Bacteria Casualties

[Memphis Whale]

I have a 135 gallon saltwater tank.If my power were to go out how long would it take for all the bacteria in my filter and tank to die and kill all my fish ??
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[Sniperhank]

The bacteria isn't really what you are worried about when the power goes out. The CO2 buildup and lack of oxygen going into the tank is what the bigger issue is with fish deaths when the power goes out. My tank went 3 days without power with minimal deaths, just stir the tank up with a wooden mixing spoon. People usually use a battery backup system or generator to prevent such, but you can also use battery powered minnow pumps to achieve a similar goal.

 

[TheTodd]

Those battery pumps are fairly cheap too. I bought two on eBay recently just in case. Figure I may never need them, but at about $15 a pop, it's less expensive than losing fish.


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[mr_X]

I've seen a couple tanks, one being my own, that were wiped out within 12 hours by suffocation. I have a generator, but at least you should have one or two of these-
Amazon.com : AirPod® Air Pump w/Battery Back-Up for 55 Gallon Tanks : Aquarium Air Pumps : Pet Supplies

 

[Mebbid]

The bacteria will likely be the last thing to die. First it would be fish, then corals, then inverts, and then finally your bacteria at the very end.

 

[mr_X]

Actually I lost all my shrimp and crabs but the corals lived.

 

[Mebbid]

Actually I lost all my shrimp and crabs but the corals lived.

Really? that's surprising. How low did the temperature drop?

 

[mr_X]

Not too bad if I remember correctly. It was in the summer and the tank was in the basement.

 

[mr_X]

The LPS and softies all swelled up. It looked pretty crazy. Then when oxygen returned, they deflated back to normal.

 

[Mebbid]

Interesting. Learn something new every day I guess

 

[Memphis Whale]

Thanx a million for the wise counsel! Ill hit E-Bay this afternoon. I would hate to lose my Volitan Lionfish,Yellow Tang,Dragon Wrasse,and my Snowflake Eel

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