Major Power Outage YIKES!

[MissClaire]

Hey all, the power went out this morning at my house and the surrounding area....its been a couple of hours, how long can my water conditions survive with my filter off...also there is no oxegen circulating, and no heater on! EEP I just got my new discus yesterday! PANIC! and Im at work now and cant keep an eye on things...should I panic? Or just sit tight, will it be ok for a little while??

 

[MissClaire]

im stressing! It went out at 7.10am and its nearly 9am

 

[MissClaire]

Ok it's back on, will do I water test tonight went I get home, Thanks for all your help guys

 

[enchanted]

Provided the temperature doesn't drastically drop your fish should be okay for at least 5 hours, probably a lot longer (say 12 Hours+).

 

[shrimpster97]

well, panicing never helps anything... so i wouldnt panic.

 

[MissClaire]

well, panicing never helps anything... so i wouldnt panic.

hahaha Im the biggest flusterpot

 

[shrimpster97]

well, panicing never helps anything... so i wouldnt panic.

hahaha Im the biggest flusterpot

 

[boozybears]

Don't worry.. i think we've all been in the same situation! Last time that happened to me I was just about to get a long straw and start blowing bubbles when the power came back on . I've been told you can get a battery operated filter to use in case of power outages, however I haven't gone out looking for one yet.

Val

 

[Ob1]

I was think about getting a cheap UPS - and using it as a in-line backup.
as anyone tried this yet?

 

[Inchworm]

Short power outages are nothing to worry about and longer ones can be managed too, if you are there to provide manual instead of mechanical aeration.

The most serious problem to worry about is a sudden drop in temperature. This can be slowed by wrapping your tank in blankets to keep the heat in. A slow drop in temperature is far less dangerous than a quick one.

The fish and beneficial bacteria need oxygen to survive, but that can be accomplished by periodically dipping up tank water and pouring it back into the tank. The higher the cup is held and the further distance the water falls, more water is exposed to the air and the more oxygen it will pick up. If the power is expected to be out for an extended period of time, water changes will also help.

I kept my fish happy and healthy during the big east coast power outage last year from Thursday afternoon until the following Monday afternoon with no deaths or illness as a result. In fact, the drop in temperature inspired my corys to spawn.

 

[MissClaire]

^^^^ very imformative Inchworm!
Well done on looking after them over such a long period of time without power!
I wish my corys would hurry up and spawn