JBJ 28 Gallon Nano Backup Power?

[alligator]

What have others done for backup power on their 28 gallon JBJ nano tank (or something similar)? I'm very concerned about power outages on a tank this size, since I often lose power in the summer for 4-8 hours at a time.

 

[ClemSnide]

I have a Penn Plex B11 air pump which has kept my tank alive for 20+ hours in the past. Probably the best and cheapest option till you start talking about battery back ups and generators.

 

[alligator]

I am talking about UPS battery backup options and generators. Has anyone set something up for their JBJ 28 gallon tank and if so, how long does it run?

 

[Fast_Talon]

I installed a 12kw standby generator over the summer. It runs off propane/natural gas. It saved me once already. 4 days without power.

 

[alligator]

I've considered those, but I believe the cost is about $2k at a minimum. Plus, my wife doesn't want another big box installed outside.

 

[scolley]

...since I often lose power in the summer for 4-8 hours at a time.

For that specific problem (time of year/duration), IMO your best bet is to go buy the biggest marine battery you can buy, and a charger for it. Then get in the habit of topping off that charge every three months or so. Also get a power inverter (check out Amazon or Sears) of whatever wattage is needed to support your tank. I'd guess you'll be fine with 750, but you should add everything up. My marine battery is about .75 Kilowatt Hours, which is to say that when hooked to the inverter (and my tank's electrical systems plugging into the inverter) I can get 1 hour of run time if I'm pulling 750 watts. But if I turn heaters and stuff off (non-essentials) it drops to 250 watts. So then I can get three hours per marine battery. You can do the math for your system.

That presumes that when you lose power in the summer, that the room your tank is in will remain at comfortable temps for your corals. If not, then I believe your only choices are a generator, OR hooking the aforementioned power inverter to the battery of your running car (with a long outdoor power extension cord). That will allow you to run a heater (if needed) or something like a chiller, or possibly a window A/C to keep temps where they need to be for your tank. You can run that solution as long as you are willing to idle your car.

One word of caution though... any motor powered by an inverter, or even a UPS, MAY not work if it needs a true sine wave power supply. I don't think that will effect anything you should have on your system, but needed to mention it in the interest of full disclosure.