Panic Prevention

[Kirky1986]

Hola all,

Ive heard that keeping a stock of polystyrene handy to cover your fish tanks should the power go out for lengthy periods is a good idea, ive even toyed with the idea of getting a battery backup for my tanks, just in case.

So i would like to know what, if any, emergency measures you all take??

 

[coolie]

I have a spare heater that works just in case, but not much more in terms of contingency. Oh, and a bottle of the essential methylene blue which cures everything. (well not literally everything)

 

[TwoTankAmin]

There is no way in most climates to protect 100% short of a full backup generating ability. The issue is not usually filters and aeration but rather heating or cooling. You can buy battery powered air pumps which will keep the air coming in and the co2 going out. But if you are where it gets cold in winter and hot in summer, tank temps are also an issue.
 
There are solutions that can work for the short term, but in winter if its freezing outside and one has no power, it soon is freezing inside too. Styros and blankets can only do so much.
 
I have actually removed water from tanks, heated on a gas grill outside and returned it to tanks to keep things warm for a few hour blackout. We have had 3 blackouts in the past two+ years that ran 13-15 days each. All that kept my fish alive was having a whole house backup system.