power outage question...

macawmagic

macawmagic

In Memoriam
well...my power doesn't usually go out, but just in case what do people use. I've never been through a hurricane yet, but am gettin worried with my tank. I know some people use those cpu's for when the power goes out. but like how big of one? also, last hurricane (i was at school) the power went out for 1.5 days. would a cpu last long enough to keep flow in the tank for that long, or should I be looking into a generator. I know nothing really about this stuff so all the help is appreciated. I'm guessing to have atleast 1 powerhead/tank running. 3 tanks. so it would be 2 maxijet's w/sureflow mods. and a tunze 6025.
 
A computer battery backup (UPS) is good for running a powerhead for several hours to more than a day depending on the size of the UPS and the power draw of the PH.

A generator is strongly recommended for extended periods considering our track record for storms/hurricanes and blackouts.
 
but like how big of a ups do I need. I've seen them cost up to over $1,000. I'm assuming(hoping) I don't need one that big. maybe something that will run my 3 powerheads for about 24 hours. also is the best place to get one like best buy or something?
 
I would get at least a 650va - 1100va UPS.
You can probably find one on sale for $100-200.
I doubt it would run all 3 PH for 24 hrs, but you really only need it to run long enough for someone to start the generator... maybe 8 hrs at the most.
 
If permitted where you live get a small generator (1000-3000) watts. My power was out for 3 days in 2005 and I ran the generator for 8hrs/day. When the generator was off I used a couple of those battery powered air stones/ tank. A 3000 watt generator is big enough to run a lot of things and small enough that it does not use a lot of gas. With a 2500 generator I ran both tanks, the t.v (satellite), fridge, a fan, the washing machine, and the vacuum at the same time.
 
My DIY UPS consisting of 4-12v venturis will power keep things alive for 2 months :D It depends how creative you can get :)
I also have an APC 1400XL on the side that I don't use {not for sale}, thats my backup of backup
 
What would you all suggest for someone who lives on the 32nd floor of a condo, who isn't allowed to run a generator obviously in there home or on the balcony of there home due to precautions of carbon dioxide poisoning to ourselves and neighbors?

This building is pretty high tech, and they do have there own generators to power the whole building during blackouts/power outtages, but I would still like to have my own back up power source, just to feel a little more secure.

Sorry if I just jacked this thread, but it really got me thinking...

Thanks,
-Mike C.
 
I plan on buying a car power inverter and hooking it up to a battery. It should run a couple pumps for 2ish days. This is just temporary and when the "big bertha" of hurricanes come I have the $$ stashed away for a generator.

I don't have anything to power my tank during short power failures though. A CPS is good for that but they cost an arm and a both legs. lol I looked up one that would power 1 koralia for 8 hours and it was $700...

I guess the vortech with battery backup doesn't sound that bad after all.

-Matthew
 
I actually have to work through the storms (I work in a hospital), so I have the battery-powered airstones that automatically sense when the power goes out and they turn themselves on. I use 8 per tank, which may be overkill but I'd rather err on the safe side. They hold the tanks over until I'm able to get home and fire up the generator.

Wish I could afford one of those stand-by generators!
 
I vote for the generator.... I picked up a 15KW that will run the whole house minus the A/C, or the A/C and a few things in the house.

I am probably going to get the battery backups for the vortechs though since running the generator all the time is really loud and expensive the way gas is....
 
I have a 1400va UPS powering one of the Tunze 6100s in my tank. This is my basic protection against random blackouts. I've let this run up to 4 hours before starting the generator (post-Wilma), and the battery was still going strong.

The generator is a great tool to have, but my 7000w generator burns 8-9 gallons per day if run around the clock. You really have to plan ahead and store at least a few days' worth of gas to make it effective for dealing with hurricanes.

If you wanted to absolutely maximize the effectiveness of a UPS, I would recommend a small conventional air pump wired to a relay that turns it on when the power goes out. A modest sized air pump runs on about 4 watts, and you could distribute the output to multiple tanks easily. In a pinch, you could fashion some PVC airlifts and move a ton of water easily, and the battery would last days with such a small load placed on it.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12487435#post12487435 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TorryRx
I actually have to work through the storms (I work in a hospital), so I have the battery-powered airstones that automatically sense when the power goes out and they turn themselves on. I use 8 per tank, which may be overkill but I'd rather err on the safe side. They hold the tanks over until I'm able to get home and fire up the generator.

