Power's Been Cut Off

[attibones]

I'm in a bit of a financial crisis and my power was cut off today. I won't be able to pay the power company until at least Friday. How do I keep my four tanks surviving? I've been trying to sell a few of them, but no luck so far. I don't know what to do.

 

[Madjonny]

Maybe you know a builder or someone who has a generator?

 

[attibones]

Nope. I don't know anyone in this area apart from college kids.

 

[ReiRei]

Find a way of warming water, put it into a bottle and float the bottles in the tanks to act as a temporary heater.

 

[wrighty8529]

maybe try contacting ur power company and ask to put it back on ul'e pay friday u need power to cook your food

 

[attibones]

They won't turn the power back on, as we already missed out extension.

I'm not so much worried about the water being cold, I'm worried about it getting too hot and an ammonia build up. The heat index today is 100F. The house stays about the same temp as it is outside. Should I float the bio media in the water for a few days? What about the water being too hot? I can't do any water changes as water from the tap is too cold and my water heater is electric.

 

[Blondielovesfish]

If you need to do a water change then prepare the water a few hours beforehand and let it warm up to room temperature before adding it to the tank.
Floating the media would be a good idea.

 

[attibones]

How at risk am I for losing my fish?

 

[Wildbetta]

Depends on the type of fish.  If it is only bettas -- probably will not suffer any loss since they are tough and they don't require oxygenated water. 
 
Other fish -- it can be touch and go.  Every hour or so you can remove about a gallon of water and then replace a gallon making sure it really ruffles the surface of the water to increase the O2 level for fish that don't breathe from the surface.

 

[misterpro]

Is there no option to run a power cable from a neighbor to your house?  (with their permission of course)

 

[techen]

I hope I don't sound too rude but, Running 4 fish tanks sounds uncheap for your power bill. Why not save yourself money and run one? Heaters tend to be the worse for burning away power.

 

[Wildbetta]

Not necessarily.  I run 9 tanks all of which have heaters and I barely see a blip on my electric bill.

 

[techen]

Depending on the size of tanks, your speaking like 1k of power from heaters alone. Then lights and filters, I must admit if it does not dent your power bill then you must have some high usage else where

 

[snazy]

It's not that expensive. I run 5 tanks. Most of the time the heaters are not on though as we don't get extreme temperatures.
 
@ Attibones:
 
Try doing small water changes every day, even twice a day with your tap to make it easier. Fill it up very slow so the temperature difference doesn't shock the fish. Get a hose if you can and hook it to your tap to make it easier.  Lowering the temperature a bit is a good idea as this will increase the oxygen levels your fish and  bacteria need oxygen.  The water changes need to be done to remove the build up of ammonia that will happen. Also, splash the water when filling up to increase oxygen levels. Open the tank lids.
Do not feed the fish.
 
The best of luck. It's a horrible situation but sadly it happens to many people. What a world we are living in..

 

[attibones]

I hope I don't sound too rude but, Running 4 fish tanks sounds uncheap for your power bill. Why not save yourself money and run one? Heaters tend to be the worse for burning away power.

My power bill has been the same for months. The real issue is that I've had several emergencies. Besides, only two tanks are mine. It's been a bad month. Regardless of that, two tanks are for sale. Most of the sucking of the power comes from the fact that my oven is electric. If I had a gas stove, it'd be cheaper my landlords insisted that they install this new fangled electric oven.

Anyway, glad to report that I had a buddy come through on some money he owed me and power's back on! Hell yeah!