Well I have 4 tanks (135, 75, 55, and 20 high). We lost power for four days this week (Friday night until Tuesday night) and somehow managed to only lose one tiger barb out of the 55. Didn't have a battery powered air pump so relied on the 'pitcher method' (dipping a pitcher in the water and pouring it back into the tank - each tank about 5-15 times) twice a day. Did no water changes because our basement is as close to pitch black as you can get in a power outage. Thankfully the basement stayed in the high 70's, so the temp was fine. Canisters stayed closed, connected and plugged in the whole time and turned on when power finally restored - no problems (actually just forgot to deal with them, so LUCKY!). HOBs and w/d just waited as well. Have sponges in two tanks. Fish are tough. I just didn't feed them at all during this and their water quality returned in less than 24 hours of being back on (even waited until today to do water changes in case the bacteria colony needed time to replenish - plus there was no need to do it immediately). Planted 20 gallon did by far the best, despite no light at all. It looked like the power had never gone out.
Just a story of luck and circumstances. I keep mostly cichlids, barbs, tetras and cats (including plecos). They took it on the chin like it was nothing. No need to panic in these situations if you've got hardy fish. Delicates are another matter I'd wager.
As always, the best prep is keeping your tanks in good condition all the time and not overstocking.
Just a story of luck and circumstances. I keep mostly cichlids, barbs, tetras and cats (including plecos). They took it on the chin like it was nothing. No need to panic in these situations if you've got hardy fish. Delicates are another matter I'd wager.
As always, the best prep is keeping your tanks in good condition all the time and not overstocking.
