Heat wave - power outage

[joevc1]

With the temperature hitting 100 degrees here in the east coast, what do you do in anticipation of a power outage? I've been thru one last winter but what can one do to prepare for the power going out in summer time? Especially if you are not home at the time.

[triscuit]

Unplug your heaters, for sure, and keep frozen ice blocks in your freezer. This time of year when I'm traveling, even for a day or two, I have someone with keys to my place in case of a power outage. If those pumps don't start back up, my fish would be in trouble.

It's also a good idea to increase surface agitation, and limit feeding during heat waves. A cleaner tank will last longer without power.

There were some good ideas in another thread recently about how to keep fish happy during an extended outage, if you happen to be home-

http://forums.eastcoastcichlids.org/showthread.php?t=4816

[piscis deus]

Ice blocks are a good idea (frozen soda bottles are great)

stock up on battery powered airpumps they can be a true lifesaver, most sporting goods shops have them in the fishing dept.

If you have a bunch of tanks a generator can be the answer, you can get a small one (honda makes them with an outlet or two for a few hundred dollars) these are great just run an extention cord to a power strip and run your normal equipment PLEASE KEEP GENERATORS OUTSIDE, no need killing yourself or your fish with carbon monoxide

water changes if you are on city water (on a well water you'll have no pump so your out of luck) can be great for clean, cool water and some aeration as well

During reaal long blackout you might want to set up more tanks to decrease stocking levels

There are my ideas I am sure others will have some more soon enough

[emartin]

My heaters are unplugged for the summer.

AS far as an outtage goes, I have battery powered pumps around so I'd just need to run to a store and get the D type batteries.

I doubt my area will get affected though... Short of an accident all summer power outtages are usually caused by lightning and there hasn't been a cloud in the sky in WEEKS!

But yeah my plan is the battery powered pumps and to do cold water changes on the tanks the fish are gulping in...

[pogi2009]

Just had an outage in Old Bridge, NJ. It last for 2 houra. 3 of my AC didn't restart, so I cleaned them. I have 2 sponge filters in addition to AC. As long as the power comes back, am okay, otherwise am in trouble.