emergency backup power

[spiffluk]

What are people using for emergency backup power in case the power fails? I only need to keep a power head (or airpump) and one heater going for at least a few hours. Someone suggested a 'Uninterrupted Power Supply' (UPS) device but those look like they're designed to backup computers.

 

[Aquanaut]

If too early to run a generator in the AM....I lost power around 4:30...I run a power inverter off my car battery. A deep cycle battery RV is best. I ran 150-375 watts for 3.5hrs. It did leave my battery weak enough to need a quick jump...lol. The prime problem is finding a inverter to handle the AMPS when the heater kicks on. My 800watt inverter barely gets by with my 200w heater. three KORALLA 4 12w pumps and a MAG 12 80watt return pump to keep the system cycling enough. Having a 300 gallon system has its drawbacks durring an outage...lol

 

[reefman069]

i just run my generator all night and all morning. that's what all the people do that live around me. so i do the same.

 

[spiffluk]

Thanks, my needs are far more modest than yours, and I need something that will kick in automatically

 

[spiffluk]

I don't have a generator, and I need something that will kick in automatically in case I'm not around

 

[user 26995]

I had a guardian generator installed a few years ago. Runs the whole house. Kicks on automatically approx 30 seconds after the power goes out.

 

[seattlereef]

If you want something small you can run a ups just be aware the hearter will run through the batteries fast and they should be replaced about every other year

 

[Ichthys]

I bit the bullet and bought a generator this summer. Haven't had to use it yet.

 

[spiffluk]

That's the really expensive one, right? I just want something to keep the tank going.

 

[RichV]

I never found an answer for what you are looking for. I bit the bullet as well and put an on demand generator in and yes it was pricey.

 

[user 26995]

here is a lesser expensive one that you could hook up to the circuit breaker for the room your tank is in. it is big enough to run the tank and run extension cord to your refrigerator. possibly watch TV and a table lamp. And possibly an electric skillet or coffee pot.

Oh it will require installation of an LP tank and lines.

https://www.google.com/shopping/pro....5&ei=FU_VUpC7B9D-oQTcooLQCQ&ved=0CLADEKYrMBA

 

[Scooterman]

You can get a 1000 watt small Honda or Yamaha generator, they are super quiet, burn little fuel for many hours but is not stand by, you would have to start them. You could set up a UPS that would run a small power head, the small ones are designed for computers which uses more power than a tiny PH. They would run it for a long time. The heater would draw lots of power, you would have to consider the heater size required for your tank, A big heater will run down the smaller UPS quick so you would have to go larger which they do make but cost more. If you can wait it out two or three hours I'm sure the temperature won't drop that fast to go without unless you have a small tank.

 

[JPG@CFI]

Look at the Goal Zero products. Not stand by, but are real nice. I have a couple of their solar panels, and battery chargers. J

 

[Herefishyfishy]

I used to keep a small power inverter on hand, still have it. Would hook it up to car battery or portable battery and run heater and a small return pump to keep water flowing. Worked great. Later when had a large tank packed with thousands in corals, upgraded to a generac generator. Cheap but VERY loud. It kept everything going during any prolonged power outrage

 

[N1Husker]

You can also get a small generator from Harbor Freight for about $150.00 bucks. You can also find the same generator online for about $125.00. I don't know how reliable they are but if you get one you need to fire it up for 10 minutes every month to keep the fuel oil mixture from gumming up.

 

[farid2544]

5K watt generator. Runs for 10 hours. haven't had to use it yet

 

[farid2544]

i got mine for $200 at pawn shop.

 

[N1Husker]

Even though you haven't had to use your generators, make sure you run them for 10 min., once a month. I have a friend who works on cars and also works on small engines, he has his own shop, and he told me that he works on a lot generators every year and he said 90% are fuel problems. He said it is important to not let the fuel sit in the fuel bowl for a long period as it will gum up. He also said that most of the fuel is garbage and that you should use a fuel stabilizer like Stabil for ethanol gas.

 

[farid2544]

i do. Normally i hook up a heater and let it run for 15 minutes or so.

 

[user 26995]

Well you are all lucky if you havent needed your generator. Last saturday, my power was out from 10:30 am sat. till 5:40 am sun. then again from 8:30am sun till 10:30am sun. Total of over 21 hours. With 490 gals of sw tanks, I say thank goodness for my guardian generator.