Power out, how long can tank be ok?

I have a 55 gal with a 20 gal sump and the power has been out for about an hour. How long before things start to turn south? I have it failry lightly stocked, 1 yellow tail, 1 clown, 1 goby, 1 sixline and 1 flasher wrasse, all small. My biggest concern is oxygen and temperature. thanks

 

The oxygen in the tank will last for a few hours. If you have a gas stove, heat up some water and float it in a plastic bag in the DT to maintain temperature.

The pitcher method works to aerate your water. Take a clean pitcher and scoop up some water from the tank. Hold the pitcher some distance above the tank and pour it back in.





Best of luck!

 

+1 on Slocal above , also battery operated air pumps as used for transporting live bait can be usefull in these conditions

I had power outs in UK many years ago due to roadworks and an accident with power lines - I had a tank full of Softies, shrooms, Zoas etc and a couple of LPS - power was off 8 hours and although the corals closed down obviously, everything made it OK

Steve

 

Petco has a battery operated air stone which I bought for these emergencies just to provide some additional oxygen. Usually the power outage in the Philly area does not last longer than a couple hours. (Hopefully for you)

 

+1 to you Steve.. That is exactly what I was going to say... Got a Walmart that is close to you... Run Down and pick one up....Can't hurt

 

generator

You can also get compact generators with really good power output at lowe's or home depot. Everytime i go in there i see smaller ones with higher power output for less $$ than before. I paid $300 for mine 2 years ago. I'm sure there is somthing better out now.

 

if your lightly stocked with hardy soft or lps corals your tank will last alot longer then you think. after a hurricane, i had a reef weather(pun not intended) a 2 week black out.

 

Hurricane
Here--read this--very worthwhile!!!!!

 

For $75 you can buy a 750W inverter at Lowes or Home Depot. It connects to your car battery with small jumper cable like clips. It will have enough power to run your pumps, heater and some lights.

Black & Decker PI750AB 750 Watt Power Inverter

My power went out last weekend and I ran out and bought one. It starts beeping when the car battery gets too low and you have to turn the engine on.

 

I have been thinking of buying a gas powered generator. The power hasnt gone out hear in years, but you never know.
Found this one on ebay.
1000 Watt Gasoline Powered Generator-Major PRICE CUT! - eBay (item 250387704030 end time Apr-09-09 20:44:19 PDT)