Wish I could afford one of those stand-by generators!
Click to expand...
Me 2 but I built smaller tank so i could afford the genset;)
 
Ive also been looking at alternatives. Have not comeup with solution yet, but can tell you im looking around. I lived in Davie off I 75 and Sheridan during Wilma. We had no power for 3 days.

Keith- This weekend PepBoys advertised a (cant remember details but approx) 1200W generator for $100 (definite price after rebates). I think this should be powerful enough to run most medium sized tanks, at least the essentials. Not sure if UPS is worth it at this price.

I did run over to get cause I am looking to run some lights computer, fridge and TV as well as tank.

Tagging along.
 
AquamanE, they run those sales all the time with that generator, they burn out most of the time after the first use of them, very low quality motors, but I guess for $100 it would be worth it to get it everytime
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12492832#post12492832 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ZURCSREEF
AquamanE, they run those sales all the time with that generator, they burn out most of the time after the first use of them, very low quality motors, but I guess for $100 it would be worth it to get it everytime
Click to expand...

Thanks fore the info Zurc. I dont know that I have $100 laying around to throw away everytime power goes out. ;) . i guess then $400-500 at home depot for 5000W is sounding better.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12492908#post12492908 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by strangenames13
My 2500 generator is a coleman from 1982. It sounds like two Harleys in my back yard. I just change the oil every 25-30 hrs.
Click to expand...

I normally wouldnt mind 2 Harleys in my backyard, but not when im trying to sleep and the windows are open cause AC is down.
 
Go to the internet and search on "Xpower 1500". These are battery backup units on wheels. You can also search for the Xpower 1500 instructions and it will tell you how long it will last depending on the watts used by what is plugged into it and of course, how good or how old the batteries are.

I have two of the Xpower 600. They don't make these models any more. I have had to use them during hurricanes in 2005. I was using two small powerheads that ran at 8 watts each. One Xpower 600 unit lasted me about 10 hours. I always have mine plugged in, charged, and ready to work (just in case)...

Yes, portable generators are great; but keep in mind that you can not use them during a strong (Cat2 or higher) hurricane. You have to wait for the storm to pass before you can go outside, find a dry area to sit it on, run it, and open a window or door to pass the electrical cord into the house. And, as stated in earlier posts, you certainly can not run them in the house or in the garage without great danger to everyone in the house. The generators have to be placed as far away from the house as absolutely possible. This is why they are not allowed in hotels or condos.

So, a battery backup is needed for running powerheads during the storm.

I also have two of the Honda EU3000is generators. They are expensive, but they are awesome machines. They are quite enough to run at night and still allow you to sleep when all the windows are open during the long power outages. They are also quite efficient on gas usage.

I wish there was an electrical genius on this forum that could help design a safe system using either motocycle/tractor batteries, or even a car or large marine battery, with a charger and an inverter. The larger the batter the longer it would run the powerheads. And maybe even a meter to determine how much charge the battery has left when used.

The charger would keep the battery safely charged, and the inverter would only be used when power is needed to run the powerheads.

For powerheads, I would recommend the 400 or 900 MajiJets with the mods. These powerheads use very little watts, thus extend the life of the battery. The mods increase the flow capability of the unit without increasing wattage usage.

Any one know of an electrician that could help design such a system?

Good Luck And Have Fun!!!;
:thumbsup:
 
Generators are fine in some circumstances, but not if your living conditions don't allow this or if you're away from home for a significant time. If you run canister filters (as many freshwater hobbyists do), a few hours without power can result in a disaster.

I'm looking at building a system that doesn't cost a great deal, using a Powerware UPS and a large battery, which could run for many, many hours if the power required is modest.

Here are a few links that contain some information:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=64918&highlight=power+backup


http://www.powerware.com/danmark/ups/dk_3105_ups.asp?CC=1

http://www.dansdata.com/diyups.htm


The following link is written in an Australian context, but I think Jaycar has a presence in the U.S.

http://www.petsforum.com/personal/trevor-jones/backup_power.html

HTH

Les
 
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