First Aid Kit

[jeffs99dime]

Uninterrupted Power Supply
Hospitals use them , computer servers use them. Pretty much anywhere losing power would be detrimental or catastophic to lose power, such as an operating room at a hospital. The UPS power is usually the red outlets which are hooked up directly to the emergency generator where I work at least.

[Cermet]

Most here assume that it will be a medical or power issue. More likely ‘bad’ event is simply equipment failure - specifically a heater. Sooner or later every single heater fails as does a filter. Not having a spare is like having a power failure and med emergency. So, I would suggest both a battery of some type (Marine battery with an UPI will run an air pump for days and could handle a heater for many hours) and an extra heater are the basic 'first aid' kit items. After that, I keep a spare filter and standard meds (salt – both aquarium and Epsom, an anti-parasite, ick, and anti-bacteria.) Don’t forget TWO thermometers on a tank (I use a digital and old fashion analog) to be certain.

[fishmommie]

Uninterrupted Power Supply
Hospitals use them , computer servers use them. Pretty much anywhere losing power would be detrimental or catastophic to lose power, such as an operating room at a hospital. The UPS power is usually the red outlets which are hooked up directly to the emergency generator where I work at least.

Thanks Jeff. I'm thinking these would be pretty pricey. Any suggestions for tried and true battery operated air pumps?
Or any modestly priced battery operated power units that you could plug an air pump into?
I figure I can always add warm water to a tank to keep the temp from drastic fluctuations but I have been concerned about a power loss with winter coming. Any and all suggestions appreciated.
Great thread

[jeffs99dime]

I have an azoo battery backup. I never had any problems with it. Used it a few times during storms/ hurricanes we've had in the past. I keep a stock of batteries for it too.

[fishmommie]

I have an azoo battery backup. I never had any problems with it. Used it a few times during storms/ hurricanes we've had in the past. I keep a stock of batteries for it too.

is this something foster and smith would have or something I'd pick up at walmart or my LFS? Sorry to be so uninformed. battery back ups - total foreign to me.

thanks again

NEVER MIND. Just found it on F&S. THANKS

[jeffs99dime]

Foster and Smith carry them. Amazon carries them. Most pet stores carry them.

[Nephalem]

You are correct mommie, they are pretty pricy. And when it comes to UPS you truly get what you pay for. The cheap ones often won't even work the first time the power dies. The spendy ones are far more reliable. And they sure are nice when you end up needing them. My roommate and I used to run all our computers off one in an apartment we had when I was younger.

[fishmommie]

You are correct mommie, they are pretty pricy. And when it comes to UPS you truly get what you pay for. .

I think the Azoo is going on my Christmas wish list :o)

[Delphe]

You can get a Big UPS and sit it by the tank and plug your stuff in. Depends on how long the power stays out though.... I have one that will run a pump for 24 hours..

The last one 2 weeks ago was 14 hours the worst one was a week a few years ago as there is only 400 households on my service line.I would think 24 hours is a good average.
what is the difference between UPS and UPI?
What size I should be looking for for it to last around 24 hours.

I also think a hospital/QT tank with an extra sponge or 2 and extra seeding material have been very handy to me so far.

[Lady Hobbs]

I keep 3 things.....Aquarium salt, PraziPro and Ick medication. I should have Maracyn 2, really, but do not happen to have it on hand.

I have Melafix and Primafix but don't use them. Waste of money IMO.

(PS.....Had ick only 3 times in 9 years. Used Maracyn 2 twice in 9 years. But I use PraziPro with each new group of fish and treat my tanks at least once a year, generally twice. Don't use the Pimafix or Melafix at all.)

Once you stop buying fish and are stocked, not much of any medications are really needed if you just keep them healthy with water changes.