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[Reefer_Addict87]

Ok when a hurricane comes through miami how do you guys keep your tanks up and working. I mean I know generators but I'm in a condo building and don't think I can run generators 24hrs. a day. If anyone knows how to keep power to tanks while I'm far gone, if a Katrina decides to roll through, so when i come back everythings ok.

Thank You.

 

[roly01]

a big battery backup is the only other options other then a generator, u should only connect your main pump and maybe a powerhead to make sure theirs enough oxygenation to keep everything alive and thats it because other wise you will just drain the batter way to fast.

Battery Backups

 

[Ben_n_Em]

Getting a system to survive a hurricane sounds like quite the challange. No idea how to maintain power with no manual intervention but I can comment on the generator in a condo question. If you had a large UPS, you could charge it during the day while running a generator and use it to power a tank at night. Would at least keep things quiet during the sleeping hours.

 

[Rogger Castells]

battery powered air pumps do the work for me

 

[doggydoc]

battery powered air pumps do the work for me

+ 1....
But I d have a small generator to run the tank just in case.

 

[Reefer_Addict87]

ok just to clarify...

ok just to clarify...

And how long usually does it take fpl to return power after a big 1 decides to mess up south beach, say its longer than 2-3 days do air pumps and simple batteries do the job, furthermore how do you charge the battery if theres no power...I don't get it because there hasn't been a hurricane in the 2 years i've been here I just don't know what other options I have. I'm just gonna buy a little generator and stick it on the balcony and if anyone complains they shouldn't be there anyway because of power loss correct, I mean there has to be someone in a high-rise with fish tanks.

I see a generator as the only viable option, to keep everything going. I mean imagine if powers out for a week? How many people's tanks would crash, everyone's except the ones on generators right.

 

[mlivvy]

I have a UPS on one of the koralia evo's that only draws 4.5w so if the power goes out it'll run for a day or more. I have a generator if it needs charging and battery air pumps as a backup to the backup.

 

[mrx66699]

just get the generator and if anyone says anything let them its a hurricane lol do what you need too to protect your investment...... if they have a problem with it so what they will have their own problems to worry about ....you might even get them on your side split some gas and drop them an extension cord they will love you for it when they need to run their refrigerator or a fan and noise will be the last thing they should be concerned about

 

[Rogger Castells]

WOW, before you go breaking the law, what size tank are we talking about here?

 

[mitchwelt]

WOW, before you go breaking the law, what size tank are we talking about here?

Its not breaking the law, its condo rules, just get a small Honda generator, almost silent and no smell, put it on the patio and you will be fine, plus it can run small applinces to, why does everything have to be so complicated?
CASE CLOSED!

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[Waterhouse]

I agree with mitch and his last statement. New small Honda generators are very silent! Keep it away as far as you can outside from a window! You still need proper ventilation. The CO gas expelled from generators is odorless any ways. In turn, can hurt you and your family.

 

[jdantunes]

Its not breaking the law, its condo rules, just get a small Honda generator, almost silent and no smell, put it on the patio and you will be fine, plus it can run small applinces to, why does everything have to be so complicated?
CASE CLOSED!

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I agreed with Mitchwelt. I seen these generator and they are awesome. No larger than a smaller cooler and almost dead silent if you compare it to a normal size generator.

Your neighbors won't even know that you are running a generator.

And I will get everyones advise get a good size UPS charge it during the day with the generator, use the UPS at night for water movement and just run your generator at night for your fridge and a portable A\C.

 

[Osteomata]

Concur with Mitchwelt, the Honda gens are small and quite. But as to the orginal posters question:

The answer depends on your circumstances, i.e., are you in a condo/apartment or in a house. If in a house, then you really really really should look into a generator for you tank plus key house components like the refrigerator. If in a condo/apartment, a small generator for same is you best bet, but you can also get by with a battery backup powering only the minimum low wattage items. One of the most electrically efficient would be old school air pumps, several of them, running continuouslly. Low draw powerheads like the korelia's positioned to maximize surface agitation (and thus oxygenation) would also work. Do not expect to run chillers, lights or even main pumps for long on a battery back up.

As for how long power is likley to be out, that is totally dependent on the seriousness of the hurricane damage, the specific location you are in, and a host of other factors. During the bad ones, some areas can be out for two weeks, but that is getting close to the worst case scenario at least for the last decade. FPL has improved their emergency response, so a couple of days is ore likely, but it is almost certain that some areas will be far worse off than that if we get hit hard.

 

[mrx66699]

+1 get the generator

 

[saltwaterfishlover]

generator is a must..... ever tried running a coffee maker on a battery backup..... generator = happy wife... live fish and high gas bill...... last huricane 13 days no power....

 

[illal]

The rules are there to protect you AND your neighbors... Carbon monoxide is orderless/deadly, If theres no power chances are everyone will have there windows open... Your taking advice from a bunch of people who run generators but also live in houses not condos lol

 

[gasman059]

STANBY GENERATOR 16KW ac/fridge/tank/hot water/ livestock saved u can always use the hot water and food excuse.

It will set u back some 10-20k but great investment. I can run my house for 2-3 weeks and then refill 500 gallons of propane asa I go.

 

[mitchwelt]

How much does 500 gallon propaine cost?


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[Rogger Castells]

Sorry, I don't agree with using a generator were it is prohibited, personally I think is plain irresponsible to even suggested specially since it could harm you and your family, also the question is clearly about alternative power sources.
Reefer addict, IMO, the answer to the questions is highly dependent on the following factors your size tank, the type of corals/fish you keep and the severity of the storm.
These are some of the things I have done in the past.

1. Do a large water change prior to the hurricane.
2. Prepare water for a second water change, in case you need to. (the water after the storm is usually not good for a while)
3. Lower the feeding in your tank to a minimum.
4. Buy some battery operated air pumps, these are very cheap and the batteries last a couple of days, plan on buying replacement batteries prior to storm. (I use 4 of them in my 376 gallon tank)
5. Get a few 12 volt pumps like the vortechs, you can easily run this with a couple of deep cycle batteries and a power inverter.
6. You could also help the water temperature by freezing a few 2 litter soda bottles prior to the storm and floating them in the tank during the hottest hours, you must be careful doing this as it is very effective and you could also lower it too much.

 

[mitchwelt]

Seriously, whose gonna do all that when a major hurricane is coming,
I highly dought any condo association will stop the use of a generator after a major hurricane as long as it is being used safetly, the op stated he's not sure if he can use it 24 hr a day plus the Honda generator is almost silent and can be left outside on the patio as long as it is open space.
Lets keep marine batteries in the house that will emitted toxic fumes when charging, not to mention can leak or explode if used wrong.. good idea tho..
My opinion's, and you know what they say about opinions !

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