Survival Time Frame

memnoch

Member
I'm about to be forced to evacuate my home with an impending hurricane hitting land in 48 hours. I'm wondering what the estimated survival time is for a fully stocked tank if the power goes out. I can't stay around to operate a generator. I'm planning on feeding before i leave. What do you guys think will be the longest that the tank could survive without power? Also what steps to take on returning if the power was lost besides a massive water change?:mad:
 

musipilot

Member
Tough stuff!
First of all, if you have lids on the tank, take them off, you need as much oxygen exchange as possible with no power.
You can invest in a few battery powered air pumps, they're cheap, and will help move the water around a little if the power goes.
If you want for future reference, you can invest in an UPS, the kind they make for computers and servers..we have two powerheads running through ours, and they will run for about 36 hours on this thing.
Before doing a major change upon your return, check the water quality. If this is less then 48 hours without power, it should not be a big deal. I would feed as LITTLE as possible before you leave, you mentioned feeding the tank before you left. I know it sounds nasty, but you should NOT feed the tank at all if you can help it, it will keep waste levels way down in the event of power loss. Your fish will be fine with no food, even as long as two weeks if need be.
Good luck.
 

musipilot

Member
Tough stuff!
First of all, if you have lids on the tank, take them off, you need as much oxygen exchange as possible with no power.
You can invest in a few battery powered air pumps, they're cheap, and will help move the water around a little if the power goes.
If you want for future reference, you can invest in an UPS, the kind they make for computers and servers..we have two powerheads running through ours, and they will run for about 36 hours on this thing.
Before doing a major change upon your return, check the water quality. If this is less then 48 hours without power, it should not be a big deal. I would feed as LITTLE as possible before you leave.
Good luck.
 

iechy

Member
Memnoch not to wish you any bad luck but hopefully this one stays your way. We don't need two in a week's time here. Last week when I was thinking the same thing I went and picked up two battery air pumps for about 15 bucks each. I figure getting oxygen into the water is the only immediate danger with power outages for us in the south since the temp should be ok. Luckily although we did get a bunch of water last week the power stayed on and I didn't get to see if it worked. Hopefully I still won't know by the weekend. Good luck and be safe.
 
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