Circulation Emergency

[emcmilla]

Hello Everyone,

First i apologize but this will probanly be a long post, please bear with me....

I just removed max spectacular gyre from my 150G tank to clean it since it started making noise and I figure something got stuck in it. As I was cleaning it I realized the power cord black coating has split. There are no exposed wires that I can see. Underneath the black coating is red coating that seems to be still intact. Out of caution I have kept the gyre out of the tank until my fiance can look at it. In the meantime I plugged in one of my hydor powerhead to keep water circulating. However, after plugging it in, it is barely moving water. So, I tried my second powerhead, but am having the same problem.

I am worried that fish will suffocate from lack of water circulation. The only thing moving water right now is my spray bare for my eheim canister filter. Is this enough. My tank is understocked for its size. Right now I only have 2 ocellaris clowns, 1 magnificent foxface, 1 royal gramma, and possibly a peppermint shrimp (I go months without seeing him and then he magically appears).

To complicate matters, I live in an area without access to alot of fish supplies so I will likely have to order online and wait several days before receiving any equipment....

Can anyone provide some insight and/or advice?

Thanks everyone!

 

[mcgyvr]

Just point both powerheads towards the surface to create some waves/ripples and you should be just fine until a replacement comes in..

 

[emcmilla]

Just point both powerheads towards the surface to create some waves/ripples and you should be just fine until a replacement comes in..

Thanks for the reply. The problem is that neither powerhead is moving water. The flow is extremely weak. I can't even get them to make ripples. It's weird that both powerheads are not working. I have had them out of my tank for many months and only put them back in today.

 

[mcgyvr]

Clean them off and put them back..
Of course you didn't mention any model numbers so I have no idea if they are hydor nanos or much bigger 1000+GPH models..

But it could be that they just need to be cleaned.. Specifically the impeller magnet, shaft, and both end bushings.. When you take a powerhead out of a tank and don't use it and don't fully clean it then it can will get calcified/buildup,etc... that will cause friction,etc.. causing problems..

An overnight soak (with them running) in water/vinegar may be alright but simply pop the front grills off and pull the impeller/bushings and clean that with a toothbrush,etc.. in vinegar will get it done in minutes..

 

[emcmilla]

Clean them off and put them back..
Of course you didn't mention any model numbers so I have no idea if they are hydor nanos or much bigger 1000+GPH models..

But it could be that they just need to be cleaned.. Specifically the impeller magnet, shaft, and both end bushings.. When you take a powerhead out of a tank and don't use it and don't fully clean it then it can will get calcified/buildup,etc... that will cause friction,etc.. causing problems..

An overnight soak (with them running) in water/vinegar may be alright but simply pop the front grills off and pull the impeller/bushings and clean that with a toothbrush,etc.. in vinegar will get it done in minutes..

Thanks
Yes they are large powerheads. I'll try cleaning them.

 

[henryle]

Circulation Emergency

You can point a fan across the top of the water surface to create ripples. As long as there's surface agitation, there's gas exchange

Just watch your temp since this will cool the tank down and watch your evaporation


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[Mishri]

your eheim canister filter might be enough as long as you have it pointed upwards.. they don't need a lot.

Also, most pet stores here sell air tubing, air stones, and air pumps.. which will also work... Your fish would take a long time to suffocate from lack of oxygen in the water and they would likely start gasping near the surface long before then. I've had power out for 2 days and no water circulation and they were fine. keeping the water temperature up was more of my concern..