How long without power

[serpentman]

I have just been informed by my power company that they are replacing a transformer on Thursday. They say it could take about 4-6 hours to complete, during which time, I will be without power. Suffice to say, I can't really afford a new generator between now and then. I have had a few 1-2 outages without incident. However, by nature of our location, we have pretty reliable service. This is my first extended outage.

I am planning on buying some battery air pumps but don't know how effective they will be on a 180. I will be home so I can occasionally manually stir water as well. Any ideas on how I can go without power?

 

[Kreeger1]

I've lost stuff within 4 hours, get a battery back up air pump cuz the electric companies are never right on time. I'd get 3

 

[itZme]

Jeff,
If it's worth the drive to you feel free to borrow my generator for the day. I am pretty sure I can trust you

 

[offshore]

Hey Jeff, I have been without power for 6 hours or more with no ill affects, but I have mostly softies for corals.

 

[serpentman]

Anyone wanna buy a generator really cheap?


Thanks Kevin, I will keep that in mind. If I can get out your way it might be the safest bet as it could easily go from 4-6 to 24. I'll probably go the pump route as I need to get some anyways. I also thought about getting an inverter and running a cord to my car for the low-watt circulation pumps.

 

[itZme]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9637641#post9637641 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by serpentman
I also thought about getting an inverter and running a cord to my car for the low-watt circulation pumps.

That would work for several hours easily. You might want to start the engine and let it idle avery hour or 2. I have run 4-5 maxijets on a little 200w inverter (with 100 ft extension from my driveway) for about 6 hrs with no losses

Hope it goes well for you.

 

[serpentman]

I think down the road I will have to invest in a decent generator. We are relocating to the sticks from which I hear, is subject to quite a few long outages. Between the reef and my need for coffee, electricity is a must.

 

[Tbohinc]

computer battery back-up unit and a few power heads and an air stone my apc 1100 will last 3-4 hr with that on it

 

[cmador]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9637680#post9637680 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by serpentman
I think down the road I will have to invest in a decent generator. We are relocating to the sticks from which I hear, is subject to quite a few long outages. Between the reef and my need for coffee, electricity is a must.

I think this is your best bet. I have a whole house generator now. I've lived in Gates Mills going on 15 years now and our power is always going out. Finally after after losing my entire 55 gal brackish tank, I went out and bought the Generac Guardian generator (and got into saltwater). I've had it for about three years now and feel that it has been a great piece of mind. I only wish I bought it sooner. If you have any ?s or want to take a look, PM me.

 

[itZme]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9638229#post9638229 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cmador
bought the Generac Guardian generator (and got into saltwater). I've had it for about three years now and feel that it has been a great piece of mind. I only wish I bought it sooner. If you have any ?s or want to take a look, PM me.

Now you look forward to storms and HOPE the power goes out just to listen to the thing fire up on its own don't you? LOL

I have been looking at those for a while but can't seem to come up with the ~$2200 it would take for me to buy one and run it to the power panel. Oh yeah, it's because I have 3 kids and a reef system to support :lol:

 

[verper]

We had our transformer changed out last summer. They told us 4-6 hours also. The power was only off for 1.5 hrs. You just can't tell.

 

[cowcio]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9637680#post9637680 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by serpentman
I think down the road I will have to invest in a decent generator. We are relocating to the sticks from which I hear, is subject to quite a few long outages. Between the reef and my need for coffee, electricity is a must.

My parents live out in the sticks... We use our generators (yes, plural) at least one time a year. It seems like if it's windy, snowing, or even raining there can be an incident that lasts quite a while, days even. We have 3 - 8500 watt generators that power a good portion of the house. Of course the fish tanks have about a 60 second hiccup, but we can live with that .
We have an auto backup generator that powers the meat freezer, fish tank, and a few other things. Most of the time, we decidedly leave the others off... There's a lot to do in sticks, don't let anybody tell you otherwise!

 

[serpentman]

Thanks for the input all. I have found several 400W inverters for under $50. I think I'll grab one and a battery airpump or 2. Probably not necessary for Thursday but wouldn't hurt to have them around.

Long term we are going to have to consider a generator though. We are looking near my folks place and they have outages several times a year. I'd like to get one that will feed my (in order of priority) tank, fridge, coffee pot and furnace fan.

 

[oldreefer76]

If you are moving I would have to agree with CMADOR go with the Generac and auto transfer switch $$ well invested

 

[Kreeger1]

If you want you can borrow my generator too, it could do most of your house, keep your frig safe too
Im in elyria

 

[serpentman]

Thanks Eric. Hopefully it won't be necessary.

 

[TealF]

If you cant afford a generator, a marine deep cycle battery is the best way to go, the good one can run the pumps for up to 17 hours.

A marine deep cycle batter is made for trolling for hours

 

[TealF]

as in battery

 

[offshore]

Hey , I know a guy that has gen sets for sale. they are 3000 watt with Honda 6.5 hp Gas Engine for 300.00

 

[cmador]

This thread jinxed me - our power's been out since 8AM. I saw about 4 CEI vehicles out on the roads. Looks like my generator will be getting a workout today.