Just remember to use caution if you guys are running theses small gennies inside!
Generators are a great addition to a reef tank but if you want a poor man's version, get an inverter for your car and a really long extension cord. Either plug it into your cigarette lighter or connect to your car battery and your car becomes a generator. I had to do this several years ago and it was a life saver. Ran a couple of circulation pumps and the tank heater for about 10 hours.
Damn... great idea for a last ditch effort.....
Few problems with using an inverter on your car. To start, the power being provided isn't regulated/clean like with a regular generator, so your equipment will use and need more power than normal. Also, your average car's alternator probably only generates around maybe 600-ish watts and maybe 20-30 amps at idle, which means if you are using more than that, the battery will drain faster than the alternator can recharge it. Plus, you're stressing your alternator pretty heavy if you're constantly pulling that much power through an inverter. And replacing an alternator will probably cost more than a $350 gas generator.
I don't disagree with your point but in a pinch, it works. Think about your post. 600W and 20-30 amps will power quite a few powerheads and a modest heater. You're not gonna run your lights or a high powered pump but like I said, in a pinch, the inverters are very handy.
They're an excellent system. Well worth it imoMy next purchase is going to be a whole house generac. The $7-9K will suck, but it will nice not to have to worry about it when the power goes out...Not only for the aquariums, but just less interruption in general.