Power outage question

[Kaia]

Thanks everyone. Which seems to kill the fish first? Lack of oxygen or ammonia build up? I run on a well. It's not usually out long if I do lose power which that doesn't happen often either but now that I have an expensive group of fish I figured I'd better ask. A rough estimate on how long a 220 could go with 11 large gibbies?

[Super Turtleman]

When I do it, I'll do it big. No playing games.

[Ron]

Thanks everyone. Which seems to kill the fish first? Lack of oxygen or ammonia build up? I run on a well. It's not usually out long if I do lose power which that doesn't happen often either but now that I have an expensive group of fish I figured I'd better ask. A rough estimate on how long a 220 could go with 11 large gibbies?

I don't think there is a simple answer. Assuming you have done a 50% water change within a week, you changed the mechanical filtration media at that last change, you don't overfeed your fish, you don't feed them while the power is out, and the temperature doesn't get too cold/hot (65F-80F), I could see making it through a couple of days without power.

[jamarini]

In addition to Ron's points, there is one more technique that I've used successfully and that is to darken the tank and keep it dark during the outage to keep the fish as calm as possible which keeps O₂ consumption down as well as ammonia generation.

[Kaia]

Perfect! Just wanted a rough estimate. Thank you