Power failure must haves - what do you do?

[MrsReefK]

We are setting up our 290 DT and looking for ideas from you guys on what you do in prep for power failures. We live in the country where power goes out a handful of times a year, for 8+ hours at a time from storms. I understand when we are home, we can grab the generator. What about when you're not home? Battery backup? What do you have connected to the battery backup?

We are running a sump, so we'd need battery backup for return pump, heater, power heads I would assume.

 

[twon8]

 

[MrsReefK]

I wish! Realistically, what are some more economically friendly options?

 

[Scorpius]

I wish! Realistically, what are some more economically friendly options?

Battery back ups and a generator. There's nothing else really. Wind turbine? Solar?

 

[MrsReefK]

What are your guys rules of thumb? Hours powers out before needing additional backups, etc.

 

[SaltieG]

Just working on finishing this custom generator enclosure. Bought an 8500w unit which will power the house in the event of an outage, which is wired to up a transfer switch inside the house. I started this project after a recent outage. The outage only lasted a few hours but in just that time the tank temperature dropped significantly and I realized I better get something in place.

 

[Mouse]

1 powerhead and a small heater is all Id think for backup, keep the batteries going as long as possible

 

[Scorpius]

What are your guys rules of thumb? Hours powers out before needing additional backups, etc.

It all depends on what your livestock is. A heavily stocked tank with many corals won't last long without life support.

 

[laga77]

It all depends on what your livestock is. A heavily stocked tank with many corals won't last long without life support.

My power was out for 6 hours a couple of nights ago while I slept. I lost 8 fish and a clam, all corals were fine. Most of the fish and clam I have had for 3 years.

 

[MjKonesky]

here you go sir. best ever deep cycle battery is a blue top Optima D34. looks like a staggered 6 pack of beer. this little bad boy will provide you with the most power you could imagine. price is around $250. you can also run household stuff like phone chargers and flashlights. the difference between an optima other batteries is the number ot cycles. i went to school for both car stereo installation and design, and fisheries ( lambo's, porche, other exotics). and salmon lol. a single GOOD deep cycle battery can protect your fish tank for weeks! have an emergency heater and a smaller return pump. a single MP10 draws little power. a single optima deep cycle will keep you safe for years. a 50W heater and 4 circ pumps may draw about 75 watts. that can run for up to 5 days with little draw from your emergency system. the average D34 optima has a 750 amp reserve. thats 12 voltsx75 amps, which = 900 watts for many moons.

 

[MjKonesky]

seems like 750AH is actually 9000 watts for an hour? someone correct me please.

 

[snorvich]

If you want fail proof, a generator with automatic transfer switch. Anything else borders on cosmetic rather than effective.

 

[ca1ore]

An automatic, whole house generator is obviously the best; but it's also $$$. I've been able to 'get away' with a battery-backup for my powerheads and a portable 5K gas-fired genny. Genny runs during the day; battery-backup at night. Made it through a 3 day outage fine; but I was home, Had I not been, tank would have died.

 

[power boat jim]

If you want fail proof, a generator with automatic transfer switch. Anything else borders on cosmetic rather than effective.

Not entirely true. I have a 7500w genny with a manual transfer switch. All circuits are marked that need be on to run the tank and everything in the house except for the A/C. It also runs on natural gas so it can run unattended for days.

 

[C.Eymann]

Not entirely true. I have a 7500w genny with a manual transfer switch. All circuits are marked that need be on to run the tank and everything in the house except for the A/C. It also runs on natural gas so it can run unattended for days.

Right, but you say manual transfer switch, doesn't this mean you would need to be there to switch over?

We all know bad things like to happen when we are away from the house or on vacation.

 

[power boat jim]

Right, but you say manual transfer switch, doesn't this mean you would need to be there to switch over?

We all know bad things like to happen when we are away from the house or on vacation.

Yes, but I have a neighbor who also knows how to operate it. The whole system cost around $600.00. Thats alot less then the auto start system which I could not afford.

 

[KingTriton1]

Fail safe in my opinion is relying on more than one system to preform the same task. I have my pumps running on multiple AGM 35ah batteries, which can run my pumps for over 30 hours. On top of that I have a generator that operates manually.

What are the odds that I wouldn't be able to get my generator running within a 30 hour period.

Relying on a single device isn't ideal.

 

[snorvich]

Not entirely true. I have a 7500w genny with a manual transfer switch. All circuits are marked that need be on to run the tank and everything in the house except for the A/C. It also runs on natural gas so it can run unattended for days.

OP said it should work when not at home. That precludes a manual transfer switch. But a trained available neighbor would work. That assumes they are there, willing, and able.

 

[power boat jim]

OP said it should work when not at home. That precludes a manual transfer switch. But a trained available neighbor would work. That assumes they are there, willing, and able.

I can only speak for the situation Im and in its a very fortunate one to say the least. They have started the genny more then once when I was away. Since they can make phone calls I like them better then any battery back up.

 

[snorvich]

I can only speak for the situation Im and in its a very fortunate one to say the least. They have started the genny more then once when I was away. Since they can make phone calls I like them better then any battery back up.

For sure since battery backups, in general, would be insufficient.