01/23/2026
Big freeze coming. This is difficult for every one but it presents a unique challenge for fishtanks. My tips that I used to get through 2021 ( you will be busy)
1. Battery powered air pumps for oxygenation. Most places that sell fish supplies will sell. If that’s not an Option then take a pitcher and scoop and pour the water back into the tank to keep it oxygenated. You will have to monitor and watch for signs of oxygen deprivation
2. For heat wrap the tank in tinfoil and blankets to hold the heat in.
If you have a means to heat water like in a pot. Mabey a grill, wood stove, propan or gas stove ect. You can heat the tank water bits at a time and pour it in “waterfall style” that will help with oxygen also. Be mindful of temp though you could cook fish easy. Another option is heating water and pouring it into bottles and floating it. This will disperseheat gradually. Then just repace with hot water as necessary.
3. For filtration I recommend if possible put your filter media in mesh bags and put it inside of your actual tank, extra points the closer it is to an air pumps. Your foams and stuff also. This puts most of your BB in aide the water column and provides some filtration, this if you can combine it with a airstone really will make a huge difference. But even with out the air it is still a huge help.
4. Prepare ahead. Do a good water change and cleaning to night while you have power this will put your tank on the best possible foot
5. Stop feeding after the water change. Most fish can go a week or more with out eating. Although not ideal in an emergency situation bad water quality will do it faster.
I’m sure there are lots of others great tips but these kept my 8 tanks both salt and fresh alive.