No filter 24 hrs

[sallyjano]

So disaster struck. I am on vacation. Fish sitter reported fish dying and realized the heater was not working. The water was only 50!! I talked her through buying and installing a new heater but now she says the filter is not working.

She can't get there again today. I am on my way home now. It will be about 27 hrs since it was on.

Do you think 27 hours with no filter will be a big issue?


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[Brookster123]

Did the tank get unplugged?

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[sallyjano]

Did the tank get unplugged?

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Yes she said she first unplugged the filter by accident but quickly re plugged it and thought it was working. Problem is I don't think she can go back today. I will be home in about 10 hours but its probably been off all night.


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[Glene20]

Only problem is the good bacteria in your filter could die off. Restarting your cycle again. Would the filter media in your tank remain wet even when off ?

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[Fresh2o]

If the filter is an HOB type, even though the siphon may draw some water back into the tank, the media should stay moist.
A few years ago I was on vacation and my house was without power for 5 and a half days. Temps outside were 90-95 F during the day. Probably better then being chilled I suppose. Fish were fine thankfully. Good luck and post an update when you can.


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[sallyjano]

Ok thx guys. I think it will stay wet. Hoping for the best...!


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[candymancan]

May I ask the temperature inside your house.... 50f ???? Is your fish tank inside a fridge ??

 

[sallyjano]

May I ask the temperature inside your house.... 50f ???? Is your fish tank inside a fridge ??

Almost apparently! I am on vacation so the heating is off. I am in SoCal but we are having unusually cold weather. Home in 10 mins and will get the heating on!


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[sallyjano]

Ugh. News not good. From a tank of around 20 or so fish only 8 left.

Thanks for the input today. Next time I will make sure I have a spare heater in hand for the babysitter.


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[NigelK8485]

Wowwww. That's awful, sorry for the losses. Yep, a second heater and filter are always good ideas.


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[Fresh2o]

Sorry for the loss. Last thing you want to see after a long trip.
I'm thinking the heater that malfunctioned had to work harder than normal to compensate for the temperature drop in the house. Running multiple heaters *might* overcome this as they will share the load. Or setting the house heater unit to run on a lower than normal but reasonable temperature while you are away.


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[Brookster123]

Bummer sally

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[sallyjano]

Thanks guys. Good idea re keeping the house heating on low and I will have a spare tank heater for sure next time!




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