View Full Version : How long can tank live with no lights? Possible Power Outage!
forrealb50
02/05/2010, 08:44 PM
I live in Northern VA and were are expected to get a lot of snow by the end of the weekend (20-30"). Right now theres only 6" on the ground and the lights are already flickering in my condo. I'm not worried about heat because we only turn the heat on at night and with no heat on our place never gets below 74. I also have a battery powered air pump with that will help circulate a little.
What about light though? How long can my reef than live with the lights out?
MikeandNicole
02/05/2010, 08:46 PM
Lights can be off for a while. Some people will blackout their tank for 3 days for algae control. The more important things during a power outage are heat and oxygen in the water. Sounds like you have both covered so you should be just fine.
forrealb50
02/05/2010, 08:50 PM
Lights can be off for a while. Some people will blackout their tank for 3 days for algae control. The more important things during a power outage are heat and oxygen in the water. Sounds like you have both covered so you should be just fine.
Can you black out a tank with corals? I would think corals would suffer drastically.
Reefbox
02/05/2010, 08:53 PM
battery powered air pump w extra batteries can keep a tank alive awhile as long as temps dont get to hot/cold.
forrealb50
02/05/2010, 08:56 PM
Thanks for the quick responses. Now I'm slightly less stressed about this storm.
NirvanaFan
02/05/2010, 09:00 PM
They can go days without light. Like stated before, your main concerns are oxygen and temperature. Keep the water moving and oxygen won't be a problem.
Anteverius
02/05/2010, 09:05 PM
I went 4 days without lights on a tank w/ corals. Only thing running was an airstone. Everything survived. Keep your temps in line and I would think it would be ok. Good luck.
roblack
02/05/2010, 09:07 PM
I've had corals arrive after 4 days in a box in total darkness (sps included) and survive, dirty water and all. Great shippers though for sure.
sedor
02/05/2010, 09:11 PM
I've run my tank dark for 4 days before as well with no problems. Think about it in the wild the reefs go through periods where there are heavy storms for days that block out the sunlight.
mfinn
02/05/2010, 09:14 PM
I was without power for 6 days and nothing was lost. I was able to use a small generator for pumps and a heater, but it wasn't enough for lights on my reef tank.
r-balljunkie
02/05/2010, 09:49 PM
i went 2 1/2 weeks during hurricane ike, no lights. i really suggest you get an inverter, if possible and you have access to your car to run at least a pump.
you stated you live in a condo, might not be practical.
I'm guessing you stay warm in the condo because your neighbors are heating you. If the power goes out, that no longer happens. However, it will take a while for the temp to drop. You might want to keep some blankets around to wrap the aquarium and help keep in the heat. Also, if you have a gas-powered water heater, you can fill plastic bags with hot water and float them in your tank.
CJ
david pinder
02/05/2010, 10:51 PM
also went without lights during hurricane IkE but mine were out only a week did have plenty of circulation believe thats the key
SaltieG
02/05/2010, 11:43 PM
We have part of this snow storm moving through right now. Our power was already knocked out for a few minutes about two hours ago and all I have is battery powered air pumps if it goes out again. I realized I don't have much in the defense against a power outage so I will be looking at buying a small generator or power inverter myself. I also programmed my RKL to heat the tank up just a small tad more incase the power shuts off again. Atleast then my tanks heat will last a bit longer.
tran901
02/05/2010, 11:49 PM
im glad you asked because i am thinking trading out my t5s for a set of halides...
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