Power outage & cichlid tanks

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Aquanero

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Feb 16, 2009
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I lost power Saturday night about 11PM and it's still out. I did partial water changes in all the tanks on Saturday afternoon thinking this might happen. I couldn't locate any battery powered air pumps and a generator is impossible to locate so I have nothing at the moment. I fed the babys yesterday and did another WC in the twenty. I didn't feed the other tanks but they'll be ok for another day or two without eating. So far all the fish look ok the temp is down to 74 not too bad for a while. Any tips or advice would be greatly appriciated.
 
iv never had to deal with a power outage (thankfully) but i do know there is a sticky all about it in the setup and filtration section, hope that helps
 
A place I found my saving grace was at a camping/fishing store. The fisherman use battery aerators for their minnows. I just went through a 28 hr. Electric outage and used one battery packed minnow aerator for the whole time. One each on my 220 gal,110,gal,75 and 55gal.....didn't loose a single fish...good luck
 
Hey Tom, just dealt with the same thing. We lost power for 32 hours and my 3 tanks had zero issues at all for that period of time with no filters etc. Ill bet they could have gone another 32 at least. They were acting completely normal and wanting to be fed etc.

To aerate same as a bubble wand etc:

remove all the lids so that as much oxygen exchange can take place as possible.

Take as big a pitcher as you can (or cup etc for small tanks) fill it with the tank water and hold it as high above the tank as you can and pour it back in. this will oxygenate it as good if not better than bubblers. repeat it as often as you think its needed. Thats the best manual way to do it that Ive found.

My tank temps got down to 73 and Im seeing no residual affects as of yet...and dont really expect to. It was a very gradual temp change and they still arent up to 82 where I keep them.

Personally, I wouldnt feed anyone anything at all so that the levels stay as close to the same as possible.

I know it feels sketchy but I think theyll do ok for a few days if, and Im sure you have, you have done regular water changes on a regular basis and hold back on feeding.

Good Luck!
 
Thanks guys, The sticky was helpful I already did most of that stuff so I should be ok I guess. I did the WCs Saturday thinking this might be a possibilty. The temp drop was gradual and the duce and quater's at 76 normaly at 82 also. I like the idea of using a big pitcure to mix the O2 I'll do that when I get home. I had to feed the babys but I haven't feed any of the others and will not till the power comes back. I'll ride it out finger crossed at least the house is fine and no one was hurt all in all other than loosing power we were very lucky.
 
I wouldn't feed them until the power comes back on. I've let my tanks go for 5-6 days with no ill affects.


5-6 days with no food or with no power or means for filtration/oxygenation when power is out?

If you mean feeding, you can go weeks without feeding and your fish will be ok.

If you mean the latter, thats good to know that in a worse case scenario it is possible. I was worried going 32 hrs but it was fine.
 
I'm at 39 hours now and they (PSE&G) are saying Sept 4th before it's back. So I might be finding out first hand, lets hope not.
 
I have my fingers crossed for u..good luck
 
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