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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/fish-outage-power-back-wait-to-feed

The power comes back after an outage. What does Florida Sea Grant say about feeding?

Do not feed for 24 hours, and test for ammonia and nitrite.

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  1. Feed a double meal right away
  2. Wait 24 hours before feeding ✔
  3. Feed only once a week from now on

Why: Florida Sea Grant says not to feed for 24 hours after power returns, and to test the water for ammonia and nitrite. The filter bacteria may need time to recover before handling more waste.

Huh, didn't know that: It also says to clean hang-on-back and canister filters to clear dead bacteria and waste before plugging them back in.

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References

Answer: Wait 24 hours before feeding. Florida Sea Grant says not to feed for 24 hours after power returns, and to test the water for ammonia and nitrite. The filter bacteria may need time to recover before handling more waste.

  1. Florida Sea Grant: Q&A, How to Keep Your Fish Tank Safe During a Power Outage www.flseagrant.org/qa-how-to-keep-your-fish-tank-safe-during-a-power-outage
    Do not feed for 24 hours. Test the water for ammonia and nitrite
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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