firenzenz Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 I was just wondering who out there has a plan should we be hit with a power outtage(s). I've recently bought a petrol powered electric generator. It will have more uses than just powering fish tanks, but this current climate of power generation was a big reason for the acquisition. I note that there were lots threads last year after the storms so was thinking of people posting pre-emptively any good ideas regarding safe-guarding their fish should a pro-longed outtage occur. Blankets over tanks kinda of ideas. A few easy steps that can greatly increase the chance your fish surviving Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David R Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Where did you get the generator and how much was it?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whetu Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 If I'm at home when a power cut strikes, it won't be too bad. I can chuck blankets over the tank to keep the water warm, and if the blackout lasts a long time I can heat water on the gas stove to top up the tank. We also have a fireplace so we would be using that to warm the room, so hopefully the tank temp wouldn't drop too fast. The tank is not very heavily stocked so even if the filters crash (in a biological sense) I will just clean them out and start again. I have a small stock of "Cycle" (the commercially available cycling product) for just such an eventuality. When I moved my tank from my old house to my new one at the beginning of May, I completely sterilised EVERYTHING (including gravel, tank walls & filter media) to try to beat BBA. Of course the tank had to re-cycle with all the fish in there, but the ammonia and nitrite spikes were barely detectable on my test kits. If there was a power cut this time, there would be a certain amount of good greeblies living in the gravel and plants, so I won't be too worried about getting the filters re-established. If a major power cut happened while I was away from home I would be concerned about the tank temp dropping if I wasn't there to keep an eye on it. I have no plan about what to do in that case. Anyone have a solution to that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firenzenz Posted July 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Where did you get the generator and how much was it?? I got a 5Kva unit that was surplus to a friends needs which I got at a very good price. Seems to be plenty of choice though and price options http://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-farmi ... -3800-.htm depending on your consumption needs. I would think 2kva would run a few tanks plus a couple of appliances. I live rural so I'm not going to piss the neighbours off with the noise of the genny going. You sound pretty sorted Whetu. Hope you are near home if something happens. The irony was last year I was out of town when I lost power for 36hrs working for a power company. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 We live in a more civilised area than Auckland so don't have many power cuts, especially long ones My tank is built into a large wall unit so is totally enclosed on all sides except the front so holds its heat very well. I would put poly up on front of it and heat water, if required, on the gas BBQ. Have also got a large battery that will keep the filter and stuff running for several hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulldogod Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 I was just looking at generaters today, but dont know what size you would need to run couple lizaed and fish tanks?? Anyone know? Had cheap one for $129.00 and it was 0.85kwh?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firenzenz Posted July 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Which will get you about 800-850 watts. Enough for 2 x200watt heaters, a couple of lights and small filters. A 2Kva one will get you about 2000watts-All the above plus computer and maybe TV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Also make sure that's the continuous rating, not surge. Mine's advertised as a 750watt generator, but if you read the fine print it's 550 watt continuous, 750 max. Still, pretty good for $100something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.