Power outages: how long before beneficial bacteria die?

[skjl47]

Hello; having run tanks in the past with no filtration at all and tanks with only air bubbler operated sponge filters I am comfortable saying that the bb (beneficial bacteria) will survive in a tank with fish for extended periods of time. These tanks depend on reasonable (read low density) stocking levels for the fish to survive with regard to the oxygen levels.

I started having low density stocking levels years ago and have not lost fish during multi-day power outages in the past.

There will be bb in the tank on surfaces as well as in whatever power filters you may be running. If the power is off for only few hours all should be well. If the power is off for longer it may be wise to take some precautions with restarting an external filter system. I have heard of large capacity external systems that were off for days becoming loaded with decay toxins (think the equivalent of a dead fish in them) and the stuff being pumped into the tank at restart.

If the tank is stocked heavy then, as suggested by others, get some battery operated air pumps to keep the fish going. You can mechanically stir up the water surface in a pinch.

The balance between the ammonia from the fish and the bb in an external filter will likely be upset for a while. There may not be enough bb on the tank surfaces to deal with the ammonia load right away so a short term ammonia spike may happen. The tank bb should reproduce soon to take advantage of the extra food( ammonia). As others have said this can be helped by removing some of the filter media from the external filter and placing it in the tank. Water changes can also help both in diluting the ammonia and stirring in oxygen.

Good luck

 

[Drstrangelove]

I've lost power before when a transformer that serviced our apartment building exploded. The power was gone for around 3 days. I didn't add air pumps, add any special water treatments, add bottled bacteria or do anything other than wait. I didn't suffer any losses in my only tanks (55 and 70 gallon.)

I think you are okay for that long and probably a bit longer. If you expect the power to be out for a week, however, I think other solutions besides patience is required although I have no evidence to that effect.

 

[skjl47]

Hello; Another thing that may help over days is do not feed at all. Except for young fry, fish can go for many days without any feeding.

 

[skjl47]

run tanks in the past with no filtration at all

hello; I read my post and felt this may have been too vague. By this I mean some of my early tanks, back in the late 1950's, Had only fish, water and a few plants. No air pumps or filters of any kind. I have lately read this to be called the "walstad" (sp?) method. I eventually had UGF's and air pumps and these were a main type of equipment for at least a decade.

As the external filters became available and I could afford them I used them.

 

[Deadliestviper7]

hello; I read my post and felt this may have been too vague. By this I mean some of my early tanks, back in the late 1950's, Had only fish, water and a few plants. No air pumps or filters of any kind. I have lately read this to be called the "walstad" (sp?) method. I eventually had UGF's and air pumps and these were a main type of equipment for at least a decade.

As the external filters became available and I could afford them I used them.

I've never lost a fish due to a power outage,even several day ones,I generally don't have high stocking densities and try to keep aquatic plants in my tanks(I place my tanks so they get indirect sunlight ), I have also done filterless tanks(no filter or pump) for small and juvenile fishes,these need frequent water changes however.

 

[tlindsey]

Hello; Another thing that may help over days is do not feed at all. Except for young fry, fish can go for many days without any feeding.

Very great point.

 

[Doc-Fish]

hello; I read my post and felt this may have been too vague. By this I mean some of my early tanks, back in the late 1950's, Had only fish, water and a few plants. No air pumps or filters of any kind. I have lately read this to be called the "walstad" (sp?) method. I eventually had UGF's and air pumps and these were a main type of equipment for at least a decade.

As the external filters became available and I could afford them I used them.

You had one of the very best filters, takes care of Ammonia,Nitrite and nitrate in one go........PLANTS