Any hurricane season tips ?

Feerlaroc · 05/24/2006, 07:06 AM

I just wanted to start this thread to get any advice on maintaining a SPS tank through the power outages. I bought 3 air pumps that activate upon power loss and work on batteries. I want any and all hurricane tips that any of you guys have on this thread, & lets just hope we don't need them. I have read on here that the most important things to have running on a tank are the skimmer (for O2) and circulation pumps. Is this true ? How long can a SPS tank go without lighting and be okay ?

Wazzel · 05/24/2006, 07:16 AM

The best item to get is a generator. Not only will it save your tank, but you can run you fridge if you get a large enough generator.

I think the tank can go a few days with no lights. IMO the main circulation pump and the skimmer are the two to keep running.

Amphiprion · 05/24/2006, 11:10 AM

Unless it is heavily stocked with fish, most tanks can go at least several days even without a main pump or skimmer, etc--even longer without lighting. However, battery operated air pumps would be necessary after a day or so. My tank ran for a week on battery operated air pumps alone.

tangwang · 05/24/2006, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wazzel
The best item to get is a generator. Not only will it save your tank, but you can run you fridge if you get a large enough generator.

I think the tank can go a few days with no lights. IMO the main circulation pump and the skimmer are the two to keep running.

Ditto on that

water movement and gas exchange are the two most important things when the power goes out, followed by water temp. So make sure you have a way to keep the temp in a reasonable range as well.... especially here in FL.

Matt

Feerlaroc · 05/25/2006, 05:35 AM

So a generator for circulation, fans for cooling, air pumps for O2. Good tips everyone, thanks for sharing.

Jovreefer · 05/25/2006, 08:20 AM

the 2 most importaint things are temp and some circulation.

PLEASE dont forget the temp in FL. Get lots of water bottles & freeze them. you can then float them in the tank.

In huricane charlie my 46g tank was without circulation for 2 days with no losses (due to brand new air pump crapping out in a day) we then got a generator from a family member and ran the skimmer & a PH for 4 weeks. In a house without AC though the tank temps went well into the 90's and fried everything! Thats the one thing I was not prepaired for...temps.

PLEASE learn from my mistakes and dont forget to float ice!

Jovreefer · 05/25/2006, 08:21 AM

Oh.. and I had a fan, they dont work when your just blowing hot air over a hot tank

Feerlaroc · 05/25/2006, 09:31 AM

Oh yeah, good point about the fans Jovreefer ! I would have never thought about that. Thanks great tip.

onehundred20 · 05/25/2006, 01:45 PM

good post, im in central florida but I didnt have my tank during the last hurricanes, guess its time to prepare for that.

IMPERATORFAN · 05/25/2006, 02:50 PM

Good info on the ice blocks. I know Katrina was an unusually powerful storm, but if you want to prepare for one of those, think in terms of 2-3 weeks without power. We've learned more than you can imagine about storm preparation in LA. The good ole days of grabbing a couple gallons of water, flashlight, batteries and a loaf of bread are long gone. If you get a generator, get lots of fuel. Stations can't pump without power and the demand on gas after a storm far outweighs the supply.

Gino555 · 05/26/2006, 01:46 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/Honda-EU2000i-Ge...QQcmdZViewItem

iluvtrigger · 05/26/2006, 02:31 PM

I will simply put it, get a generator that will run the house.

Stoney Mahony · 05/26/2006, 02:48 PM

I got hit by charlie. Get a generator. Enough said. It's worth investing in when you look at how much you spend on your tank. Even if you don't get a huge one, get one big enough for your tank. You can eat out

deansreef · 05/26/2006, 05:07 PM

generator can be used if you are able to stay at the house and not get evacuated...

DaddyJax · 05/26/2006, 06:32 PM

Ditto on the generator.

DitchPlains2 · 05/27/2006, 09:16 AM

Political garbage removed...

Ryan
RC Staff

iluvtrigger · 05/27/2006, 02:55 PM

Political comment removed...

rbaker · 05/27/2006, 03:51 PM

Please do not post your political comments again...

rmodys · 05/27/2006, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Wazzel
The best item to get is a generator. Not only will it save your tank, but you can run you fridge if you get a large enough generator.

I think the tank can go a few days with no lights. IMO the main circulation pump and the skimmer are the two to keep running.

