Backup system for power failure

[linarite]

Hi everyone,
I have another question - I live in a part of Texas prone to hurricanes and the resulting damage including days or possibly weeks without power. Can anyone recommend a good backup generator system for my tank? The tank is only 30 gallons at this time so doesn't have to be a big one, just one that could work for several days. I have checked online but not sure which one is worth the investment. As for those times when it's best to leave town I have purchased several 5 gallon buckets with lids to transport the fish in. I'm hoping they could travel in this manner without too much stress but any other suggestions for transport would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Emma Turner]

Hi there,

Whilst I can't advise on generators etc for you, as they will no doubt be different to what we have available in the UK, I would add battery powered air pumps to your list of must-have's for use in the buckets should you have to move the fish.

Emma

[linarite]

Hi Emma,
I was wondering if I should try those with the buckets. I would like to try to recreate the tank environment in the bucket as closely as possible to reduce the amount of stress. It would mean practically dismantling my tank but worth the effort. I would use the water from the tank for this operation but is there anything else I could add to the water to help the fish during this time?

Thanks for the suggestion.

[Diana]

I would not try to re-create the tank inside the bucket.
Fish will be less stressed in the dark, so this rules out adding plants to the buckets. Harder things that could fall over and knock the fish are also ruled out.
The battery powered air bubblers are a great idea. Look into these through aquarium suppliers (I think Dr Foster and Smith has them) and look at sporting goods stores. Fishermen use the 12 volt version on their boats to keep bait and catch alive.

Other than that, look into the supplies for people that shipp fish a lot. There are some tablets you can use that calm the fish, and perhaps adsorb ammonia, or add oxygen.

[Tinman]

I have a generator for that and more. During the ice storms I lost power for an extended time so now I have back up. You do not need to worry for a few hours,after a few days then worry.RULE ONE Don't feed until power is restored for sure and if it is cold cover your tanks with a large thick blanket. With a generator you must have gas on hand as the stations around you will likely be down also.If you buy a small one buy a Honda as they are silent,and SET IT AWAY from your house.CO2 kills most people with these.Natural Gas powered gen sets w/automatic transfer if on a pipeline for your entire house is the top shelf way to go so as to keep sumps and air conditioning or heat on,TV Radio etc. and it may be less than 6,000.00 but that is still a ton I know

[linarite]

I have considered a back system for the house since my home is all electric but was thinking more of just something for the tank. I had found systems that work on a large battery setup but wasn't sure if anyone had actual experience with them. Temp will not be a problem as it is usually very hot and humid after one of these blows thru especially with no AC.

I didn't realize that the fish would be more comfortable in the dark. It makes sense when you think about it though. I did see the smaller systems at Fosters and Smith but hadn't thought about the sporting good store. I will check them out also. The next time I make a trip to my lfs I will check on shipping methods to see if they can give me some ideas about what products to use and where to purchase them. Leaving an area the size of Houston can be a problem and a very long drive. Being prepared for one of these storms is the key to getting thru one with a minimum of damage.

Thanks for all the ideas.

[crazy loaches]

I lost a lot of fish in a mid winter outage here a few years ago. I put in a generator finally earlier this year, I found a pretty high rated one inexpensive at Sam's Club. Powerboss 8600W start, 5600W continous for $599. This will run just about anything I need in my house. But the cheap ones have there drawbacks, pretty loud, and it doesnt idle down. If your just wanting to run your tanks I'd be looking for one of the smaller portable ones. Remember if your wanting to actually rig your whole house to run of the generator its going to cost a few hundred at least to get a transfer switch (and however much for an electrician to install it). If your just wanting to power an aquarium just buy a really long heavy duty extension cord like 12-14 awg and run it through a window or something.