Power went out... Now what?

[Sanders]

I came home to find that my power was out for over an hour!!! I am unsure of the exact amount of time :-(

No water filtration, no water flow, no lights!

I tested the water immediately:
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
PH: ~8 (though I would err on the lower end :-( )
Nitrate: 40!!!!! Maybe a little more!
Temp: 78

Livestock:
Lots of live rock
Carpet anemone
Clown
Juvenile Hippo Tang
Juvenile Yellow Tang
Cleaning Crew
Candy Canes

37 gallon tank.

I did a 25% water change with slightly warmer water to help speed up the heating process.

What should I do now? Oh and the power is now back on :-( Can I just assume that the high nitrate levels are from the lack of movement and filtration for an hour plus? What about the low PH? These are usually normal (5 or less, and 8.2). The carpet was all shrunken up but is now perking up again. The hippo is hiding (as usual), and the yellow is foraging (as usual). Clown doe not look too good. Rapid breathing. Not normal swimming behavior.

I hope this was enough details.

Thanks for any help!

 

[DonW]

Since the power is back on I'd just sit back and watch. A hour or two wont hurt anything.

Don

 

[Sanders]

What about the high nitrates and low PH? Just a water change and getting the filter back on ok?

Thanks

 

[Krish]

Sorry to hear about your troubles...What were your nitrates before the power outtage? I find it kinda odd for your nitrates to go up after just a few hours of no power. Something IMO, would have had to die and rott to drive up the nitrates and I would think it couldn't happen that quickly IMO...Just a thought. I would do like Don suggested and keep an eye on it, but I think the water change you did was a great idea. Good luck!

 

[spongebob lover]

i wouldn't worry at all, i had the same thing happening to me and nothing died.
i think you gotta start worring when it's been more than 5 hours .

just keep doing your water changes because your high nitrates and low ph were there before the lights went off

 

[DonW]

What about the high nitrates and low PH? Just a water change and getting the filter back on ok?

Thanks

I'm not sure what your calling a filter. Even with a tank that small with that bioload I really doubt the nitrates have anything to do with a hour or so power outage.

Don

 

[Sanders]

Hmmm.

I tested the nitrates a few days ago and they were at 5+ (lower than 10 though).

Maybe there is something wrong unrelated to the power outage. I will do as you guys sugest and keep a close eye on the system for awhile. And then if the nitrates don't go down, I will do some further investigation.

Thanks for making me less worried!

 

[LakeEd]

Watch your Tang's closely in that small of a tank. Tangs typically require swimming room, and unfortunately a 37gallon tank isn't going to give them that... even as Juvies.

I also don't see how a couple hours lack of circulation would effect your Nitrates much, if at all. Keep an eye on everything now that power is on, and things should return to what was normal for you.

 

[steve-s]

Carpet anemone
Clown
Juvenile Hippo Tang
Juvenile Yellow Tang

37 gallon tank.

Watch your Tang's closely in that small of a tank. Tangs typically require swimming room, and unfortunately a 37gallon tank isn't going to give them that... even as Juvies.

Very much support what Ed says here, please please take heed and return these fish. The tank is inappropriate for their needs.

In regard to the outage, not much to add from them the others. Your main concerns are temp, O2/CO2 and pH. The higher the bioload, the faster that can become a headache. Some easy and cheap suggestions are to take some tank water out, stir vigorously to vent CO2 and then pour it back in the tank. Using a wide mouth plastic spoon to stir the tanks surface water can help some as well. For small tanks, battery powered power heads can come in handy for longer outages. Wrapping the tank with a thick blanket will help prevent heat loss to some degree, just don't cover the tank top. Be wary of adding heated water to the main tank directly. A few degrees higher and poured in the wrong place can be damaging. If at all possible, heat a container of water and allow it to float in the tank on and off instead. Make sure you have a good thermometer on hand to monitor it though.

 

[spongebob lover]

wwoouu 2 tangs in a 37 , i hope Ron doesn't read that or you'll give him a heart attack .

I kept a yellow tang once in my 37 (it looked more tang than tank ) and it only lasted me 2 weeks (ohh bubbles why did you have to go ) .