Yup. We were trying to run our tank off of aeriators after Charley and that just didn't work. We were lucky enough to find a generator (we got the last one) and hooked up the PC lights and the pumps. That saved our tank, but sadly our friend's tank crashed and almost everything died, even using aeriators.

Feerlaroc · 05/27/2006, 10:48 PM

Wow sounds like airstones are worthless then.

Blazindrgn · 05/27/2006, 11:20 PM

I had to go through an 13 hour power loss, I lost my week old yellow tang, a clown fish and a few corals, most of my corals and a few damsels survived.

With no circulation at about 6 hours is when things started to get really desperate looking.

I eventually borrowed a generator from a friend which is why some of things probally got saved.

So for everyone that says they have made it a day or more without circulation I don't see how, Im jealous.

Now I have a APC back up battery, which I have a few pumps and my bak pak 2 hooked up to, which has come in handy a few times for like 3-4 hour power outages, even thought the tank could be ok for that time, its stressful on the livestock.

Id go with a generator if your looking at long power outages, which for hurricane season is likely. But if you go the back up route you need a quality one, I saw a thread about sin curves for power or something, and basically it was saying some back ups can't power powerheads but ones like my APC one can. I can't find the thread again, I wish I could.

Reefflections · 05/28/2006, 06:18 AM

I live here in Florida also.I do have a generator for a back up.It's gas powered.But I converted over to propane.You can do propane natural gas.You take the carb off and they can make it run on these fuels.It's a lot safer than all those gas cans.It doesn't gum the carb up after sitting around for a year.Also went to Lowe's they have the large cylinders,you can buy for the propane.I think it's around 79 bucks.Very happy with this change over.One pull of the cord and this baby is running.Just want to post this,because lot of folks might not know it.As long as you have their models they up grade you are all set.But thet give all the info you need on the site.You can do it yourself,or send it to them.Here you go.
www.propane-generators.com

Stoney Mahony · 05/28/2006, 07:33 AM

Awesome post, I have been looking for a way to convert my 6500 watt. Thanks! And as far as being evacuated, I am in Orlando and after 24 years, I have only been evacuated 1 time and that was b/c the roof collapsed on my appartement building. Maybe if you are on the coast or in the keys you will, but when they evacuate, they go to Orlando so you really don't have to worry about that here. Or should I say, not yet. Global warming SUCKS!

Wazzel · 05/28/2006, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Feerlaroc
Wow sounds like airstones are worthless then.

They are good for short power outages. I have hear of a few that kept peoples tanks up for a few days. IMO they are not good for outages that last several days.

Reefflections · 05/28/2006, 08:27 AM

Stoney
Glad to help.....If you send the carb to them,they are probably up to their ears with carbs now?Because we all know it's hurricane season,next week.If you are handy or has a friend,you can get the kit and do it yourself.We all wait to the last minute to get things done.To bad this post wasn't done a few months ago,to give you the time.
What I also done was.Get and deep cycle battery from Sam's.Then went to Walmart for the battery charger,and a 750 watt inverter.That way the Gen can recharge my battery.It maybe and over kill on my part.But with us here in Florida,we have to think that way.You mentioned living in Orlando as being a little more save.It seems the tornadoes that spin of these hurricanes do just as much damage as the storms themselves.So you don't need a direct hit,to lose power for weeks at end.
But I hope this link helps a lot of folks out here?Because us folks down here need all the help we can get lately.......

05/24/2006, 07:06 AM	#1
Feerlaroc Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Central Florida Posts: 116	Any hurricane season tips ? I just wanted to start this thread to get any advice on maintaining a SPS tank through the power outages. I bought 3 air pumps that activate upon power loss and work on batteries. I want any and all hurricane tips that any of you guys have on this thread, & lets just hope we don't need them. I have read on here that the most important things to have running on a tank are the skimmer (for O2) and circulation pumps. Is this true ? How long can a SPS tank go without lighting and be okay ? __________________ ( \ / ) (O.o) ( >< ) /_\|_\ Copy the bunny into your signature to help him achieve world domination. Current Tank Info: 75 gal. mixed reef

05/24/2006, 07:16 AM	#2
Wazzel Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Houma, LA Posts: 4,743	The best item to get is a generator. Not only will it save your tank, but you can run you fridge if you get a large enough generator. I think the tank can go a few days with no lights. IMO the main circulation pump and the skimmer are the two to keep running. __________________ Mark Beware the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it's a train. Current Tank Info: 120, LED, Bare Bottom, SPS/LPS

