Generator recommendations for 300g DT.

[bfliflet]

Now that I've installed the solar panels on my roof, the electrician is going to need to shut off my electricity while he hooks up the inverters to my circuit panel. I am in the market for a generator for my 300 to keep the fish and corals happy. Any recommendations on brands or sizing? Thanks!

 

[PanicBuyer]

Add up the wattage of each item you want to run on the generator. That will tell you the minimum size you need.

This will help:
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_educationcenter_calculators_tank_electrical.html


Plan ahead for how you plan to get power from the generator to the fish tank.
Are you going to run an extension cord through a window to the tank? Then plug into a power strip?
Get a transfer switch and have a more permanent solution.

Since the electrician is going to be working on your panel then running extension cords is going to be your only option to get through this project. Since you will have the generator you may want to consider the other option for future disasters. You may be able to get the transfer switch hooked up at the same time. Some solar systems have them built in. It might not be that hard to add a generator connection to your solar system. Consult with your electrician.

 

[robert s b.]

6.5 HP should last you a whole day depending on the load, if you just need it for a few hours up to a day. Just go rent one at Home Depot.

 

[Tanks_Big_Time]

I have a 6500 watt Honda generator. Will run most of your house and your tank in a power outage. I have been thinking of selling it. Let me know if interested.

 

[rott161982]

Now that I've installed the solar panels on my roof, the electrician is going to need to shut off my electricity while he hooks up the inverters to my circuit panel. I am in the market for a generator for my 300 to keep the fish and corals happy. Any recommendations on brands or sizing? Thanks!

I would recommend asking the solar company how much it will be to add in battery backup. With that even if power does goes off u will be running on battery.and not only for tank but for whole house

 

[hoaglanddiver]

dont know about a 300G but I've got a 150 and am taking no chances... rather than a portable gas generator.... I installed a whole house.. 1) it not only does the tank, but it also keeps me cool in summer and warm in winter. 2) it comes on automatically during an outage.. If I'm away on vacat, etc, I dont need to worry about it. 3) it runs on propane (all that is avail where I live -though they obv make Nat Gas ones as well) - so I dont have to constantly fill it w/ gasoline, or worry about "old" gasoline. why take the chance of losing thousands in livestock when for just a few thousand you can just about guarantee no electricity issues?

 

[BJCollie]

I opted for the cheaper route....I bought a Champion brand generator from Tractor Supply. It's American made with a 2 year warranty at a good price. I also have my DT on a computer UPS, it will run my tank for about 30 minutes which gives me enough time to crank up the generator.

 

[PanicBuyer]

Here's a shot of my transfer switch just to give you an idea of how it works.

When the power goes out I connect my generator to a plug on the back of the house. The plug runs to the transfer switch. I simply need to flip the desired switch to power the designated outlets via generator.



In normal operation all switches are down. Running on Line. If I lose power I simply plug in and fire up the generator outside. Then go to the transfer switch. If I want to power my fish tank off the generator. I flip switch F up to GEN. When power to the house is restored I flip the switch back to Line and go shut off the generator.

 

[bfliflet]

Cool. Thanks for all of the ideas and insight. The electrician now says we may not need to shut off power but I need a backup plan if something changes last minute.

 

[bull shark]

My solar is connected to a sub panel. IIRC, there was no power interruption when it was tied into the main panel.