Battery backup/generator?

V

Valentini89

New member
So how do you ensure your system stays running? I was thinking of a battery backup for the non crucial low wattage components and a generator for things like lighting, chiller, etc. It gets real hot here in FL in the summer and if power goes Out for an extended time.. well, it won't be good. Especially since it will be in a converted garage that is not cooled.
 
Just do generator..
Sounds like you really need one..

A battery backup.. Unless large/expensive isn't going to get you much run time..
 
If your family auto or truck has an AC outlet all you need is a sufficient length of extension cord to run emergency pumps. I also have a boaters bilge pump that runs directly off a marine/auto battery.
 
Do yourself a BIG favor and get as generator.

I'm in SW Florida and you get more hurricanes up where you are than we do down here (historically accurate... trust me, I've investigated it). Back in 2004 we were without power for 10 days after Charlie. Our 5000w generator kept the refrigerator cold, kept the aquarium at 80F, ran some fans, some pumps and the TV (we had Direct TV satellite back then... even Comcast was down).

BTW, the day after the hurricane goes past, you get a week or more of full sun and 90+ temps. That was $50/day I was so happy I spent! ($500 generator amortized over 10 days without power)

Since then it's only been used a few times when afternoon thunder storms have taken out transformer on a pole nearby. But those have been 3 to 12 hour issues and usually late afternoon into the evening, so not as hot.
 
mcgyvr said:
A battery backup.. Unless large/expensive isn't going to get you much run time..
Click to expand...

The advantage of a battery backup is that it is automatic. Not good as a long term solution as you pointed out, but having a single pump or other crucial equipment on it means your system is fine when the power goes out while you're at work or asleep. It gives you enough time to get home and start the generator.
 
Before I had my whole house I had both a generator and a battery backed up pump. If you have much sand in your tank and no flow the bacteria in the sand will consume the oxygen very fast. Now what happens if you are away for a few hours or longer like at work. The battery back up will keep things alive until you get home to set up the generator.
 
Like was already mentioned, PH's on a battery back up to run for a few hours in case I'm not home or if the power outage is short. Usually whenever there is a power outage around here it's due to a transformer blowing and power is restored within an hour or two, so the battery back up is fine. Generator on standby if the power outage is going to last longer.
 
I agree with others to go the generator route, however, I'd get an inverter instead. Cleaner power for your tank equipment. An even more cost effective option is get a decent inverter that runs off your car. I spent less than $100 on one from Lowes and it powers both of my tanks with all the equipment running as long as I have gas in my truck.
 
Generator all the way. I have used mine twice in the last 3 months for very temporary outages (only a few hours). Once I get my aquarium up and running next month it will keep it safe and my beer cold. I have my gen set up to run 6 dedicated circuits, all through the main electrical panel. All I do is plug in one cable and fire it up.
 
JTL said:
Generator all the way. I have used mine twice in the last 3 months for very temporary outages (only a few hours). Once I get my aquarium up and running next month it will keep it safe and my beer cold. I have my gen set up to run 6 dedicated circuits, all through the main electrical panel. All I do is plug in one cable and fire it up.
Click to expand...

But what if you are not there? You need both or a whole house generator.
 
der_wille_zur_macht said:
The advantage of a battery backup is that it is automatic. Not good as a long term solution as you pointed out, but having a single pump or other crucial equipment on it means your system is fine when the power goes out while you're at work or asleep. It gives you enough time to get home and start the generator.
Click to expand...

Thats why they make Auto transfer switches for generators ;) ..
But yes a single powerhead on a UPS can be a lifesaver too..
 
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