srfisher17
Active Member
Like a lot of us, I lost electric power last weekend. We live far enough south to usually avoid huge snow amounts; but live in an area that loses power easily. All the news ,and info from folks who have lived nearby for years, sure sounded like a power loss was inevitable. I grew up in the Northwoods, but hate the cold now and the roads are impossible once snow starts to accumulate. I hooked up my generator, took enough Beefeaters (its a dry county), grabbed kids, and checked into a nearby motel that was known to seldom lose power---probably because they are so close to the hospital. My house lost power at about 7:30 PM Friday.
Mid-morning Sunday, I remembered that I never plugged my 55 gal basement QT into the generator system, it contained 3 fish that I fished out (literally) from my DTs and was going to give to a good friend and helper for Christmas. I drove home and power came back just as I was walking into the house, weird. Power was out for about40 hours. Temp in the QT was 59 degrees F. The Pinkface Wrasse was on its side, motionless, in a piece of PVC. His gills weren't visibly moving, but his tongue was. A huge GS Maroon Clown was in a similar state on the bottom. The Cuban Hogfish was upright and breathing, but barely. (Probably because of the great Cuban Healthcare system, yeah right. Or, he was just afraid to go back to Cuba, knowing what they do to escapees.) I have 2-100 watt heaters in this tank and tossed in another 200 watts . There was a little ammonia, the only bio-filter is an Aqua-Clear HOB with a big sponge. I replaced the sponge with a new one I keep in a DT sump and the tank was re-cycled and I added an ammonia neutralizer. The temp returned to normal as quickly as I dared. All fish were swimming, although not looking very well, by the time the Packers blew the game that evening. Monday, all 3 fish were acting and eating normally. I know all SW fish have to be tough to survive in the oceans, but some just don't adapt to captivity. I've always thought our fish are tougher than we think; but this really surprised me.
I know stress can still cause some long-range problems. I'm not worried about ich, or other parasites; but does anyone have any ideas on additional action or what to really look for??? Thanks!
Mid-morning Sunday, I remembered that I never plugged my 55 gal basement QT into the generator system, it contained 3 fish that I fished out (literally) from my DTs and was going to give to a good friend and helper for Christmas. I drove home and power came back just as I was walking into the house, weird. Power was out for about40 hours. Temp in the QT was 59 degrees F. The Pinkface Wrasse was on its side, motionless, in a piece of PVC. His gills weren't visibly moving, but his tongue was. A huge GS Maroon Clown was in a similar state on the bottom. The Cuban Hogfish was upright and breathing, but barely. (Probably because of the great Cuban Healthcare system, yeah right. Or, he was just afraid to go back to Cuba, knowing what they do to escapees.) I have 2-100 watt heaters in this tank and tossed in another 200 watts . There was a little ammonia, the only bio-filter is an Aqua-Clear HOB with a big sponge. I replaced the sponge with a new one I keep in a DT sump and the tank was re-cycled and I added an ammonia neutralizer. The temp returned to normal as quickly as I dared. All fish were swimming, although not looking very well, by the time the Packers blew the game that evening. Monday, all 3 fish were acting and eating normally. I know all SW fish have to be tough to survive in the oceans, but some just don't adapt to captivity. I've always thought our fish are tougher than we think; but this really surprised me.
I know stress can still cause some long-range problems. I'm not worried about ich, or other parasites; but does anyone have any ideas on additional action or what to really look for??? Thanks!
