Battery backup alternative

Crazyfingerz

New member
Hey does anyone have an alternative option for a backup supply power for ecotech vortechs and radions.

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A generator.... ?

I don't really understand your question. An alternative option for a back up power..... alternative to what?

Why put your lights on backup?
 
Yesterday i had a blackout. No damage to fish or corals, but in thw future i want to have a backup power supply. I want a cheaper alternative to the ecotech backup batteries

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any computer UPS(Universal Power Supply) will work just fine. I have a largish network size UPS on my 65 gallon reef - its actually large enough that it'll run the entire tank for about 11 hours - more than long enough for me to get my generator up an running for the house.

Where my UPS was surplus from a friends job site, you can use smaller ones to just run the return pump(if you have a sump), and heater, or the closed loop pum(or in tank power heads) - all you need is water circulation(and possibly heat or cooling) for most temporary blackouts...
 
I have been using these for years. Work great and can be had for around $20 total if you shop around.

Backup - http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trk...TR0.TRC0&_nkw=BU3DC001-12V&_sacat=0&_from=R40

Fused VorTech Battery Backup Cable - http://ecotechmarine.com/parts-store/

The nice thing about this is that it is a 12v battery backup. All you have to do is cut off the end and solder on the correct cable. I use the Vortech cable since it has the fuse built in. If you don't want to buy the extra cable, you can just cut off the end and buy the correct sized tip at Radio Shack.

The Belkin is only 7.2Ah vs the 18Ah of the Ecotech, so the run time will be less,but for $20 it works well.
 
I think the official battery is rated at 30 hours. Based on that math, this should last around 12 hours.
 
I have been using these for years. Work great and can be had for around $20 total if you shop around.

Backup - http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trk...TR0.TRC0&_nkw=BU3DC001-12V&_sacat=0&_from=R40

Fused VorTech Battery Backup Cable - http://ecotechmarine.com/parts-store/

The nice thing about this is that it is a 12v battery backup. All you have to do is cut off the end and solder on the correct cable. I use the Vortech cable since it has the fuse built in. If you don't want to buy the extra cable, you can just cut off the end and buy the correct sized tip at Radio Shack.

The Belkin is only 7.2Ah vs the 18Ah of the Ecotech, so the run time will be less,but for $20 it works well.

I just did a DIY with the Belkin BU and like you, they work great! Its very simple and very inexpensive AND it does so much more than the way over priced Vortech Battery BU!
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2276372
 
If you're using any sort of battery backup unit, make sure you put a GFI plug after the battery backup. The GFI in the wall won't work.
 
I have a 3000w inverter hooked up to 2 8D batteries. Can run anything but a chiller for days. I am getting a couple solar panels and a controler. That way I can take the tank off the grid. Wheel chair batteries work really well also. The 8d's were just really cheap.
 
I just did a DIY with the Belkin BU and like you, they work great! Its very simple and very inexpensive AND it does so much more than the way over priced Vortech Battery BU!
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2276372

Very nice walk through! That is exactly what I did. I run 3 batteries. 1 for my MP40. 1 for my Apex and wireless adapter and 1 for my Uverse router (The thing these batteries were actually made for lol)
 
I just did a DIY with the Belkin BU and like you, they work great! Its very simple and very inexpensive AND it does so much more than the way over priced Vortech Battery BU!
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2276372

There are limited responses on how this worked after a few months or years. Any bad side effects, problems, things you wish you would have done differently? How long does it last on a big return pump?

I sure would love to get this kind of backup running for my MP10's, return pump and MP10's.
 
There are limited responses on how this worked after a few months or years. Any bad side effects, problems, things you wish you would have done differently? How long does it last on a big return pump?

I sure would love to get this kind of backup running for my MP10's, return pump and MP10's.

For most AC pumps you need a larger sine wave output battery back up. Most 1500 or larger backups are sine wave output. If it is not a sine wave you pump will heat up severely. I have a APC1500 with additional battery pack that will run my 3000 gph pump and it will run my pump for more then 6 hours.
 
For most AC pumps you need a larger sine wave output battery back up. Most 1500 or larger backups are sine wave output. If it is not a sine wave you pump will heat up severely. I have a APC1500 with additional battery pack that will run my 3000 gph pump and it will run my pump for more then 6 hours.

Good information. that is one expensive backup! Im thinking its not worth the trouble to have one so large to run a return pump for a large period of time. Rather Im thinking that a smaller unit for brownout prevention is the way i will go with the return pump backup.


Excellent information! Anyone else have advice or has the belkin setup running anything?
 
The Belkin unit is suitable for DC pumps, not most AC pumps. Some pumps will not run at all on the less expensive battery backups. So if you get one test it before relying on it. Kill the power and see how long it will run on the battery. Assuming it does run, pay attention to how hot the pump gets and if it is a lot noiser. Both are signs of a potential compatability problem with the battery back up.
 
I have a 3000w inverter hooked up to 2 8D batteries. Can run anything but a chiller for days. I am getting a couple solar panels and a controler. That way I can take the tank off the grid. Wheel chair batteries work really well also. The 8d's were just really cheap.


Neil can you elaborate a little more with how to do this or maybe PM me. I have a rather large set up I would like to do off grid. If I tell you everything I am using could you help me figure out the right solar set up I need? I would love to do my entire house but no 3rd party wants to do ground mounts and I don't have the funds to do a 25,000kw system.
 
What is the throughput power on the belkin backup? anyone aware of a larger unit or a 24V version?

No. It is 12v and was specifically designed to operate ATT Uverse equipment on battery backup. The new units are $60 on amazon. If you buy a used unit on amazon or ebay they are much cheaper and you can buy a replacment battery for them for $16. So its worth it to buy it used for $20 and a new battery if needed.
 
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