battery backup UPS which one
- Thread starter jimbo78
- Start date
jimbo78
Premium Member
WhoDey64
Active member
I run an APC that is sized to backup a rack server but it only powers my mag 5 return pump and my Reef Keeper. We had a 4 hour power outage a few weeks back and I didnt even dent its capacity. I think they are great for smaller tanks like mine, but once you get into a larger system you would have trouble doing much more with them.
zachfishman
Active member
GTK, I think I'll pick up a small one to run the aquaclear (6W) and one of my K1 powerheads (4W).
lilfishbigreef
New member
(i copied this over from the other i posted it in)
here is an alternative i worked on when i did not have a generator
i only used 2 batteries for the test, i now have 8 total batteries. even though i have a generator now, i will still use them to run small thing if i need too, but when i had my tanks they were intended as battery back up for the tanks only. i dont remember how to calculate the run time based on watts, volts, amp hours etc etc
Charger
here is an alternative i worked on when i did not have a generator
i only used 2 batteries for the test, i now have 8 total batteries. even though i have a generator now, i will still use them to run small thing if i need too, but when i had my tanks they were intended as battery back up for the tanks only. i dont remember how to calculate the run time based on watts, volts, amp hours etc etc
Charger
zachfishman
Active member
I've wondered about just using a car battery. My problem is that with hurricane evacuations I likely won't be around when the power goes out.
lilfishbigreef
New member
YOU CANNOT USE A REGUALR CAR BATTERY INSIDE A HOUSE!!! it must be a sealed battery. regular car batteries emit dangerous gas and fumes when discharging. be very careful and if you decide to go with a car battery leave them outside. car batteries would not be a good choice for this anyways because they generally dont have enough amps to last anything worth while. this is a good reason for marine or high amp batteries.
from autotopoff.com
Battery Backup Controller:
This controller switches power between your household power and a battery backup when you have a power outage. It has two power inputs and one power output. Plug one input into the wall and the other into a battery power supply. This can either power a device from the grid and switch to battery when the power goes out, or only power the device during an outage.
Will handle devices up to 15A or 1800 watts.
You will need an SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) or car battery and a power inverter. A decent size battery and inverter costs approx 50$. You can also incorporate a carger in your system so your battery always has a full charge. www.zbattery.com has batteries, inverters and chargers.
Battery Backup Controller: $35
its about half way down the page http://www.autotopoff.com/custom/
snakeman2198
Member
Unless you get a gel cell battery, you'll still have the lead/acid type with the fumes from discharge. It doesn't matter if its car or marine. It should be a sealed gel cell like Emilio said earlier.
