HELP! Emergency power outage!

[tehpineapple]

Our power went out today at about 4 PM and it is now 10 PM. The temperature has only dropped about 4° (currently at 75°).

At first I thought they'd be fine since they get shipped in bags for 24-48 hour periods but when I got home to check on them my clowns we just laying on the rocks. They're responsive but not really moving. I can't find either of my gobies but I assume they've retreated to their caves. Snails and crabs seem ok. Will my fish make it over night? I'm worried =(

 

[CStrickland]

You need to keep the water oxygenated if the powerheads aren't moving it. Otherwise, they will suffocate and as they do they will foul the water killing the rest of the tank. idk the best way, can't hurt to stir it up I guess. There's a few big threads you can search for, but until an expert chimes in, I'd start stirring or like scooping water and pouring it back in from up high to get fresh air mixed in

 

[oldbones]

Grab a pitcher and start filling with tank water, then pouring back in to aerate water.

 

[oldbones]

Maybe fill a water bottle 3/4 with tank water, shake well then pour back in.

 

[Cosmojo]

You need to get some surface agitation going, get a bucket, and spend as much time as you can just filling it and dumping it. Do you have any SPS or fish that need higher oxygen levels like tangs?

 

[tehpineapple]

Thanks all. The power just came back on. They look miserable but hopefully it was just in time. I'll keep you updated on their status.

 

[CStrickland]

There's a thing you can do that's like fish cpr, I only ever read about it but I guess if you think they are dead you can hold them by the tail in front of a powerhead and it will blow oxygen into the gills.

Only for if they are a lost cause, like they don't even have the strength to swim away so you can just pick them up easy and do it. Sometimes they perk up

 

[Isaacs55]

Glad it came back on! I was going to say for the next ten this happens run to a wall mart if there's one close by, and buy a car outlet adapter and run your powerheads off that for every other hour. Just a thought for next time

 

[tehpineapple]

I've actually done your "CPR" back when I used to go fishing. We'd always do catch and release but sometimes they weren't doing too well so we would slowly troll along holding the fish underwater letting the water flow through its gills till it would gain strength and swim away.

The car outlet is a good idea. I might just look into a generator now that the power is back on. 3 of the 4 fish are accounted for. The two clowns are slowly gaining their strength and the diamond goby seems to be his normal self. I haven't seen the yellow watchman yet but he's always been very shy.

I just realized I forgot their second feeding today. I'm trying to decide if I should put a little food in or not. I don't know if they'll have the strength or energy to eat it all of it but at the same time I'm worried they may need the food to get better. Any ideas/opinion/insight?

 

[platypusklr]

I keep a deep cycle battery (trolling motor/boat) and have a small dc power coverter with aligater clips. If the power dies its enouph to run a mag 9 and for about 8 hours. Keep it on a trickle charger so its ready at all times! Much cheaper than expensive backups and can recharge hundreds of times.

 

[platypusklr]

Try a bit of flake, if they activly eat than a small feeding will do untill they are back on thier feet.....fins.

 

[Bent]

Time to go buy a generator brah.

 

[shifty51008]

you can also buy a couple battery opperated airpumps to get you by for a while.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/silent-air-pump-with-battery-powered-back-up-sab11.html

 

[sealtea116]

Yea dr fosters sells a 3 pack for I believe 13 bucks

 

[ericarenee]

Time to go buy a generator brah.

1+ This.. If you have a Large tank . There is really NO OTHER Option in my opinion.....

Way too much at stake a 300.00 generator to save thousands in marine life..Its a NO Brainier...

 

[ScienceRulez]

Time to go buy a generator brah.

Depending on the energy requirements of the tank, but just for a couple power heads you can get a small generator like this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/engine...63cc-2-cycle-gas-generator-epacarb-60338.html

If you happen to have a store close by, they usually have them on sale this time of year for $80-90.

 

[tehpineapple]

Thanks everyone! They made it through the night and they all look great. I'm definitely going to be getting a generator after this. Just not worth the potential loss.

 

[KingTriton1]

If you have tunze powerheads then I recommend buying SLA batteries and the Tunze battery backup. Its the cheaper option and is better for power outages that happen while you are away.

 

[cincyjim]

I have the Tunze 1073.05 pump, 24v pin configuration, on a 24v battery back up. This will give me about 2 1/2 days of circulation and air/gas exchange.

 

[Bent]

Depending on the energy requirements of the tank, but just for a couple power heads you can get a small generator like this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/engine...63cc-2-cycle-gas-generator-epacarb-60338.html

If you happen to have a store close by, they usually have them on sale this time of year for $80-90.

Yeah I'm not talking a 4k dollar standby. Just a pull start emergency one.

You can even get fancy with it, wiring wise to make it a little easier to set up and tear down.