Preparing for a Hurricane

sazarac

sazarac

Member
Hi all,
I'm wanting some advice on preparing my Biocube 29 saltwater aquarium for the possible landfall of Hurricane Dean.
The best uninterrupted power supply I can afford would last about 2 hours at the most.
There are battery powered air pumps, but I'm having trouble finding one.
I've heard of bicycle pumps being used.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Sazarac
 
mountain reefs

mountain reefs

New Member
Hey, I live in the mountains where power can and will go out for days on end, I used in the past a small inverter (350w) that plugs into cig lighter of my truck with an extension cord. use a power head with with a ventura on it for maximum air. Turn off lights and heater, these wont work on small inverters. I myself bought a 6500kw gen but i do like my morning coffee infront of my tank. Best wishes and Good luck.
 
sazarac

sazarac

Member
I found a battery power air pump.
I'll get the UPS Monday.
I'll have access to a generator if needed.
Is anyone else preparing for Dean?
Saz
 
sazarac

sazarac

Member
I've only had the tank 4 months. 'Side, other then a generator that costs thousands of $s, I'm doing what I can. I'd like some constructive advice on what ELSE I can do.
Also maybe someone can give me some idea of what to expect as far as recovery is concerned if all goes very, very badly.
Saz
 
mountain reefs

mountain reefs

New Member
I used in the past a small inverter (350w) that plugs into cig lighter of my truck with an extension cord. use a power head with with a ventura on it for maximum air. Turn off lights and heater, these wont work on small inverters.
Cost $49.99
 
sazarac

sazarac

Member
I also started this thread to see how other hobbyist cope with adverse conditions.
Does anyone have any stories of averted disasters or success's after a major "event"?
Saz
 
mountain reefs

mountain reefs

New Member
First of all best wishes to you and yours with the storm comming. The inverter does work. The longest power out stretch here was 11 days, 2-3 days in the winter is common. I had a 90g at the time and only lost one coral. My trick is to bring it back slow... You want to sort of reaclimate everything to where you were before. Also have water ready before storm and if given the chance id do a water change.
 
sazarac

sazarac

Member
We have a Dodge Caliber, it has a regular power outlet, I'm going to see if my airpump will work with it.
I live out in the sticks, between towns, finding ANY equipment for the aquarium is a major hassle. I generally have to mail order anything I need. I will look into the inverter for later emergencies. Do you have a brand name?
If we end up on the "dirty side" we'll almost certainly lose power, the tv will be on till that happens. If it looks like a direct hit, well then...umm, time to bend over? heh heh
We're deep south east Texas BTW, about a hour north of Galveston.
<My trick is to bring it back slow... You want to sort of reaclimate everything to where you were before. Also have water ready before storm and if given the chance id do a water change>
The re-acclimatizing process is what I was wondering about.
It's time for a water change, but I'm going to hold off until after the storm. If I need to leave, I'll just "bucket" what I can and take off to somewhere that has power. I'm not keen on starting all over again though. (sigh)
Saz
 
sazarac

sazarac

Member
It's a 10w or 13w submersible water pump. I'd have to take it out to see exactly which.
If needed I'll keep the pump going as long as possible, then go over to the air pump.
 
kclester

kclester

Active Member
bought a generator from out tractor supply back in tha winter for 400 it works great.....well my grandparents got it but its very nice
 
sazarac

sazarac

Member
A generator is definitely on the "list".
In a perfect world we can afford to buy everything we need.
(sigh) Dean just needs to stay south.
Saz
 
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