Question About Upcoming Storm

[Kustrud]

My 75 gallon tank has a Fluval 407 and a large wave-maker for filtration, aeration, and circulation. We never lose power around here for more than 10 minutes in the 15 years I have lived in this area. However, I am concerned with losing power for a while with this one coming - We are in GA.

I do not have time today to go get and setup a battery back-up.

Question, how long would my tank be OK with everything off? Second question, if it's a while could I manually stir up the water or use a cup and just fill it and pour it back in every hour or so a few cup-fulls to keep it oxygenated at least?

 

[abominus]

My 75 gallon tank has a Fluval 407 and a large wave-maker for filtration, aeration, and circulation. We never lose power around here for more than 10 minutes in the 15 years I have lived in this area. However, I am concerned with losing power for a while with this one coming - We are in GA.

I do not have time today to go get and setup a battery back-up.

Question, how long would my tank be OK with everything off? Second question, if it's a while could I manually stir up the water or use a cup and just fill it and pour it back in every hour or so a few cup-fulls to keep it oxygenated at least?

If my memory serves right, pacu mom has faced power outages so maybe she can help?

 

[Fallen_Leaves16]

My 75 gallon tank has a Fluval 407 and a large wave-maker for filtration, aeration, and circulation. We never lose power around here for more than 10 minutes in the 15 years I have lived in this area. However, I am concerned with losing power for a while with this one coming - We are in GA.

I do not have time today to go get and setup a battery back-up.

Question, how long would my tank be OK with everything off? Second question, if it's a while could I manually stir up the water or use a cup and just fill it and pour it back in every hour or so a few cup-fulls to keep it oxygenated at least?

Depends on what's in the tank, how it's furnished, how mature the system is, etc.
Most reasonably-stocked freshwater tanks can go a good few hours without aeration/filtration, but you may lose some more sensitive species that are reliant on high DO.
Last time the power went out on a more heavily-stocked tank of mine with some expensive fish, I kept running 60% water changes every two hours until the power came back on (think it was out for eight? hours). Probably not sustainable for larger tanks, though. Or when the power's out for a long time.
Stay safe out there; I'm in NC and already getting some heavy rain. Good luck!

 

[Kustrud]

I just figured the room temp is close enough to the tank temp, the filter will stay wet and sealed so hopefully the BB should last several hours my only worry was oxygen. Figured several cup fill/dumps an hour should add oxygen.....?

 

[abominus]

This thread might also be useful

Measures in Case of an Emergency

Hey y'all! I've been thinking about what I would do if I had an emergency with my fish tank (nothing is happening now, just thinking ahead). What are some good ideas for dealing with emergencies with the fish tank for the casual hobbyist with one tank (of any size) as opposed to a fish room? An...

www.monsterfishkeepers.com

 

[Fallen_Leaves16]

I just figured the room temp is close enough to the tank temp, the filter will stay wet and sealed so hopefully the BB should last several hours my only worry was oxygen. Figured several cup fill/dumps an hour should add oxygen.....?

It theoretically should; any sort of general water movement/agitation would do to some extent.
I like to have a couple battery-powered air pumps on hand for emergency situations- those cheap livewell aerators work well enough for a while. Should be available at your local Walmarts and whatnot.
What fish do you have, and how many?

 

[DawnMichele]

Stay safe.

 

[jjohnwm]

Battery-powered air pumps are cheap and available at just about fishing tackle shop. They work well, even for extended periods, if you have enough batteries.

Failing that...just get a couple empty, clean plastic milk jugs or similar. Punch a small hole or two near the bottom of them, fill with tank water, and then stand them on top of the tank such that the water dribbles out of the holes and back into the tank. Re-fill as needed. Experiment with hole size and number, and with the top on or off, to get the flow rate you think is best. This keeps a constant low-level aeration going on, which is much better than periodically dipping water out manually and pouring it back in; easier too.

The more crowded your tank, the more important this becomes. Lots of tanks don't need aeration at all...either during emergencies, or simply for normal maintenance for many species. If my power went out, I would likely put on battery pumps for only two tanks; I know for a fact that the rest will be just fine, indefinitely, without any. Discontinue or drastically reduce feeding, maintain a good water change schedule (none of this "20% once a month" nonsense) and learn to relax.

 

[beau1990]

We lost power in a winter storm, lots of heating water up on the wood stove and pouring that in the tanks, so yes your on the right track with cups of water being poured into jt. depends on your stocking. And if it's planted

 

[pacu mom]

Prepping for and Surviving power outtages

You've unexpectedly loss power... Now what? :help2: So you know you have a major storm of some type coming... You know there is a good chance of losing power.................. Could be for a few hours or days/weeks even......................:eek: What about my fish? Prepping for...

www.monsterfishkeepers.com