What can you do to help your fish when your power goes out?

What can you do to help your fish when your power goes out? NJ

3/6/2018

On the east coast we frequently get these storms call Nor'easters. They even give them cool names such as Bert or Ernie, why? I have no clue, now I'm getting completely off topic. Let's come back around to why you're here, to find out what you can do for your pond fish if you lose power in New Jersey.

It's happened to all of us, whether we know a storm is coming or the lights just go out, we lose power sometimes. Many times it's not a big deal because it's off for a few hours maybe 12 tops. However when the power is off for days there could be problems. At first our attention is on our families. We need heat and water, will I lose all my food, can't flush the toilets, can't cook. Our first goal is to get the needs of our families met, then the secondary concerns come to mind.

My first secondary concern is my fish. Unless you have a generator there is not much you can do except possibly purchase or have on hand a battery powered aerator. These can be found on the internet, they are small, but something is better than nothing. If you don't have a generator, I would highly suggest investing in one. The prices for these range from $10-$30. Have it on hand and should we lose power for an extended period of time you now have a back up to get that water oxygenated, especially during the summer months.

If you have a generator, you have it a bit easier! This is the time you really should have an aerator. Aerators are highly efficient means of aerating and deicing ponds, and we feel a must have if you have a pond.

If it happens to be winter time, just make sure your deicer is unplugged should have one. Plug the aerator into that generator and you're all set. Aerators use very little electricity and will do the job in protecting your fish and providing oxygen and deicing during the winter months.

The summer time is a bit different. Your main goal is to get that aerator plugged in and running. Depending on your generator and what circuits you have it running will depend on what you should do. If the generator runs the pond outlet make sure everything else is unplugged- pumps, lighting, and any other items you have out there. Then just plug the aerator in. On the other hand, if the generator doesn't run the pond outlet, just get that aerator plugged into the generator or an outlet the generator is powering.

Losing power is frustrating and stressful for you and your family. Being prepared can lessen that stress and diminish the frustrations that come with being powerless.

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