Power was out, problems now.

[skjl47]

Hello; because of power outages over the years I have moved to very light stocking. Moved from crowding a tank close to carrying capacity with filters and bubblers working to stocking that has allowed days of no power with no problems.

It is a choice which brings some peace of mind during the occasional power loss but limits the spectacle of a tank nicely filled with fish. Still can have fish but not so many.

 

[Lawlboom]

Hello; because of power outages over the years I have moved to very light stocking. Moved from crowding a tank close to carrying capacity with filters and bubblers working to stocking that has allowed days of no power with no problems.

It is a choice which brings some peace of mind during the occasional power loss but limits the spectacle of a tank nicely filled with fish. Still can have fish but not so many.

I'm not advocating for overstocking, but, a battery backup would probably have saved me. The thought crossed my mind occasionally. It was just a major misfortune that the power happened to go out while I was out of town. When it rains it pours I guess. The good news is my Midas was totally unaffected since he's alone in a 75 as well as my Flowerhorn.

 

[skjl47]

I'm not advocating for overstocking, but, a battery backup would probably have saved me. The thought crossed my mind occasionally. It was just a major misfortune that the power happened to go out while I was out of town. When it rains it pours I guess. The good news is my Midas was totally unaffected since he's alone in a 75 as well as my Flowerhorn.

Hello; I follow your thinking. I have never tried a battery backup so do not have any practical experience. I guess the battery would last a while if running only an air pump. Might not run power filters, heaters and lights for long. Perhaps a separate air pump that is plumed into an air line but is not on until the line power is out? I Do not know how to set this up to be automatic when away.

I guess there are at least three sorts of stocking levels. There is what I now do in which I try to keep the level at the point a tank can run for days without any power inputs. There is stocking levels that are fine with the power filters and bubblers running and the tanks may run OK for a few hours during an outage. The stocking levels that are ,in my opinion, too dense are those where even with power filters and such running a tank is on the edge of problems at all times.

I know there are related issues to consider. Overfeeding and tall tanks come to mind.

Anyway, I have had losses over the 50+ years and can understand how you feel. I came home from a three day weekend to find one of my larger tanks had opened a seam and leaked out. Had floor damage as a bonus to the tank loss as the tank was a display in the living room. No more carpet around tanks and I cover the floors in my tank room with commercial vinyl tile. I also have a drain hole into the basement to give the water a way out.

Good luck in the future. Good that some fish made it.

 

[Lawlboom]

Vinyl tile? Now that's an idea. I know the battery backup wouldn't last that long, but who knows maybe an extra 10 hours would have done something. I do plan on taking your route of low stock. I'm returning to planted tanks. I had been getting the itch.... now unfortunately I have the opportunity.

I think I will plant my 75g and only have my one spotted african leaf fish in it. haha

 

[skjl47]

Vinyl tile? Now that's an idea. I know the battery backup wouldn't last that long, but who knows maybe an extra 10 hours would have done something. I do plan on taking your route of low stock. I'm returning to planted tanks. I had been getting the itch.... now unfortunately I have the opportunity.

I think I will plant my 75g and only have my one spotted african leaf fish in it. haha

hello; Yes I took out the carpet from a room where I have my tanks and a wood burning heater. I put in the thick vinyl squares such as often found in commercial stores. Came in handy the last two days as I am setting up a new tank and had water on the floor. Just wipe it up with a towel.

Good luck with your tanks in the future.