What To Do When The Power Goes Out...

[mellanby]

I stopped by my LFS today to ask about a battery operated pump to keep my tank going in the event the power goes off again this hurricane season (I was out for 14 days after Wilma). They told me as long as there was some movement in the tank, and the surface of the water was getting broken, I'd be fine. I bought a battery operated pump that is connected to a hose and an air stone.

Was I duped or am I ok?
BTW, I have a 24 gallon nano cube - nothing huge.

thanks!

 

[xNOTLOCx]

well i also wrap my entire tank with a sleeping bag or something thick and heavy liek a blanket so it doesnt lose temp too quickly... its happened once already, for air i have a battery operated air pump it just spurts out bubbles theres a dial for the bubble speed. and then during the day since its so dark i just put a flash light over the tank, it does nothing but it makes my fishies happy so they dnt think anything is going on, myne is 30g, so hmmm idno the sleeping bag really helps or a blanket,

 

[Mr Miagi]

Youve done the right thing, a battery operated air pump is extremly helpful in the case of an extended blackout. (I need to get one).

Your LFS, IMO, wasnt thinking to laterally. If the power is out, how are you going to get any surface agitation? Its not going to come by the way of a power head, and if you had a sump/fuge, the return pump would also stop.

Notloc is also right, a blanket around the tank will keep some warmth in the tank for periods when you have no power.

 

[crazyelece]

If you have the means or the funds, A generator is the best option. They are like gold though when something like a huricane pops up.

 

[SkiFletch]

If you have the means or the funds, A generator is the best option. They are like gold though when something like a huricane pops up.

Agree agree agree. My aunt/uncle live in Ft lauderdale and were hit very hard by wilma. 11 days without power. They also have a reef tank that after hurricanes a couple years back bought a generator for. Quoth my uncle, 'Even with a battery operated pump we lost half the tank before... I'm not going through that again.' With the generator they kept all their livestock and had water and A/C... claimed it was the best purchase he ever made