05/24/2006, 11:10 AM	#3
Amphiprion Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 6,611	Unless it is heavily stocked with fish, most tanks can go at least several days even without a main pump or skimmer, etc--even longer without lighting. However, battery operated air pumps would be necessary after a day or so. My tank ran for a week on battery operated air pumps alone. __________________ You've done it now, haven't you? Current Tank Info: 40g breeder patch reef w/ seagrass; 2-250w XM 10K; Vortech MP40wES & MP10wES; BM Curve 7 skimmer; carbon & occasional GFO

05/25/2006, 05:35 AM	#5
Feerlaroc Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Central Florida Posts: 116	So a generator for circulation, fans for cooling, air pumps for O2. Good tips everyone, thanks for sharing. __________________ ( \ / ) (O.o) ( >< ) /_\|_\ Copy the bunny into your signature to help him achieve world domination. Current Tank Info: 75 gal. mixed reef

05/25/2006, 08:20 AM	#6
Jovreefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: In my tank Posts: 2,462	the 2 most importaint things are temp and some circulation. PLEASE dont forget the temp in FL. Get lots of water bottles & freeze them. you can then float them in the tank. In huricane charlie my 46g tank was without circulation for 2 days with no losses (due to brand new air pump crapping out in a day) we then got a generator from a family member and ran the skimmer & a PH for 4 weeks. In a house without AC though the tank temps went well into the 90's and fried everything! Thats the one thing I was not prepaired for...temps. PLEASE learn from my mistakes and dont forget to float ice! __________________ Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.

05/25/2006, 08:21 AM	#7
Jovreefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: In my tank Posts: 2,462	Oh.. and I had a fan, they dont work when your just blowing hot air over a hot tank __________________ Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.

05/25/2006, 09:31 AM	#8
Feerlaroc Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Central Florida Posts: 116	Oh yeah, good point about the fans Jovreefer ! I would have never thought about that. Thanks great tip. __________________ ( \ / ) (O.o) ( >< ) /_\|_\ Copy the bunny into your signature to help him achieve world domination. Current Tank Info: 75 gal. mixed reef

05/25/2006, 01:45 PM	#9
onehundred20 Moved On Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 826	good post, im in central florida but I didnt have my tank during the last hurricanes, guess its time to prepare for that.

05/25/2006, 02:50 PM	#10
IMPERATORFAN Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Louisiana Posts: 297	Good info on the ice blocks. I know Katrina was an unusually powerful storm, but if you want to prepare for one of those, think in terms of 2-3 weeks without power. We've learned more than you can imagine about storm preparation in LA. The good ole days of grabbing a couple gallons of water, flashlight, batteries and a loaf of bread are long gone. If you get a generator, get lots of fuel. Stations can't pump without power and the demand on gas after a storm far outweighs the supply.

05/26/2006, 01:46 PM	#11
Gino555 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 99	http://cgi.ebay.com/Honda-EU2000i-Ge...QQcmdZViewItem

05/26/2006, 02:31 PM	#12
iluvtrigger Moved On Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: florida Posts: 34	I will simply put it, get a generator that will run the house.

05/26/2006, 02:48 PM	#13
Stoney Mahony Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 1,010	I got hit by charlie. Get a generator. Enough said. It's worth investing in when you look at how much you spend on your tank. Even if you don't get a huge one, get one big enough for your tank. You can eat out __________________ "Don't these silly monkeys know that Eden has enough to go around?" MJK "Free thinkers are dangerous!" Serj Tankian Current Tank Info: 45 g hex- 50 lbs LR, Softies, Clams, LPS, wet dry, berlin skimmer w/150 watt HQI. 55 g SPS- 90 lbs LR w/ 20 g caulerpa fuge, 35 g cheato fuge w/ 98w PC. 2x 400 watt XM 20k,Berlin XL skimmer, Intermatic timer on pumps for wave action

05/26/2006, 05:07 PM	#14
deansreef Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: north carolina Posts: 3,234	generator can be used if you are able to stay at the house and not get evacuated... __________________ the only dumb question, is the one not asked... Current Tank Info: 225 gallon peninsula

05/26/2006, 06:32 PM	#15
DaddyJax Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Fort Collins, CO. Posts: 3,190	Ditto on the generator. __________________ Success is not measured by the person who has the most but by the person that needs the least!! Current Tank Info: Currently tankless :(

05/27/2006, 09:16 AM	#16
DitchPlains2 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: DIRTY JERZ Posts: 586	Political garbage removed... Ryan RC Staff Last edited by rbaker; 05/27/2006 at 03:50 PM.

