Hurricane Matthew & Power Outage

[RobZilla04]

So far been without power for 36 hours. I've been manually oxygenating water with a cup and splashing every few hours. Just had a friend hook me up with a couple power supplies which we are alternating running the sump return pump and the more powerful circulation pump. Power for each only lasts about 45 min to an hour. Temp is stable due to the Florida fall temps of 80+.

Thus far all coral and fish appear to be doing well. The LTA has been in many forms but appears to be surviving as well.

Is there anything I'm missing or should be doing? Power expected to return in 24 to 36 hours. I was planning a 10 percent water change upon return. Anything else I need to plan on?

Thanks

 

[jstack]

So far been without power for 36 hours. I've been manually oxygenating water with a cup and splashing every few hours. Just had a friend hook me up with a couple power supplies which we are alternating running the sump return pump and the more powerful circulation pump. Power for each only lasts about 45 min to an hour. Temp is stable due to the Florida fall temps of 80+.

Thus far all coral and fish appear to be doing well. The LTA has been in many forms but appears to be surviving as well.

Is there anything I'm missing or should be doing? Power expected to return in 24 to 36 hours. I was planning a 10 percent water change upon return. Anything else I need to plan on?

Thanks

if you feel like sleeping get a 5g bucket fill with tank water have some holes pre-made make a waterfall back into the tank

 

[RobZilla04]

Been getting up every few hours which wasn't hard last night. The wind kept waking us up, tonight I'd like a full night of sleep so I'll consider that.

 

[Cancun]

Hi! It looks to me like you are doing all you can! The waterfall idea is good one! Keep us posted on how things are doing in your tank...and I hope they get your power on asap!

 

[Bluefish9]

Not much help at night but thought Id share this solar pump anyway. Good luck, I lost a tank during Sandy. At least u have the warm weather on your side

https://www.amazon.com/Generic-Solar-Power-Garden-Fountain/dp/B007SKGSU6


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RobZilla04]

Thanks guys, the power came back on this morning at 6a. Total of almost 48 hours without power. Everything seems to be running fine. I'll update again after the lights kick on and I can evaluate with some water tests.

 

[RobZilla04]

Here are the test results pre and post power outage.

Before After

pH 8.1 7.8
amm 0 0
Nitri 0 0
Nitra 4.0 15
Phos .15 .10
Alk 11.5 9.7

I did all the tests as accurate as possible with API. Phos I used a seachem confirmation and got the same result.

Obviously nitrates are elevated. I limited feeding to once during the outage.

The Alk drop has me perplexed. It had been running 11+ throughout the life of the tank (6ish months).

Again is there anything I'm missing or should be concerned with?

Just did a 5 gallon water change.

 

[RobZilla04]

Bump

 

[CindyK]

Could the drop in alk have something to do with having less flow -> more CO2 during the outage? Just a thought, my chemistry is probably way off. Let us know if it comes back.
And glad to hear you and your tank came through ok. I grew up in Orlando, many family and friends there.

 

[RobZilla04]

I appreciate the response. I monitored through the day yesterday and life popped back rather well.

On the positive the phosphates are really low and the green hair algea has been reduced to nearly none.

 

[Flaring Afro]

For next time, you can get battery powered air pumps in the fishing section of Walmart. A lot more convenient than having to constantly get up and splash the water. :thumbsup:

 

[stephantmi]

I used an inverter and powered off car... although only out of power for 24 hours, keeping pumps running, let me sleep better...

 

[RobZilla04]

More great advice! Now that you mention it I remember seeing battery air packs for moving fish. If anyone is reading this, I remember they are fairly cheap and def worth it if you want some solid sac time without worrying.

I'll prob test again tomorrow and compare the results now that things are back to normal.

 

[Sk8r]

Glad to see you're doing all right. Penn-Plax makes little battery run bubbler-pumps for tanks, Petco, et al, if there are any left.

 

[Enavin]

For next time, you can get battery powered air pumps in the fishing section of Walmart. A lot more convenient than having to constantly get up and splash the water. :thumbsup:

If you can't find them there because they're sold out or whatever reason, check bait shops. If they have live bait there is a decent chance they sell the battery powered air stones. That's where I found mine. All the local stores I'd normally go to were sold out of them.. except the bait stores. I guess no one thought about it.

 

[RobZilla04]

Couple of days with power and post 5 gallon water change and here are the test results.

Temp 79.4
Sal 1.026
pH 8.1
Amm 0
Nitri 0
Nitra 15
Phos .15 / .15 (confirmed via two tests)
All 11.9
Cal 450
Mag 1100

Everything is back to normal as far as look, color, and behavior!

 

[Sk8r]

Excellent!

 

[chrishhi]

We got evacuated and lost power for a few days from the Hurricane. Came back with all fish and clean up crew dead. Only fish to live was Cardinal, couple of Mushrooms. After one month did some aquascaping and two days later found my Yellow Watchman swimming in the tank.

Tank info : 40 Gal,