Caring for bettas during power outages?

[PiscisAmor]

Lost power for twelve hours today. Fish all survived, but were NOT happy.

I think if this power outage had occurred in the middle of January, when the average temperature around here is about 10 degrees F, they would have frozen to death.

How can you keep tanks warm without power for long periods of time? It's not unusual for me to lose power for a day or two out here.

[Zappity]

I was about to make a thread with exactly the same question xD
I would like to know also, since it's usually colder than that here in January! I don't want my betta or guppies freezing! lol

[Pataflafla]

For a temporary solution to keep the water warm, try boiling some water in a pot or kettle. Let it cool a little bit before putting it in a cup or sealed bag and then floating it somewhere your bettas won't be attracted to touching it (Don't want them to get burned). That should help raise the temperature, and then you could bundle the tanks with a few blankets to hold in the warmth.

I've got a 1.5 gal with a built in drawer underneath the tank part, so I just boil water, bag it, and then put it in the drawer to let the residual heat affect my tank. I always bundle the smaller ones at night too and cover my 10 gallon with a light blanket or towel for humidity.

[PiscisAmor]

thanks for the opinion

[PiscisAmor]

Although I did just realize I can't boil water because I have an electric stove. The problem continues...

[Pataflafla]

Any way you can start a fire outside and boil water there? I know it'll be cold out there, but it's still something. Or maybe try and get the hottest water you can out of your faucet?

[Monroe]

hot water runs from your faucet. try that out.

[bastage]

if the OP has an electric stove then the OP also probably has an electric water heater..

If this is a real concern then I think the best would be to have some sort of heat pack on hand (either the ones used to ship fish, or even regular 8 hour hot packs for your hands as they could be activated then put in a baggy & floated in the tank).

[aurasoulful]

Heating packs sounds like a good idea. My power goes out every winter. I hear kerosene powered heaters work well in heating the room your tanks are in. A bit expensive equipment though

[teasell]

In a pinch you can warm water over a candle. Have warmed baby formula many years ago due to power outages