storm preparation

[knukles55]

so as we all know this hurricane could be coming this way or I could fall apart. but I wanted to start a thread and see what you guys do to prepare your tanks for a hurricane in the case that we lose power for a couple days. I'm sure this thread be useful to some

 

[fasteddie222]

You beat me too it. I have never been in a hurricane with a tank. I'm thinking now about buying a generator but I don't know.

 

[rovster]

Need to buy a generator lol! Other than my battery backup, only thing I do is make sure my RO and salt water bins are full and ready to go. Was just talking to wifey about getting a generator.

 

[Lacy]

We already have a generator. Have always had one. Hurricane Wilma we were out of power for 5 days. Even had neighbors hooking up to it. It came in handy. Other than the generator I always make sure the ro/di and saltwater tanks are full. Might do a water change tomorrow.

 

[ravedood]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I would think a tank can go several hours without water circulation. I mean how long do fish spend in bags while shipping? I think a generator is only needed if you are without power for more than a day. I think I'm going to buy a couple of those battery powered air pumps with some air stones.

 

[Airtex]

Here is a good link...although I would choose to freeze ro/di water in 2 liter plastic bottles instead of ice in zip loc bags

http://www.life-aquatic.com/resources-surviving-a-power-outage.html

 

[fasteddie222]

Yes tanks can go several hours without circulation. Another thing you cant forget is the heat from not having AC I think that could be a problem. No?

 

[knukles55]

Yes tanks can go several hours without circulation. Another thing you cant forget is the heat from not having AC I think that could be a problem. No?

Yup but that was what aritex was saying about frozen liters of R0 water set it in your sump or display if your not fortunate to have a generator

 

[fasteddie222]

Yup but that was what aritex was saying about frozen liters of R0 water set it in your sump or display if your not fortunate to have a generator

Oh I was wondering what he was talking about. It makes sense. Thanks

 

[Manfredo]

I have a generator, but you could get a Marine battery and inverter to run a small powerhead and aerator for a couple hours.

 

[Lacy]

Channel 10 reported one of the Lowes possibly in Pembroke Pines was already sold out of generators. This seems to happen every hurricane/big storm lots of stores sell out. Even if not for this storm it is always good to have one instead of waiting till the last minute. I know people put them on CL at the last minute so that is always a good place to get one.

 

[CHSUB]

i have a generator that can run nearly my whole house, however, i still get nervous!!! lost a tank during Wilma's 9 day power outage.....

 

[S13<3]

*If you have a generator, check the oil level/condition and run the generator for 10-15min making sure it runs good, obviously make sure you get some gas for it!
*Do a water change/ scrape glass/ change media/ filter socks/pad, do water tests, clean pumps etc. basically make sure your tank is in tip top condition, less chance something will go wrong
*Have a spare tank/container big enough to house your fish and coral in case things go sour
*Make/get at least 10-15g(more depending on the size of your tank) of saltwater^
*Have enough top off water for 2 weeks
*Get a battery powered air pump and plenty of batteries for it

Im sure im missing stuff but this is what i do to prep for a storm

 

[DRThompson]

I have ups battery backups for my Apex and mp40s. I also have a 6500k gen that can run everything. Learned my lesson after Wilma.

 

[Dashylock]

Just ordered a generator off amazon prime shipping, Champion 4000W...better safe than sorry. We aren't going to be effected but decided to finally take the plunge have been putting it off.

 

[ERivera65]

A few things that are always handy are those battery operated air pumps that will help with surface agitation and circulation. Another trick is when it gets hot, put some ice in ziplock bags and put them in the tank to cool the water, make sure the bag doesn't leak the ice water into the tank, unless its filtered. also even a battery operated fan to blow across the surface of the water will help. also if you can let some sunlight into the room to help illuminate the tank, that may help get some light to your corals if the power is out. another trick is buy a marine/boat deep cycle battery that lasts longer than car batteries and get a power inverter that can handle the wattage from a power head so it can help with water circulation, which is a backup I have. if the battery dies out, you can always hook it up to your car and charge it back up if the power is out. those are a few tricks I have learned. oh and of course, stock up on fresh new saltwater and rodi. since the ammonia levels can rise without any means of filtration, water changes will be a must. also get some seachem prime, the ammonia remover, it helps from what I have heard.