How long can live without power?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by Biocube, Jan 2, 2012.

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  1. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2011
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    3,499
    Location:
    Northern, IL
    Hey,
    I am going to re-do my power center under my tank and the total build should take about 2 hours to complete.

    How long can my tank go without power?


    I may be able to have the power heads running during most of my rebuild if that helps.
     
    Biocube, Jan 2, 2012
    Biocube, Jan 2, 2012
    #1

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  2. Kadoogen

    Kadoogen Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2011
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    Location:
    Orlando
    You'll be OK. A few hours won't hurt anything. I'd be worried if its off for more then like 8 or 10 hours.
     
    Kadoogen, Jan 2, 2012
    Kadoogen, Jan 2, 2012
    #2
  3. chelseagrin

    chelseagrin Fire Goby

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2011
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    Most tanks can go ten or so hours without any repercussion. Last year with my 29 gallon the power was off for a solid day and all was well.
     
    chelseagrin, Jan 2, 2012
    chelseagrin, Jan 2, 2012
    #3
  4. coylee_17

    coylee_17 Fire Goby

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    Location:
    Peterborough, Ontario, Can
    You can go longer than that, you'll be fine. My power has been out for a few hours with no ill affects. My main concerns would be temp and O2, so if you are worried you can try and run an extension cord with a powerhead and heater in the tank. Or even just an battery powered air stone. But like I said I wouldn't worry at all.
     
    coylee_17, Jan 2, 2012
    coylee_17, Jan 2, 2012
    #4
  5. Jeff01

    Jeff01 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2011
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    During Irene my tank went out for 2 days. Wrapped blankets around my tank and I had no deaths. Wouldn't recommend that though...
     
    Jeff01, Jan 2, 2012
    Jeff01, Jan 2, 2012
    #5
  6. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2011
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    3,499
    Location:
    Northern, IL
    Thanks guys!

    Tuesday I will be tearing apart my entire power/light/pumps and replacing with upgraded ones. Should only take a few hours max but if you were to see my current wiring you would understand why I want to spend time and get it right.

    Its a very pretty black birds nest :)
     
    Biocube, Jan 2, 2012
    Biocube, Jan 2, 2012
    #6