What if there is a power cut?
A power cut can be disastrous for the aquarium, even more so when keeping tropical fish. Not only will the pump stop working but the heater will stop as well. If the power cut continues for a long time the water can become very cold and very polluted, both of which could prove fatal to your fish.
If the power cut is only for an hour or so then it shouldn’t cause too much of a problem, overnight is more of a worry.
Live plants use up carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the water during daylight hours, which can help to make up for the lack of aeration. In the dark however, they will use up oxygen and release carbon dioxide into the water. If you have live plants remove them from the aquarium during a power cut at night. Use a blanket to wrap around the aquarium to help prevent heat loss.
If your heating is unaffected by the power cut turn it up by a few degrees to help keep the aquarium warm.
Don’t feed your fish. If they eat they will produce waste, which the filter may not be able to remove.
After the power cut you should carry out a couple of partial water changes and get the water tested to see if the water is badly polluted.
