Help - Power Cuts Ahead!!

**WoadCelt** · 03-01-2010, 06:33 AM

Please help! I would welcome any advice you have for managing this horrible situation.
I've just been informed by the electricity company that they will be doing maintenance on my block in a few days time between 8am and 5pm during which time they will completely cut the power. AGH!!!!
I have recently purchased a battery powered air pump just for this situation, but never thought I'd have to use it. Its just dawned on me that while that will cover air, the heater is not going to be on at all and the temp will drop.

What should I do to ensure that my fish are safe during this power cut and that nothing detrimental happens to them?

**JCheco** · 03-01-2010, 06:44 AM

You could get a battery box with an ac converter that should be plenty to hold you between those hours

**WoadCelt** · 03-01-2010, 07:06 AM

Please forgive my total ignorance - where would I likely find a battery box and AC converter?

I've never used such things before. If I went to a hardware store would they likely stock them?

**JCheco** · 03-01-2010, 07:23 AM

Battery boxs can usually be found at hardware stores, auto part stores or hell even walmart will usually have some, same goes for the ac converters

**lowlight** · 03-01-2010, 07:30 AM

A portable power supply. As already posted most hardware and automotive stores have them. An auto part store will have them in the battery department.

**WoadCelt** · 03-01-2010, 07:36 AM

Thank you both very much! This is such a relief!
I will try to get to a hardware store/automotive place asap and see what I can find in the battery department. (Unfortunately don't have walmart in Australia, lol!)
I had no idea that you could get such things, and can't wait to check them out.

**Dacotah7** · 03-01-2010, 10:43 AM

Technically it is an inverter, a device that converts DC power to AC power.

On the practical side, doing what is suggested if highly impracticle, and cost prohibitive.

You will need a whole lot of car batteries or have a few on a battery charger and one huge inverter. It would cost less to simply buy a small generator, but than you would have a gas engine running.

Chances are the power will not be out all day. They are probably just switching out equipment. Even if the power was off all day your tank will not change from tropical to sub-tropical real fast. Your tank may cool off some but should not kill your neons. Their water parameters are: Temperature 22-25˚C / 72-77˚F, which is normal room temperature.

I would not worry.
It you are, wrap some blankets around your tank before you leave for the day. If your fish store is nearby, you could take them back to the store and have them fish-sit for a few days.

**Aeonflame** · 03-01-2010, 11:07 AM

Its just about the end of summer in Australia isnt it? The temps should be manageable. I agree with the suggestion of using blankets

**Lady Hobbs** · 03-01-2010, 01:48 PM

I wouldn't worry about it. Their maintence is generally done in a way to not take any longer than necessary and usually done by the end of the day. I'm sure your notice gave a time to expect power to be back on.

**Blackmantis** · 03-01-2010, 04:16 PM

If your battery pack ever fails for some reason or another, you could do what I did when my power went out the second time (for over 24 hours) this winter.

1. Wrap the aquarium in blankets to prevent heat loss.

2. Set up a small sponge filter on the battery operated aerator. It's not much, but not much is better than nothing in these circumstances.

3. Refrain from feeding as it would add to the waste.