Storm Preparation

connpatd

New member
We're expecting a bad storm/possible hurricane here in the Houston area.

What do you guys do to plan for storms and in particular, extended power-outs?
 
Pray they never happen!!

But in reality, they do so I've seen post about battery powered fans, powerheads ect. Also some people seem to have battery backups on there systems primary equipment. I've also read, and my thought is a generator. Some of the battery powered stuff has the advantage of automatically turning on with loss of power unlike a generator where you need to be there to turn it on.

I'm sure more folks with more specifics will chime in.

Good luck and be safe with the storm coming.
 
We have frequent ice storms here in the winter, which cause the power lines to break. Sometimes it takes the power company 2 weeks to get them back up. A lot of people invest in a generator and have it wired into their house. That's an option for you. Good luck!
 
You can get whole home generators that will fore on when the power goes out then turn off when stable power is available. They are not cheap though and usually require a professional installation for the special wiring...

Computer backups would be good options to keep things running when the power goes out. They should keep powerheads and air pumps going for at least awhile. If you got a few you could separate the load and keep it going longer. Remember to get quality ones though, those Best Buy cheapies don't always hold power very long...

The most important thing though is YOU keep safe... Set up the precautions for the tank then get out of there if it is going to hit hard. No use risking your life...
 
Generator, if you're in a house.
computer APC can help.
In a pinch, prioritize pump: lights can be out for days, no problem. In a real pinch, pump run for 5 min an hour in lightly-loaded tank (as with my fish list in my sig) can spin out reserve power for much longer time. Lethal low-end temperature: 62 degrees. Not likely in a hurricane.

Good luck to you guys!
 
Dolly knocked power out to South Padre for almost 2 weeks.

I don't live there anymore, but I have a portable generator that we had to use on a couple of occasions.

If you can not afford a generator- you need to purchase some type of upc or battery powered aerators. I had a pennplax b11 on my tank when I lived in SPI, it is one that you plug into an electrical outlet and would power on once power went out.

Good Luck.
 
I have a backup generator. Two weeks would be tough, but I can make it about 3-4 days before I need to resort more desparate means.

I think the biggest problem is air exchange, so a setup get a air pump & stone and a car battery.
 
For lighting I would guess move your tank near to an open window?

Put those teflon couch mover trays that make moving furniture easy under the tank.

LOL either its teflon or just real slippery plastic.


The main thing I would worry about is battery air bubble maker and light and then heat next. But texas is having a heat wave right now so you are safe.
 
Re: Storm Preparation

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13085459#post13085459 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by connpatd
We're expecting a bad storm/possible hurricane here in the Houston area.

What do you guys do to plan for storms and in particular, extended power-outs?

Since your prone to hurricanes in Houston and possibly weeks without power you should own a generator.
Maybe a UPS for short power outages to run a powerhead of two in the tank and have a generator handy for the big ones. You could always run an ac inverter off of your car with an extension cord but that would get old real fast and is very limited to the number of amp/watts it will run. Besides, a generator could charge batteries, save your freezer, and run appliances if necessary. Make sure you have plenty of batteries and fresh water on hand.
 
+1 on the generator

In the meantime pick up a battery powered air pump (they are automatic and come on when the power is off... $15).

Freeze 2 litter bottles of water to use as a cooling system if needed.
 
Yes, I have a whole house generator. I assume the worst on a power outage which means I make sure my pumps are working, all refrigeration/heating works, and my refrigerators are also on. Some lighting, garage door openers, sump pumps.
 
If your expecting a hurricane in the next few days get a gas powered generator. A whole house generator would be nice but it takes time to install and you don't have that right now. They also have DC to AC converts that you can run from your car.
 
If I lived in a area known for real bad weather I'd use the overflow as a fast get-away and let all fish swim down to the sump.(if I had a sump)
 
Interesting. Why put the fish in the sump?

Thinking of getting a gas generator.

I can't wait to explain this to my wife. She isn't happy when I spent $40 on a new frag.

Running a generator by her is going to give me a major headache.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13087423#post13087423 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by connpatd
I can't wait to explain this to my wife. She isn't happy when I spent $40 on a new frag.

Dude,

It's not for you. It's to safeguard the house, frig, alll the $$ in the freezer. Ever notice how crime takes off during (or right after) these storms. You're worried about her safety. Kids too if you have them.

Also, the humidity is a killer during these storms, so you want a few AC units that fit within the power budget.

I have a home business, so of course, the business paid for generator for, er, business reasons. Actually, that one has some validity because when I installed it, I was having persistent issues with power failures.

The 100 amp whole house standby generators are available, but you're talking $8000.

I have a 30 amp standby that is good enough for the frig, one window AC's, laptop & network, and of course, sump pumps and skimmers. I bought the generator on CraigsList $600 that runs on LP bottles like for a gas grill. It was a steal. I then went stupid and put in a 250 gallon LP tank for $2000.

But, forget it now with storm clouds brewing. Get to a walmart, get a aerator & air stone from the fish section, car battery, 12-volt car charger, and a 400 watt DC-AC converter w/ alligator cliips. Don't forget a 12-volt radio as a cover story. :) (And, beer. Don't for get the beer.)

Get the battery charged while your getting the radio working.

Open Beer.

You're good to go.
 
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