Cheap tank life support?

Kershaw · Mar 5, 2016

ok so currently we have a pretty bad wind storm. And it has got me thinking.
1) how long can fish survive in a tank with out power?
2) how long can coral survive?
I have had other tanks and have had power outages. But never longer then an hour with out any issues other then water on floor( learned that lesson)
So what are some affordable ways to keep your fish and coral alive while your waiting for power to be restored?

ReefQueen · Mar 6, 2016

I have used those battery powered air pumps in the past. Not as good as a back up generator, but it kept everything alive for a few days

this was in the summer though so heat want an issue for me.

Kershaw · Mar 6, 2016

Battery air pump? Don't think I have see. Them

hybridazn · Mar 6, 2016

A generator is one of the best investments you can make. I have a 6500 watt generator ready and waiting

ReefQueen · Mar 6, 2016

http://www.amazon.com/Marina-11134-Battery-Operated-Air-Pump/dp/B003TLWXOS

I used these ones

Kershaw · Mar 6, 2016

Oh nice thanks. Yes I am wanting a generator I even want to set it up to auto start in the event of a power failure. But it's not in the budget.

saltyfilmfolks · Mar 6, 2016

yup those are good. on thing the tank needs too is flow. As I understand and have been subject to im pretty sure. If the rock and sand dont get flow the animals and bacteria cant breath. I put a y on mt pump hose and hce 2 piess of pvc with the air stones on the bottom. the air pulls the water up and out out of the pvc creating flow.
emay also has 12v air pumps you can hook a car battery too.
or a small solar panel with charger switch & larger 12v battery. then power a battery back up or just the pump.

Kershaw · Mar 6, 2016

I will be ordering one or two of these air pumps. Some one else had a post recently on here saying he lost fish after 45 min with out power. And every one was saying oxygen. But how do they ship fish in bags with out them dying. I know some do but. Not enough for them to find a different way

saltyfilmfolks · Mar 6, 2016

not sure here. could have been other probs too. a fish in bad health will go down hill quick. or call Banana Sauce on him. One friend here, bluefish lost some quite old ones with no return for 10hrs with flow and powerhead even but no heat.

hybridazn · Mar 6, 2016

If anything I would buy a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) that can power the return pump and a heater for a few hours if need be.

cmcoker · Mar 6, 2016

You can get the battery bubblers at Walmart, in an emergency. They are in the fishing section for bait buckets..

glweek · Mar 6, 2016

Got one of these and has saved my tank a hand full of times. Doesn't run for more than a 3-6 hours so you or a roommate/family/neighbor needs to refill it a few times a day/night. But for $100 id do it again.

http://www.harborfreight.com/engine...63cc-2-cycle-gas-generator-epacarb-60338.html

vic67 · Mar 6, 2016

If nothing else get a bucket, remove tank water and put it back in immediately. Keep repeating this process; it'll break the water's surface, add oxygen and flow.
Best case scenario would be the whole house generator but that's not in my budget right now. I do have a propane generator - 4000watts (around $300) for emergencies.
One other option would be a power converter plugged into your car.