I have a 20 gallon freshwater aquarium stocked with two 6" plecostomus and 2 dwarf honey gouramis. I don't actually use an air pump, I have a Biowheel powerhead filter that keeps great water movement and air circulation. However, last night I lost power and they aren't expecting to turn it back on for 2 days. Will my plecos be alright without the air circulation, or will they suffocate? The gouramis, of course are labyrinth fish any how so I'm not as concerned with them.
Also, without the filtration are the ammonia levels going to increase?
2007-08-24 01:56:15 · 7 answers · asked by FunkyC 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Also, please note that I will be leaving tonight for Florida, so I won't be able to attend to the fish like I normally would. Their caretaker is somewhat experienced, however no expert.
Thanks for your help!
2007-08-24 02:33:53 · update #1
A 25% water change each day that the power is off wouldn't be a bad idea at all. Clean the gravel well as you do them so that you remove debris that can rob the wtaer of oxygen. I would also not feed the fish until the power is restored. Also, a few tiems a day you can scoop so water from the tank and slowly pour it back into the tank so that it splashes a bit, this will add oxygen to the water as well.
If the power does stay off for more than 24 hours, you will need to replace or clean you filter media becausse the majority of that bacteria will die. This may cause a minor ammonia spike , but once your power is back on, that should be ok within 2-3 days.
Odds are good you have nothing really to worry about, but these measures will insure your fish make it through without a problem.
MM
2007-08-24 02:29:16 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I saved all of my fish a few years ago when the power went out for a couple days by using a clean gallon jug and filling it about 3/4 full of tank water and then shaking it vigorously for 5-10 seconds. Puts lots of O2 into the water. Pour it back into the tank from about a foot above the water surface. Do it every 3-4 hours until the power comes back on. With a 20 gallon tank you should probably do it 4-5 times every 3-4 hours..... Or, you could buy a battery operated air pump and air stone and change the batteries whenever they die.
A 25% water change every day would be good too.
2007-08-24 11:46:24 · answer #2 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
How hot is it where you are? We noticed the heat was taking the oxygen out of the tank faster. If you're concerned, you may try doing partial water changes once to a few times daily. You may consider introducing live plants into your tank. They help increase the oxygen level while decreasing the ammonia.
2007-08-24 09:01:00 · answer #3 · answered by nepherym 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't forget to remove the bio-wheel and float it at the top of the water to keep it wet and preserve the bacteria. Get the 'caretaker' to do a water change whenever they stop by. They should do ok, you'd be surprised.
2007-08-24 09:36:43 · answer #4 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hmm They should be alright, Although i know this might be off topic but the Plecos might attack your dwarf gouramis, espessialy since there are 6 of em , All competing for Algae and Leftovers
2007-08-24 13:46:52 · answer #5 · answered by mr_kevin2000 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If i were you i would go to the pet shop and buy some of those oxygenating tablets just to be on the safe side, I would think that your levels will rise but it shouldn't be too dangerous for just two days. I think they will be ok just make sure you get the tablets.
2007-08-24 09:03:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can circulate the water by hand with a large spoon if you're worried. Once every couple of hours should do it.
2007-08-24 09:02:09 · answer #7 · answered by witchyone8180 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