. The last power outage we had was two hours. A transformer on our block blew and I knew it would be a while. I disconnected the heater and covered the tank and stand with blankets. The filter ran the entire two hours with the minimal load and the tank temperature only dropped five degrees.
 
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