a4b972ab_m_and_Freshwater_Fish_Problems__Problem
[Symptoms] Filtration shuts down due to power failure. Hurricane anyone? [Solution] In a normally stocked aquarium fish can survive for a long time without power, but not without aeration. The time will be less for crowded tanks and more for un-crowded tanks. If the fish begin to come to the surface, oxygen depletion is indicated. Begin preperation early (before the storm): Lower tank temp to mid-70's if you can. At reasonably lower temperatures, water will hold more oxygen. If the power is already out, let it adjust on its own. Change the water, NOW! The lower organic and nitrogen levels will buy more time for the animals. Again if organics are low, water holds more oxygen. Change the filter materials, NOW! Again, this will remove organics and pollutants to give the fish more time. If you have a protein skimmer clean it and make sure it is working well, now, as well. Buy and TEST battery operated air pumps, NOW! Larger tanks need more than one. Make sure you have a good supply of the right kind of batteries. Get course air stones, not bubble curtain stones. You need maximum water movement. Do NOT put the air stone on the VERY bottom, it will stir up too many organics. Remove the glass covers or canopys. This allows for better gas and heat exchange, especially if you don't have another source of circulation. Manual agitation of the water surface also helps. In tanks with lower populations this may get you by for days but is can frighten and stress the fish. Get Battery Operated pumps, NOW! Add a small amount of ammonia reducer to the water every day or so. TEST for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Do NOT let them build up. Do not feed the fish while the filter is off! There is a much greater chance of killing them with ammonia poisoning than starvation. Fish can almost always go for a week or two without anything but what is already in the tank growing on plants, the substrate, and the tank walls. [Problem] 
Power Failure
Aquarium and Freshwater Fish Problems
Problem