As most of us East Coasters in the US are aware of, Frankenstorm Hurricane Sandy is barreling it's way torwards us, affecting all eastern states. Expect winds starting from 75mph, snow in the north, rain and flooding more south. It's going to be one heck of a nasty storm. Power outtages are to be expected, and most of you are probably panicking as to what to do. The storm is to arrive by late afternoon Sunday for Maryland, then head north to New York and New Jersey by Wednesday, where it will start to peter out and dissipate. For people below the Mason Dixon, it'll be there Sunday morning. For those of you not already feeling the effects, preparation, preparation, preparation is key. Here's what you need to do to save your fish:
1) Stock up on water condtioner
With no filter, ammonia will rise. Daily big water changes are essential, so you'll be needing a lot of dechlorinator.
2) Get some plastic water bottles
Some of you in the northern states will have cold temperatures. The lucky few with gas stoves can heat water and put them into plastic water bottles to float in the tank, keeping water warm. Beware of temperature fluxuations!
Covering the tank in a blanket will keep the heat in.
3) Float your filter media in the tank.
The bacteria will die if the media gets dry. It will also give it some ammonia to feed on and convert.
4)Don't overfeed and limit feeding
You cannot afford any spikes in ammonia. Fish can go weeks with no food, but only days with ammonia
5) Invest in a battery operated air pump.
I strongly, strongly suggest everyone get a battery operated air pump. With no lights for plants to photosynthesize, no power for the filter or air bubbler to work, CO[sub]2[/sub] will rise and the fish will die of hypoxia. I recommend using the Marina Battery Operated Air Pump, worked wonders. Stock up on D-cell batteries, and don't let the air pump run for more than three days. It will overheat and burn out, leaving you pumpless. Give it occasional breaks to cool down.
This pump is readily available at Petco. Comes with air stone and hose.
6) Be vigilant
Monitor stats closely. Don't let things change too quickly or fish will die. Monitor fish behavior.
7) Buy some ammonia remover.
For some big, overstocked, or for messy fish, water changes may not be enough. Using ammonia removers or detoxifyers like AmmoniaSafe by Tetra or dechlorinators like Seachem Prime will help a lot.
8) Keep calm and carry on
Don't panic. This is the worst thing that can happen.
9) Stay safe.
Don't be that one idiot to go outside to videotape the storm. Who will take care of the fish if you get crushed by flying debris? If you house starts to flood, unplug all electronics and keep the wires dry and above the water.
10) Expect the worse
Better safe than sorry. Some more sensitive fish and invertebrates will die, and this cannot be avoided. Don't be too crushed, you won't be the only one.
If you can spare the money, buy a gasoline generator (don't use it indoors! Can cause fires and carbon monoxide poisoning!) or a battery backed-up power strip that can run your filter for a max of 10 minutes, but it eats up a lot of batteries!
Stay strong
1) Stock up on water condtioner
With no filter, ammonia will rise. Daily big water changes are essential, so you'll be needing a lot of dechlorinator.
2) Get some plastic water bottles
Some of you in the northern states will have cold temperatures. The lucky few with gas stoves can heat water and put them into plastic water bottles to float in the tank, keeping water warm. Beware of temperature fluxuations!
Covering the tank in a blanket will keep the heat in.
3) Float your filter media in the tank.
The bacteria will die if the media gets dry. It will also give it some ammonia to feed on and convert.
4)Don't overfeed and limit feeding
You cannot afford any spikes in ammonia. Fish can go weeks with no food, but only days with ammonia
5) Invest in a battery operated air pump.
I strongly, strongly suggest everyone get a battery operated air pump. With no lights for plants to photosynthesize, no power for the filter or air bubbler to work, CO[sub]2[/sub] will rise and the fish will die of hypoxia. I recommend using the Marina Battery Operated Air Pump, worked wonders. Stock up on D-cell batteries, and don't let the air pump run for more than three days. It will overheat and burn out, leaving you pumpless. Give it occasional breaks to cool down.
This pump is readily available at Petco. Comes with air stone and hose.
6) Be vigilant
Monitor stats closely. Don't let things change too quickly or fish will die. Monitor fish behavior.
7) Buy some ammonia remover.
For some big, overstocked, or for messy fish, water changes may not be enough. Using ammonia removers or detoxifyers like AmmoniaSafe by Tetra or dechlorinators like Seachem Prime will help a lot.
8) Keep calm and carry on
Don't panic. This is the worst thing that can happen.
9) Stay safe.
Don't be that one idiot to go outside to videotape the storm. Who will take care of the fish if you get crushed by flying debris? If you house starts to flood, unplug all electronics and keep the wires dry and above the water.
10) Expect the worse
Better safe than sorry. Some more sensitive fish and invertebrates will die, and this cannot be avoided. Don't be too crushed, you won't be the only one.
If you can spare the money, buy a gasoline generator (don't use it indoors! Can cause fires and carbon monoxide poisoning!) or a battery backed-up power strip that can run your filter for a max of 10 minutes, but it eats up a lot of batteries!
Stay strong
I wasn't taking any chances either so headed out to get a battery operated air pump anyway! Still should be nothing like the hurricanes I went through in NC! Hurricanes AND tornadoes at the same time are no joke!!!!!!!!!! Be safe everyone 
