Power outage question

[Kaia]

If power is ever lost, how long can the tank go before losing fish? What exactly is it that kills the fish? Oxygen depletion or a build up of something ? 

[Marty]

Either oxygen depletion or ammonia buildup.  If you do some partial water changes, it should help things.  If you don't have hot water, just let a couple of buckets sit for awhile to get to room temperature.

[Ron]

Water changes work if you're on city water, otherwise there's no power to the well pump.

If it looks like bad storms are headed in and a scheduled water change is in the near future, doing it sooner than later is a good idea.

Once the power is out, don't feed the fish IMO. It'll only contribute to ammonia buildup.

Also try to avoid startling them - the more active they are, the quicker O2 is consumed.

O2 moves into water when there is a difference in concentration. If there's less O2 in the tank because of the fish using it up, the O2 in the ambient air will move into the water. Sometimes there can be a protein film that builds up on the water's surface that blocks this process. Thus the talk of how water disturbance is important in keeping aquarium fish. If the power has been out for an extended period, occasionally swirling the surface of the water can help breakup the film and allow O2 to pass.

[LoveTheFishies]

If you are really worried about it, you could pick up a battery powered aerator.  Either online (amazon) or try a sporting goods store. 

While I was in college, I had a 15 hour drive home at the end and beginning of the year.  I used one from a bait shop and never lost a fish. 

Now I have a back up generator because I would lose power frequently.  I didn't want to put up a big tank until I had that. 

[four_by_ken]

A lot will depend on the size of the tank, size of the fish and quantity of fish also.

In my area, when power goes out... were are some if the last to get it restored.  Not a very dense population out here.

Generator is a must at my house.

[Super Turtleman]

Battery powered pump and a generator are your best bets. I need to invest in more pumps and a generator myself.

[African cichlid Keeper]

Battery powered pump and a generator are your best bets. I need to invest in more pumps and a generator myself.

I agree. I have a generator for when power is out.

[Steve]

For whatever reason here in the North end of Royal Oak we lose power at the drop of a hat. Actually lost power last week for 12 hrs again, why? who knows, our power supply just sucks for whatever reason. So I went out back in January and bought a 2500w generator from Lowes, best $300 I ever spent. If you have more than one tank, or a large tank then I say buying a generator is almost a "must" IMO. Now rather than hooking up batt powered bublers or doing pwc's I just wheel out the genny and run two cords through the back window and my tanks don't miss a beat.

Plus as a side bonus you are able to avoid havin to live Amish style during power outages. Last week when the power was out for 12hrs I was sitting in the back room with the tanks running fine, the TV on watching the Tiger game, and the fan running next to me while all my neighbors were sitting in the dark 

[jcunningham0295]

I broke down and have a 20KW whole house generator.  Had it installed a month or so back.  Runs of natural gas and will kick on automatically when disruption in power is noticed after 12 sec.  I can run all my tanks and anything else in my house.  Also, no need to worry if not home and power goes out.  Expense, but well worth it for me.

[RichE]

I broke down and have a 20KW whole house generator.  Had it installed a month or so back.  Runs of natural gas and will kick on automatically when disruption in power is noticed after 12 sec.  I can run all my tanks and anything else in my house.  Also, no need to worry if not home and power goes out.  Expense, but well worth it for me.

Great investment IMO

I want to get one in the future, as they are the cat's rear end

I have a 6500 watt generator now and it's ready to go. I know there is way to get a disconnect hooked up to plug in the portable generator to get power thru the house but you cant run all circuits like you can on a whole house generator.

I also have 4 battery back up air pumps and My wife is a certified CPR Instructor, so she might have to put it to use if the fish start going down LOL

[Regalblue]

I embrace the power outtage & use it to cull fish.  I can always build it better the next time & it gives me opportunity to keep another species, without the hassle of selling /trading off my existing stock.

[Steve]

I broke down and have a 20KW whole house generator.  Had it installed a month or so back.  Runs of natural gas and will kick on automatically when disruption in power is noticed after 12 sec. 

That is friggin awesome!

[Super Turtleman]

I broke down and have a 20KW whole house generator.  Had it installed a month or so back.  Runs of natural gas and will kick on automatically when disruption in power is noticed after 12 sec.  I can run all my tanks and anything else in my house.  Also, no need to worry if not home and power goes out.  Expense, but well worth it for me.

Would you mind telling me how much it was for that? I've thought of doing that myself several times...

[danielratti]

We have been talking about it too. I was afraid to ask the price also...

[jcunningham0295]

I broke down and have a 20KW whole house generator.  Had it installed a month or so back.  Runs of natural gas and will kick on automatically when disruption in power is noticed after 12 sec.  I can run all my tanks and anything else in my house.  Also, no need to worry if not home and power goes out.  Expense, but well worth it for me.

Would you mind telling me how much it was for that? I've thought of doing that myself several times...

Mine was just under 8k.  However, there are different models and smaller ones that can run specific circuits.