Hurricane Prep

[MedievalITGuy]

As most of you probably know by now, Hurricane Matthew is currently bearing down on the east coast of Florida, and will make landfall sometime in the next couple days. With this in mind, I thought it would be a good opportunity to start a thread where everyone can share what their disaster backup plans are.

 

Given that supplies, are hard to come by nearing a disaster, It might also turn out to be a good place to get in contact with local reefers if anyone needs tank help, runs out of reef supplies, or has extra they're willing to share with those in need.

 

As for me, I'm keeping it simple over here on the Space Coast. I have extra RO/DI water stored, and have two battery powered air pumps ready in case of an outage.

 

Anyone else want to share their disaster backup plans?

 

[squamptonbc]

I am lucky to live in an area relatively free of regular natural disasters, but we do get power outages and I have ordered a battery back up and some battery powered air pumps. If I owned a house I would consider a small gas generator, but being in an apartment those are not an option.

 

If the big one ever hits, there wont be much I can do for the fish, assuming the tanks even make it through the shaking of a big one.

[Astinus]

We live on the Gulf Side of Florida and they are saying we may experience some Tropical storm strength winds.

I am still watching closely how Mathew meanders it's way towards Florida. Some forecasts say the eye will be 50 miles off the coast

yet some forecasts say it may meander westward...It certainly is a Storm of significant strength.

To my friends out Towards Okeechobee and East, please be careful and safe.

[brandon429]

If that was coming my way and I wasn't sure I could sustain power outs for days the #1 thing Id do is pull the sandbed, be bare bottom, have change water on hand, the removal of the sand and waste lowers the biological oxygen demand for the system in the most drastic way possible and this gives the corals the best chance of surviving in a still environment where water changes might be the only refresh. any stilled tank sitting with a sandbed under it is having resources allocated to the sandbed which speeds up a crash twentyfold vs a clean system.

 

I would be housing fish sep from corals and rocks as prep, if that extreme is needed or predicted.

[evan127]

I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. While we dont get many natural disasters here, we do usually get frequent thunderstorms that can be very violent in the summertime. The winters are getting milder by the year, but I have experienced a few power outages each winter. Fortunately for my reef (and family), my house has gas. Luckily, my reef is in my basement in the TV room (where 90% of my time is spent when home) which has a gas stove heater. The only time its used is when the power goes out. But it keeps the basement (also where the master bedroom is) nice and toasty.

 

But for the reef tank specifically, I have a checklist (I have a checklist for everything )

Since the season is quickly approaching, here is my winter power outage checklist:

 

Winter Power Outage Checklist

 

Before forecasted storm

* Make 20 gallons of RODI water

* Make 20 gallons of fresh saltwater

* Gather reef pot, turkey baster, thermometer, extra towels

* Gather sheet of insulation for top of tank

* Stop feeding completely 2 days prior to projected "storm day"

* Check battery backup 3 days prior to projected "storm day"

* Check status of basement heater

 

Power outage and afterwards

* Cover the top of the tank with insulation asap after loss of power

* Make sure all doors in the house are closed

* If it is sunny outside, open blinds. If overcast, keep blinds closed.

* Once air temperature reaches 60*F, turn on basement heater as needed

* Check water temperature once every half hour

* As needed, take one pot of tank water and heat on stove to 85*F

* Aerate tank water for 5 minutes every half hour with turkey baster

* Make a hot, adult beverage and relax and don't stress about it

 

Everyone that might be or is affected by Hurricane Matthew, stay safe!

[Pjanssen]

storm is likely to be only 20-30 miles off my coast. I am 12 miles inland. I expect to get hit pretty hard over night tonight. Fortunately we have a small generator that e will run at least a power head. I have salt water ready to go if needed, as well as some ro/di. I would be happy to share with a local reefer if needed. Fortunately, my home is on the same power grid as a local hospital, so we won't go without power for too long.

[Astinus]

Please be safe...I May not know you folks personally, but u are all friends.

 

Keep Calm and .... [__]D PARTY ON!!!!!

[Pjanssen]

Hurricanes by Penny, on Flickr

[MrsPeet15]

Images of this monster storm have just hit the news in the UK - I hope everyone is safe and well in the affected areas and the storm moves on with minimal damage!