Are you prepared for unexpected power outages? Extreme weather conditions can provide unique challenges for Aquarium Enthusiasts.

Whether a hurricane or a winter blizzard, severe storms can cause power outages lasting hours or sometimes even days and beyond. Keeping your aquatic friends safe during these times is critical. Being prepared can help ease the stress when your tank is suddenly quiet and motionless. Here are some straightforward tips to help you prepare and take action during a power outage.

 

Preparation & Tips

Backup Energy Supply:

If you are able to prepare in advance, invest in a generator. There are several types of generators, Gas, Electric, Portable and Stand By. Several other alternatives are a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) or Power Inverter. At a minimum, have a battery-operated air pump on hand for oxygenation and water circulation.

 

Temperature Control:

for managing temperature changes; in hot weather use frozen water bottles filled with RODI (Reverse Osmosis Deionized water) water prepared in advance to lower temps, monitoring to ensure slower reduction in temperature, aiming for no more than 2 or 3 degrees F in a 4-hour period. Use caution when using tap water to make frozen water bottles, making sure caps are sealed tight. RODI is a safer option in case of container failure.

Wrapping emergency mylar blankets around the tank to conserve heat during cold weather is one way to help keep the heat in during shorter outages. Made of metalized plastic sheeting, mylar blankets help hold the existing heat in. For smaller aquariums, taping single-use air activated hand warmer heat packs to the outside of the glass.

 

Maintaining Water Quality:

If you don't have a generator or a UPS (uninterrupted power supply), having a battery-powered aerators on hand can help to provide the aeration needed to supply oxygen to your tank.

Don’t worry, even if you have not had a chance to prepare, you can still manually provide oxygen exchange by filling a container from the tank and from a height of about 6 inches, just enough height to cause a ripple in the surface and pouring the water slowly back in several times, then repeating at regular intervals of about every 15-30 minutes until power returns.

If the power is out for extended periods of time make sure to take off line (unplug) all pumps and reactors. Remove all filter pads and canister filters and or reactors. Take apart and clean thoroughly as if doing a regular maintenance, so that dying bacteria is not injected back into your tank when power is restored.

Avoid feeding your fish during the outage. Most fish can go without food for several days without harm.

 

Lighting:

Most corals and plants, even SPS corals can survive without light for a few days. Focus on maintaining oxygen and temperature levels first.

 

After the Power Returns: Post-Outage Care

You will want to keep an eye on your water parameters when the aquarium is back up and functioning again as a lot of beneficial bacteria can die from oxygen deprivation, causing ammonia spikes. Test water parameters, in particular ammonia and consider a partial water change if necessary to restore optimal conditions.

Resume Feeding with caution: use care by feeding in smaller quantities, resuming to normal amounts once everything stabilizes to avoid overloading the system.

 

Conclusion

Power outages can be quite common or occur randomly when least expected. Being prepared in advance and knowing the steps to take during a power outage can provide critical care for your aquarium and some piece of mind that you are doing all that you can to help protect your aquarium and minimize the loss of your fish friends. 

Storm Preparation for Aquariums: Essential Checklist

        Backup Energy Supply Options:

  - Generator (Gas, Electric, Portable, Stand By)

  - UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply)

  - Power Inverter

  - Battery-operated air pump for oxygenation

        Temperature Control:

  - Use frozen water bottles with RODI water to lower temps in hot weather

  - Mylar blankets for heat conservation in cold weather

  - Tape air-activated hand warmers for smaller tanks

        Maintaining Water Quality:

  - Battery-powered aerators for oxygen supply

  - Manual oxygen exchange by pouring tank water from a height

  - Remove filters and clean thoroughly during extended outages

  - Avoid feeding fish during outage

        Lighting:

  - Most corals and plants can survive a few days without light

  Post-Outage Care:

        Water Parameter Check:

  - Test for ammonia spikes; consider partial water change if needed

       Feeding Resumption:

  - Start with smaller quantities; resume normal feeding gradually

Conclusion:

Prepare in advance to minimize losses during power outages and ensure critical care for your aquarium.