Safety For Tank During Hurricane

Riso-chan

The Blue Girl
Jan 17, 2005
322
0
0
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Florida, USA
Obviously I live in Florida at the moment, so hurricane Dennis is on the way here. We don't have a generator, unfortunately. Will my tank be alright if the power stays out for long periods? I do have a decent amount of plants in there which should provide oxygen for the alotted time possibly. As long I do water changes it should be fine, right? :confused:

BTW, don't you guys think they should stop giving these storms names tha make you think of someone who works in a corporate office or something? It's getting to be pointless, when the names they choose are never quite that unique, or even fierce for that matter. I mean, how does hurricane "Hexatima" or "Cerebus" sound? Little scarier than usual? Mabye if it is more prone to make a frightening impression people would take evacuations more seriously. Hmm?
 
Riso, you should post this in the general section, you'll get some good answers, you might get some here too, but I think you'll have better luck in the fish section!

How will YOU do in the hurricane?!?!? That might be more important ;) LOL
 
Check around and get at least 1 battery operated air pump for each tank, especially if you have any 55 gal. or over. Before the weather gets real bad, do about 50% water changes on all your tanks. You want to do this as late as possible as long as you and the weather are still safe. You can also wrap your tanks in blankets once the power goes off to keep the heat in as long as you can. ;)
 
Gunnie said:
Check around and get at least 1 battery operated air pump for each tank, especially if you have any 55 gal. or over. Before the weather gets real bad, do about 50% water changes on all your tanks. You want to do this as late as possible as long as you and the weather are still safe. You can also wrap your tanks in blankets once the power goes off to keep the heat in as long as you can. ;)
All great ideas. Check bait and tackle stores for battery operated pumps. Some places sell them for minnow buckets and livewells. Also, if you can, get a brand new plastic trashcan and fill it up with water, just for the fish (or hey, you, if it comes down to that). Also, even with the battery operated pumps, it's not a bad idea to agitate the water in the tanks manually. Sure, it's a stressor for the fish, but better stressed and alive than suffocating to death.
 
size won't matter

forget the blanket, I'd invest in cheap netting to cover the top of the tank if you need to remove the hood to help it cool down and get more air.
 
Yea a blanket wont be much use here in FL.
Even the biggest of storms are warmer than an average tank temperature in this season.

No power= No A/C

I dont think it will get cold enough to worry about temp. drops
 
The battery operated pump is a good idea. Your real concern will be keeping the tank cool enough with no air-conditioning. Do what anonaperson said. Most of all keep yourself safe. Quite frankly if you are leaving your home the fish might be better off going with you in styrofoam coolers with the battery operated pumps. If anything breaches your home it has the potential to end up in the tank or breaking it. Including if the roof leaks, yucky roofwater in the tank. I know how much it sucks to have to consider this stuff. I'm praying for your safety.
 
Looks like we'll be safe for now. The storm is a bit off the west coast of FL(where I'm at), so we won'tget the worst of it I think. Tonight, it's due to give us heavy winds, rain, and possibly tornadoes. Haven't had a complete power outtage yet, only flickers here and there. So, if all fares well, after this storm is done, I'm going to get the equip. I'll need for the next ones. We were also lucky enough to get the house we have, because the man who built this neighborhood built and owned it. I think it was constructed about 30 years ago, and my Father, a construction superintendent(sp?), says it can withstand winds up to 130mph. Though anything over that and we have to leave. Thanks to everyone for your concerns and advice.:) ~Angela
 
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