Power Cut?

[Linda B xxx]

I was sat here just wondering,

when i get my fish, what do i do if we have a power cut?

we dont have them often but as with anything in life things break down, what happens if it goes off? how long will the fish live with no heating?

Also,

what about everyday chores, e.g vacuming? will this upset the fish?

 

[Seidge]

Power cuts dont usually last long enough to cause dramatic effect. The water takes a long time to cool down. I have often thought about this and think that i would try and regulate the temparature myself by adding warm water to the tank to keep up the temparature. Make sure you have a themometre other than the one on your heater so you know whats going on.

As for the vacumming my fish are not at all bothered about it, they still come to the front to see what i'm doing so i guess they cant really notice it.

 

[akudewan]

If power cuts are frequent where you live, and they last for more than an hour, then you could buy an inverter to power your filter, and other equipment.

Buying a thermometer is a good idea, as Seidge suggested, so that you can keep an eye on the temperature. Usually it takes more than 3 hours for the temperature to drop by a couple of degrees, so that shouldn't be a problem.

As far as vacuuming is concerned, fishes don't really mind, they get used to it. Some may run for cover initially, but they have no problems. Infact, my guppies try to eat the hair on my hand while I vacuum.

 

[promithius]

nobody's mention the hot water in a bottle trick. if you are worried the power will be out for a long while, get a pop bottle (one suitable for your tank size) and fill it with medium-warm water. float it inyour tank, and keep an eye on the temp so it dosent go above normal. change the water as and when needed.

I would suggest putting the bottle in after 1/2 an our or so of the heater going off, because if you plonk it it right away, it will raise your water temp past normal.

 

[Themuleous]

Just so I know, how do you heat the water so you can add it to the tank if you've got no power?

 

[jarmado]

Just so I know, how do you heat the water so you can add it to the tank if you've got no power?

gas/camping stove?

 

[Themuleous]

So you could, I would never have thought of that! Doh

 

[jarmado]

So you could, I would never have thought of that! Doh

not your fault...
we live in an age where technology has dismissed our "boy scout" instinct...

 

[Themuleous]

not your fault...
we live in an age where technology has dismissed our "boy scout" instinct...

True, I did Duke of Edinburgh aware too! Should have remember from that! Even have a stove in the cupboard!

 

[Seidge]

Just so I know, how do you heat the water so you can add it to the tank if you've got no power?

lol
Gas Cooker? Also if have electric depends if you use storage boiler there should be hot water in there

 

[Linda B xxx]

Thank you for your replies,

sorry i havent got on sooner, i have this stupid place to go to that they call work

I have one of those themometers that is stuck to the front of the tank, with the heat sensitive strip at the moment it reads 76/77 is this ok?

we dont have many powercuts here but i just thought i could be prepared incase we do.

at least i know that i can get on with the vacuming as normal once i have some fish.

Thanks again for your help.