So, what happens if I loose power?

vrlover

vrlover

New Member
I was jsut wonderinghow long can a 55 gal tank hold without power? Due to weather, I sometimes loose power. Looked into getting a UPS, but it only does the job for 20 mins or so.
My tank has 5 fishes.. 1 damsel, 2 angels (a rusty and a singaporo) and to clowns. They are all about 1-2 inches big.
How long can they hang in there, before I can start counting my losses.?
 
exotickeeper

exotickeeper

Member
From experience, if it's in the spring/summer then the temperature is not too cold. I'd say you will be fine for about a week or so It's ok if the temperature drops (even if it's not ok, you have no choice), but like many fish, they don't like the change in temp. even if it's slow acclaim. so some may be stress out and have an outbreak of ick, loose appetite but in terms of fish loss, I think if you have a well established system a week would be fine.
 
lazzybunch

lazzybunch

New Member
I just went 5 days without power in the recent ice storm down here. The temp. in the tank eventually dropped into the 40's. Needless to say, I lost everything and am going through another cycle. I have a generator now so I'm prepared for the next time. By the way, my tank was also 55g. HTH
 
josh

josh

Active Member
1. pray it comes back on soon
2.float bags of hot water if the temp starts to drop
3.maneually move the water, like with a wooden spoon.
If you live in an area that has frequent power outages, you really should get a generator.
 
jja

jja

Member
I have asked this question before and outside of a generator there doesn't seem to be many options. I live in michigan and lost my power about 1 year ago luckily my tank was just cycling and had no fish in it yet because it is in my basement and when I woke up the temp in the house was 52!! So while a generator will be the best option you still have to pray that it doesn't happen while you are sleeping. I keep saying someone could get rich if they could develop a battery operated heater.:)
 
vrlover

vrlover

New Member
wELL, HAT IS DEFINETLY A PROBLEM. However, I was thinking more on the water not been cycled by the filter. I have my tank in a basement and it is the same temp there year round. It doesnt get too cold in the basement.
Doesnt the lack of filtration and create a rpoblem, since the water that is coming off of the filter will not make contact with the surface of the tank. I remember reading somewhere that the lack stuff build up on the surface - and the lack of water movement, will prevent oxygen from getting into the tank. True?
 
charvel

charvel

Member
I was checking out inverters. Plug in your cig. lighter in your car run an extension cord and your all set. Might have to start your car once in a while,and get the inverter with the correct ams,watts. I tried to find a conversion chart once. As for heat your propane tank for your grill the make device that screws on the top that diverts heat well . That would last a while.Mike.
 
jja

jja

Member
I meant the propane. I have one called a"mr. heater" works great but don't know if I would run it in an enclosed room.
 
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