Elctricity Backup Question???
- Thread starter lilznboi
- Start date
sweetleaf
New member
Propane generators would probably be the most reliable method. Need to keep it outside to deal with exhaust, they don't come cheap either.
Maybe you could have a solar panel/battery setup, but I have no idea how that actually works. Maybe someone can chime in with some experience, I'd be interested..
Maybe you could have a solar panel/battery setup, but I have no idea how that actually works. Maybe someone can chime in with some experience, I'd be interested..
kcress
New member
Have you actually heard an inverter based generator?
They are very quiet.
This sort of generator:
http://cgi.ebay.com/RAMSOND-SINEMAT...75|39:1|66:2|65:12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1308
They are very quiet.
This sort of generator:
http://cgi.ebay.com/RAMSOND-SINEMAT...75|39:1|66:2|65:12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1308
8BALL_99
New member
Lots of idea's what are you wanting? Some use Generators. Some use a UPS made for computers.. Some use a DIY UPS made out of a deep cycle battery and relay. Some just use Battery powered air pumps you buy at the petstore for 20 bucks.. Options range from $20 airpumps to $4-5000 for a good whole house system
I use a DIY UPS for short outages and I have a Honda EuI2000 generator for longer outages.
I use a DIY UPS for short outages and I have a Honda EuI2000 generator for longer outages.
wizzbane15
Member
The biggest problem when the power is out is lack of water flow which translate into lack of oxgenation. In an effort to come up with a cost effective backup system under 150.00, this is what I did:
A computer UPS and only plug 1 return pump into it. The one pump draws the minimal amount of current from the UPS to extend it's use. I also then have a PennPlax automatic switching airpump(pump is off when the power is on and vice versa). My reason is this- the UPS can power the one pump for about 8-10 hours. Once that runs out, the airpump kicks on and can go for about another 8 hours.
16 hours of backup time for only 150.00, I couldn't beat the price. Plus it is only about 1/10 the cost of what it cost me to learn the hard way
A computer UPS and only plug 1 return pump into it. The one pump draws the minimal amount of current from the UPS to extend it's use. I also then have a PennPlax automatic switching airpump(pump is off when the power is on and vice versa). My reason is this- the UPS can power the one pump for about 8-10 hours. Once that runs out, the airpump kicks on and can go for about another 8 hours.
16 hours of backup time for only 150.00, I couldn't beat the price. Plus it is only about 1/10 the cost of what it cost me to learn the hard way
I wouldnt be concerned with co2. HC and CO are your concerns from an internal combustion engine. Unless you have monitors or detectors installed you would not know it was comming inside until you were nearly ready to keel over. But i'm sure putting the exhaust end outside is fine.
My generator is so loud it keeps the entire neighborhood awake so I keep it closer to the neighbors house than my own. In exchange I let them run a cord.
Don
das75
New member
Bought for camping but have available a 800W generator. Chinese made and picked up for $139 new. Not the nicest wave form but runs my pumps and heater, if was really concerned though would just feed a UPS (for line conditioning) and plug devices into the UPS.
As stated don't need a lot to keep a tank going for a outage other than aeration and heat (don't need to be running the MH, Ca reactor etc.)
As stated don't need a lot to keep a tank going for a outage other than aeration and heat (don't need to be running the MH, Ca reactor etc.)
Having this switch over when you are not home outside of a UPS is pretty costly in general.
Generators are common but I found they are simply too expensive, too space consuming, requiring storage of fuel, and if required to be placed outside and noisy (a big advertisement saying come steal me). That being said when I own my home I will be getting one for things beyond the aquarium.
I too have battery-powered air pumps. But this year I upgraded to a 1000W inverter with a dedicated 50' cord and power strip. During a power outage I ran my inverter (in my garage) off my idling truck in the driveway and ran the extension cord near my tank. I then uplugged my powerheads and return pump and plugged them into the power strip. No problem with the box sine wave. PHs ran fine. Kept water circulation going. I didn't try running the heater, lights, or controller though.
Problem with solar is 1) usually when the power goes out it's because of some form of a storm. -> solar doesn't work well when the sun isn't out. Further, having a battery backup added greatly increases the cost and maintenance of a grid-tied solar system. That being said if you can afford it - go for it as it will pay for itself (at least the solar grid-tied part...) and thereafter, the energy it creates is free!
It is possible to do this with some 12v batteries and an inverter automatically but I'll let you figure out that one on your own.
Generators are common but I found they are simply too expensive, too space consuming, requiring storage of fuel, and if required to be placed outside and noisy (a big advertisement saying come steal me). That being said when I own my home I will be getting one for things beyond the aquarium.
I too have battery-powered air pumps. But this year I upgraded to a 1000W inverter with a dedicated 50' cord and power strip. During a power outage I ran my inverter (in my garage) off my idling truck in the driveway and ran the extension cord near my tank. I then uplugged my powerheads and return pump and plugged them into the power strip. No problem with the box sine wave. PHs ran fine. Kept water circulation going. I didn't try running the heater, lights, or controller though.
Problem with solar is 1) usually when the power goes out it's because of some form of a storm. -> solar doesn't work well when the sun isn't out. Further, having a battery backup added greatly increases the cost and maintenance of a grid-tied solar system. That being said if you can afford it - go for it as it will pay for itself (at least the solar grid-tied part...) and thereafter, the energy it creates is free!
It is possible to do this with some 12v batteries and an inverter automatically but I'll let you figure out that one on your own.
reefergeorge
New member
Sorry for the jack, but I use a apc-1500. I am pretty sure it is true sine wave, but not sure.
reefergeorge
New member
Do you have this one? That is a good deal if it is reliable, but a cheap generator that won't start isn't worth .01
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