Generators and reef keeping

[oldsaltman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8995302#post8995302 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DrBDC
I have a Troy-built 3550 with 5250 max(for the extra surge during startup of certain electrical devices like pumps, refridgerator compressors, etc.). They run 499 at Lowe's. 599 get the 5500 with about 7000 max. I had thought about getting the larger but didn't and this has worked just fine. I would love to get one of those 7-15K watt ones that run on LP and auto switch on/off.

I bought one from Sears. 5500 with about 8500 startup and it was $599. I got it before Christmas and haven't used it yet. It has gas and is ready to go. I kinda wished I had looked into propane before I got mine. The only reason is for the extended run time. Mine will go about 10h on a tank of gas.

 

[Im Lon 2]

Do they have smaller ones (3000-6000) that will run off natural gas? I have a line that I could very quickly run into the garage.

 

[oldsaltman]

I don't know, but I have looked at some conversions for mine. They do get costly though.

 

[Im Lon 2]

I know they make big ones for the whole house but I don't have that kind of dough

 

[oldsaltman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8996017#post8996017 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Im Lon 2
I know they make big ones for the whole house but I don't have that kind of dough

My goal was to have enough wattage to cover my tank, the sun room it's in, TV etc, kitchen W/refrigerator, small space heater and some lights. I think I covered that.

 

[capncapo]

You don't want a generator in your garage.

People die from doing that kind of stuff!

 

[Reggae Fish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8996017#post8996017 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Im Lon 2
I know they make big ones for the whole house but I don't have that kind of dough

They do make smaller ones like what you're talking about that can be run off of natural gas, propane, or gas. Example- http://cgi.ebay.com/New-3500-Watt-P...6QQihZ007QQcategoryZ46412QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

My advice would look for a refurb. I got a
5,000 watt/7,500 surge coleman for $200. Would have liked to of gotten a honda engine but for that price, I can't complain.

 

[scbadiver]

They sure do and my son came home last night telling me he and his Einstein of a psycho mother "stayed at her boyfreinds house because he had it all closed up with nice big kerosene heater running inside to keep them all warm". Isn't that special. I told him don't ever do that again. That is just sooo dangerous. can you say "carbon monoxide poisoning?"

 

[capncapo]

SO you are still around eh Rob?

Did you lose your power or have you just been avoiding us?

 

[scbadiver]

Lost power friday night at about 10, came on last ight about 6. Lost all the fish except the red scooter blenne right now but I don't have much hope. Unfortunately, Just to get away from all of you, so it didn't look like I was avoiding you I left town Friday evening afte work and didn't get home until 6:30 last night. Picked a bad weekend to leave I guess. The tank was at a balmy 52 when I got to it last night. On the upside. all the limbs that fell missed the house, no pipes froze. No injuries and my kid is still alive so, I'm ok with that. How is things in Florrisant Greg? you ok?

 

[capncapo]

I came out unscathed essentially. My power was going off and on but never stayed out for more than 3 or 4 minutes at a time. It must have happened at least 10 times and I heard one heck of a loud hum every time it did. I was fully prepared to lose it for a long time but got lucky.

 

[scbadiver]

Good to hear! I hope everybody comes thru well. Divedog (Jeff)was still without power at about 11 this morning. I will say this, the drive home from Bull Shoals was awesome yesterday. Everything was covered in ice most of the way but the roads were fine. It was pretty.

 

[Lost His Marbles Name]

Buy a main lug only panel 12 circuits or so. install two breakers in the top with a interlink. Run all the circuits you want to on the generator in to the new panel. Run one two pole ciruit from the main box to one of the interlinked breakers on new panel. install one cord from the other interlinked breaker to the generator. When power goes out start the generator and flip the interlinked breakers. Now you have $100 in parts and made a manual transfer switch that can run you necessary circuits in the house. One frig, one freezer, fish tank and one gas fired furnace and more if you like. start with a 3KW and go up from there. I seen some 10KW to 16KW portables that will run A/C units and the whole basic natural gas house. Natrual gas house meanning Furnace, hot water heater, stove, dryer. Take the amperes x voltage "120 or 240 volt" and you will get your wattage. Go to cutler hammers web site, look for generators and they have a generator calculator if you are in doubt "Gwen Stefoni had no doubt and she is nice on teh eyes too". Any more questions call your congress man. Besure you get good tech assistance and I'm not liyable for your mistakes.

 

[Letmegrow]

The above post is why I love this guy. :lol:

 

[Divedog]

Life is getting better. Power came on around 11:00. Thanks to some really great people who were willing and able to lend me generators on a moments notice it appears that my total lose is going to be a cleaner shrimp. That is tolerable but not necessarily acceptable.

Sorry for your loses scbadiver (Robbie). I wish I would have been able to help you out this weekend.