Impending Power Outage

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.
 
Air and temp

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!
 
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Re: Air and temp

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).
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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?
 
Woo Hoo

My DH just called. He found a generator!! :D (Even though I don't think we'll need it)...
 
Re: Re: Air and temp

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?
Click to expand...

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)
 
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.
 
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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.
 
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