05/27/2006, 02:55 PM	#17
iluvtrigger Moved On Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: florida Posts: 34	Political comment removed... Last edited by rbaker; 05/27/2006 at 03:50 PM.

05/27/2006, 03:51 PM	#18
rbaker Reef Central Admin Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 32,642 Blog Entries: 4	Please do not post your political comments again... __________________ Ryan A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing. -- George Bernard Shaw

05/27/2006, 10:48 PM	#20
Feerlaroc Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Central Florida Posts: 116	Wow sounds like airstones are worthless then. __________________ ( \ / ) (O.o) ( >< ) /_\|_\ Copy the bunny into your signature to help him achieve world domination. Current Tank Info: 75 gal. mixed reef

05/27/2006, 11:20 PM	#21
Blazindrgn Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Rochester,NY Posts: 21	I had to go through an 13 hour power loss, I lost my week old yellow tang, a clown fish and a few corals, most of my corals and a few damsels survived. With no circulation at about 6 hours is when things started to get really desperate looking. I eventually borrowed a generator from a friend which is why some of things probally got saved. So for everyone that says they have made it a day or more without circulation I don't see how, Im jealous. Now I have a APC back up battery, which I have a few pumps and my bak pak 2 hooked up to, which has come in handy a few times for like 3-4 hour power outages, even thought the tank could be ok for that time, its stressful on the livestock. Id go with a generator if your looking at long power outages, which for hurricane season is likely. But if you go the back up route you need a quality one, I saw a thread about sin curves for power or something, and basically it was saying some back ups can't power powerheads but ones like my APC one can. I can't find the thread again, I wish I could.

05/28/2006, 06:18 AM	#22
Reefflections Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 861	I live here in Florida also.I do have a generator for a back up.It's gas powered.But I converted over to propane.You can do propane natural gas.You take the carb off and they can make it run on these fuels.It's a lot safer than all those gas cans.It doesn't gum the carb up after sitting around for a year.Also went to Lowe's they have the large cylinders,you can buy for the propane.I think it's around 79 bucks.Very happy with this change over.One pull of the cord and this baby is running.Just want to post this,because lot of folks might not know it.As long as you have their models they up grade you are all set.But thet give all the info you need on the site.You can do it yourself,or send it to them.Here you go. www.propane-generators.com

05/28/2006, 07:33 AM	#23
Stoney Mahony Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 1,010	Awesome post, I have been looking for a way to convert my 6500 watt. Thanks! And as far as being evacuated, I am in Orlando and after 24 years, I have only been evacuated 1 time and that was b/c the roof collapsed on my appartement building. Maybe if you are on the coast or in the keys you will, but when they evacuate, they go to Orlando so you really don't have to worry about that here. Or should I say, not yet. Global warming SUCKS! __________________ "Don't these silly monkeys know that Eden has enough to go around?" MJK "Free thinkers are dangerous!" Serj Tankian Current Tank Info: 45 g hex- 50 lbs LR, Softies, Clams, LPS, wet dry, berlin skimmer w/150 watt HQI. 55 g SPS- 90 lbs LR w/ 20 g caulerpa fuge, 35 g cheato fuge w/ 98w PC. 2x 400 watt XM 20k,Berlin XL skimmer, Intermatic timer on pumps for wave action

05/28/2006, 08:27 AM	#25
Reefflections Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 861	Stoney Glad to help.....If you send the carb to them,they are probably up to their ears with carbs now?Because we all know it's hurricane season,next week.If you are handy or has a friend,you can get the kit and do it yourself.We all wait to the last minute to get things done.To bad this post wasn't done a few months ago,to give you the time. What I also done was.Get and deep cycle battery from Sam's.Then went to Walmart for the battery charger,and a 750 watt inverter.That way the Gen can recharge my battery.It maybe and over kill on my part.But with us here in Florida,we have to think that way.You mentioned living in Orlando as being a little more save.It seems the tornadoes that spin of these hurricanes do just as much damage as the storms themselves.So you don't need a direct hit,to lose power for weeks at end. But I hope this link helps a lot of folks out here?Because us folks down here need all the help we can get lately.......