Prepare for a blackout

[Sk8r]

They happen in all seasons. Some power companies have more than others.
If you think you are possibly subject to a blackout of more than 8 hours, consider the following. [Most tanks will be ok for 8 hours.] And mind, we have a good power company, but a weather disaster took down the lines for 8 DAYS.
Recommended: a Penn-plax battery operated air pump with hose and bubble-stone. More if large tank. Just have them in the tank. In a power failure, these turn on and keep your tank alive and your fish breathing as long as your supply of batteries holds out.
Ziploc bags. Ice in bags. Replace as needed (Warm weather)
In cold weather, let the temperature fall: down to 62 degrees, most things will survive, and the colder water actually helps the aeration problem: cold water holds more oxygen than warm.
Ammonia test.
A bottle of Prime or Amquel.
If you can swing it, a generator: study how one might help you, and how much you would need. You can alternately plug in, say, your ice box, your microwave, your computer, or your tank.

Been there, done that: wished I'd had the Penn-plaxes. Our local store sold out real fast.

[homer1475]

I wonder if this PSA(if you will) has anything to do with the recent thread about generators?

Always a good write up Sk8r! :thumbsup:

[Sk8r]

Missed the thread on generators, but I can say they have a lot of variations and using one is not plug-and-play. My advice is several-fold: consider that they have to be run outside (gasoline engine); and that they have to be stored (gasoline---and their internal works have to be protected from gumming up); and be sure to buy one you can lift and move (some are real horses, and if there is no one at home in the emergency who CAN lift it, you may have problem.) And finally, have a real meaningful chain and lock to be sure nobody can steal it, because when you really need them, the black market swings into action.

[homer1475]

And finally, have a real meaningful chain and lock to be sure nobody can steal it, because when you really need them, the black market swings into action.

I never think of things like this since I live and grew up where we still leave our doors unlocked and the keys in the car running. lol

[bnumair]

I invested in a natural gas generator for whole house. Total installed cost $6000. If you don't want a whole house system you can pick up a small unit to just power tank and few lights around house for less than $2k for gas or even solar units.
Other than that follow what sk8r said for emergency.

[Sk8r]

We don't have to worry much about thieves, but when a third of your city is without power it gets interesting. Weather, too, tends to bring out the bad guys. My marshmallow of a cat caught one guy trying to make off with our snowblower: he'd be so embarrassed to know he was nabbed by my avatar.

[ComforablyNumb]

In cold weather power outs, wrap a blanket around your tank. Makes a big diff in heat retention.

If no airstone avail, even mixing the water manually will help.

One thing I am considering for my next generator: battery pack electric start. The power went out here and its was -20F at the time...gens can be VERY difficult to get started at those temps.