Tradgedy

[shaggyblz]

I have found out the hard way, after being without electricity for four days, that if your a serious about this hobby, a generator is not an option, it is a necessity. The ice storm here in Kentucky put about 1 milliion people in the dark and cold (20 degrees). It was impossible to find a generator or heater for the first two days. I was able to keep the tank at 75 degrees with blankets and a propane lantern I use while camping. After 2 days and 7 fish and a few corals, I was able to find a generator. I just completed a water change and will hopefully be able to salvage what is still living.

 

[fishlawyer]

That sucks man... Instead of an expensive generator, you can buy a "power box" which is essentially a large battery that you can use in limited bursts in the event of a power outage... A good one can be bought for about $400.

 

[shaggyblz]

I do have backup battery supplies, but most only last for less than a day. I was able to purchase a generator (for $600) that will power everything in the aquarium and half of my house.

 

[westwind77]

I have about 6 deep cycle batteries that I keep on a trickle charge in the garage and a couple inverters that I can use if we lose power. I know that I will not be able to power my lighting with them, but they should run the rest of what I need. If the situation was extended I do have a generator I could borrow from work to run the lights.

 

[meowzer]

We have a generator, and I made sure there are enough extension cords to run what I would need to keep my fish and corals alive....sorry for your losses.

 

[nw2salt08]

Sorry about your losses....it's tough losing fish. A generator is definitely a good investment.

 

[ophiura]

I'm sorry to hear this
I highly recommend a generator. For about $800, during Ike we had some real piece of mind. Kept the fridge, a window a/c and the tank going...definitely worth every penny. We would run it and then leave it off a couple of hours to monitor fuel usage. But it was a real relief.

 

[keith burn]

If $ is the porblem you can get a small one for $150 just for the tank.
or a inverter with the car will work in a pinch.