Back up power

I'm sure they would for daytime use, but if my neighbor had a typical loud generator going at 2AM, I think I'd be a bit annoyed.

That having been said, the best setup for under $1000 would really be a generator that you could run during the day and batteries at night. You could recharge the batteries each day using the generator. The best setup for those with the $ would be a diesel or NG powered auto-switching generator for your whole house. I think those run around $6000 for a decent one.

T
 
Just an FYI, I just picked up a new generator (one to run just my tank) at PepBoys for 189.99. Its only 2300 watts, but that would run the tank fairly well. That way my big one can run my heater and fridge
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8955464#post8955464 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pwhitby
could someone --with the knowledge to do so--- assemble a list of parts required for an inverter running on deep cycle batteries and approximate costs ?

Paul.
Click to expand...

The most simple system is a power inverter and one battery. Since one wouldn't plan on pulling too many amps, the cheapest inverter would work fine, so $35 from Lowes will buy you that. An 8D marine battery (>200ah) is about $200-220. A 4D (~160ah) will run around $170. (Batteries seem real expensive at the moment). These will keep a Maxijet 1200 going for around 2 days solid.

Buy a battery powered airpump and that will run for days.

It's not cheap but it is an alternative to a generator.

T
 
If anyone wants to drive out this way Atwoods in Clinton have some 2200w or so generators for $239 and 1000w generators for $149.00. I may have to get me one tonight...
 
you may find those generators can only be run for so long at which point you have to stop them and allow to cool.....I had looked at something along those lines before buying my 5k unit. There was an issue with them, not sure what that didnt allow continuous running....or so I was told. I then went elsewhere, Lowes i think, and picked up the coleman.

P.
 
its like everythimg else in this hobby............read up on the item before buying.

I have used my generator 3 times in as many years. Once for about 8hrs. the other times were for a few hours.

Each time (certainly the first) saved me thousands of restocking bills.

I have seen all fish die in a tank after several hours of a power outage. A batter airpump will increase that time.....

Paul.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8954585#post8954585 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishyface
good article here on the subject:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/aug2002/feature.htm
Click to expand...
Good God, I should have gotten around to reading this article when I first saw the link posted. The guy talks about a battery powered air pump that will run for 5 DAYS on 2 D Batteries. You have got to be kidding with me, that's amazing! (Penn-Plax B11)

He suggests one such pump for every 2 feet of tank (for relatively standard sized tanks). And he suggests running them without an airstone as larger bubbles seem to produce more water movement. Lasltly, they plug into the wall and automatically power on when power fails.

Wow cool!

As for heat, I think I must have read that article a while back, because he suggests the styrofoam insulation trick. That and blankets on top of the tank or whatever you have on hand that is insulatory.

Anyhow, way cool - sounds like a plan for us cheapos!!!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8956073#post8956073 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by captbunzo
holy moly - is there not a $50 car battery or so that will do the trick?
Click to expand...

The fact that it is a deep-cycle only adds a small premium to the cost. Your typical $50 car battery will likely provide around 40 amp-hours. You can get an equivalent marine deep-cycle for $70. It might even be cheaper at somewhere like Sam's.

The auto battery will work in this setup a few times. But if you deep-cycle an auto battery, it will quickly lose capacity.

T
 
Thank you for the clarification, Tim. I really appreciate all the great info that you (and others) have shared in this thread....
 
If you are really concerned about noise you can always go with solar power :) That won't help us for this weekend as I don't know of any place you can run out to and buy the proper equipment around here, but they make no noise. The last time we ordered some at work it took about a month to get all the equipment in due to high demand for that equipment. They are also rather expensive, but they can be used all the time to supplement your power consumption from the electric company.

Like Tim said don't waste your money on a car battery. It won't be very useful after one or two deep discharges.
 
True on the deep cycle batteries .After our last power outage I ran a maxi-jet 12 on my 58 and it wasnt enough flow for my yellow tang.He was almost lifeless on a rock untill I added another powerhead.I just dont see how a battery airpump would keep live stock alive.On the other hand I guess some water movement is better than none.BTW my batteries are gel celled so I dont know if there different from the marine batteries.
 
Actually, lot of aquaculture facilities use air lifts to create the most economical form of water movement around.... The power of gravity working for you....
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8955832#post8955832 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by captbunzo
Can I get a $50 generator that'll power just enough for an air pump and a couple powerheads? :)
Click to expand...

Yes you can.Start looking in pawn shops and you will find one.My 1000 watt honda was 50$
 
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