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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/fish-outage-stop-feeding-early

A storm may knock out your power soon. What feeding change does a UF fish vet suggest?

Stop feeding a day or two early to cut down on waste.

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  1. Feed extra so they can store up
  2. Stop feeding a day or two early ✔
  3. Switch to three meals a day

Why: When the power is out, the filter's helpful bacteria may stop working, so ammonia and nitrite can rise. Less food means less waste. Feeding extra does the opposite.

Huh, didn't know that: Florida Sea Grant says that during a storm, if fish look fine, checking the water every 48 to 72 hours is enough.

The dad joke
Why did the fish skip dinner before the storm? It wanted to keep its tank shipshape.
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References

Answer: Stop feeding a day or two early. When the power is out, the filter's helpful bacteria may stop working, so ammonia and nitrite can rise. Less food means less waste. Feeding extra does the opposite.

  1. Florida Sea Grant: Q&A, How to Keep Your Fish Tank Safe During a Power Outage (Dr. Roy Yanong, UF/IFAS) www.flseagrant.org/qa-how-to-keep-your-fish-tank-safe-during-a-power-outage
    To prepare, stop feeding fish a day or two early to reduce waste
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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