Storms coming, what's the best generator for aquarium use?

J

Jmunk

Member
It doesn't need to be able to run the refrig, appliances etc. Just looking for a generator that will run powerheads and heaters.

Any suggestions/reviews?
 
It would be hard to find one less then about 2000w. If your going through the trouble of hooking up cords you might as well get a 5000w Generac or craftsmen and power your fridge too. I will Guarantee you will be happy you got the bigger one.
 
The best generator is like, the best knife......the answer is. The one you own or, the one you have with you.

Seriously, this is a little loaded question. Your budget will dictate what "the best is". In the case of this thread, any generator that produces the wattage needed for your tank and or any other items you want to power. Is the best generator. What's avaliable is also a factor. If a storm is coming, then selection might be limited.

Having said that, I choose the Honda. I bought the 3000 watt model cause it fits my needs tank included. However, a champion from Costco may be the best for you.

Not trying to be unhelpful in your time of need. Just a voice of truth. Think of what this generator will do for you besides run your tank or how much will you use this piece is equipment besides just power outages.

Good luck and may you prevail in what ever comes your way.
 
Gotcha.

I was thinking about maybe a budget of about $200.

I only need to run powerheads and heater. Is there anything like that? What kind of wattage would I need for those two?
 
I have a 3250 generator for back up. I just it for heater and return pump along with some household stuff...Fridge and TV
 
I would get one that will run a space heater in your tank room as well. It will be easier to keep the tank temp up if the ambient room temp is higher. Less likely to damage your tank heater too.
 
Jmunk said:
Gotcha.

I was thinking about maybe a budget of about $200.

I only need to run powerheads and heater. Is there anything like that? What kind of wattage would I need for those two?
Click to expand...

Presuming you're serious about an upper limit of $200, there isn't a "best" generator, because that's the rock-bottom, cheap-as-dirt range for the category. Quality only starts to just barely creep in at the $500 price point, and overall "nice" starts at $1,000 for the Honda EU2000i. So get whatever brand is cheapest and available, because brands are really meaningless in that range.

But given budget restrictions, you might consider an alternate set-up: a 12VDC power inverter and a high-quality extension cord. A big plus to the set-up would be a 12V marine deep cycle battery of about 75 amp-hours (i.e., "car battery" size). You simply run your tank's powerheads off of the inverter/marine battery until it's exhausted, then run your tank off of your car while simultaneously re-charging the marine battery. Obviously, if you decide to do this, make absolutely sure that your car's gas tank is full before the storm!

As far as sizing the power inverter/generator, you can simply add up the wattage of the equipment you want to run (powerheads, heater, return pump, etc...) and compare it to the total wattage output of the generator or inverter. So long as the supply's output exceeds your demand by 20% or more, you're good.
 
I cannot advise on low cost generators. In my area, with storms we have experienced power outages lasting almost two days. As such, with multiple tanks, a pond, and multiple freezers and refrigerators, we have a whole house Generac which runs on natural gas. Never an issue except neighbors wondering why our house has lights.

The lowest cost solution is multiple battery operated air pumps. (which do run on electricity)

:hmm5:
 
dkeller_nc said:
Presuming you're serious about an upper limit of $200, there isn't a "best" generator, because that's the rock-bottom, cheap-as-dirt range for the category. Quality only starts to just barely creep in at the $500 price point, and overall "nice" starts at $1,000 for the Honda EU2000i. So get whatever brand is cheapest and available, because brands are really meaningless in that range.

But given budget restrictions, you might consider an alternate set-up: a 12VDC power inverter and a high-quality extension cord. A big plus to the set-up would be a 12V marine deep cycle battery of about 75 amp-hours (i.e., "car battery" size). You simply run your tank's powerheads off of the inverter/marine battery until it's exhausted, then run your tank off of your car while simultaneously re-charging the marine battery. Obviously, if you decide to do this, make absolutely sure that your car's gas tank is full before the storm!

As far as sizing the power inverter/generator, you can simply add up the wattage of the equipment you want to run (powerheads, heater, return pump, etc...) and compare it to the total wattage output of the generator or inverter. So long as the supply's output exceeds your demand by 20% or more, you're good.
Click to expand...

The Honda EU2000i is a sweet little generator. Small light weight and quiet.
 
2_zoa said:
The Honda EU2000i is a sweet little generator. Small light weight and quiet.
Click to expand...

+1. I keep an EU2000i here myself. Never needed it for my tank as power outages are rare and generally only last a few minutes but it's good piece of mind knowing I have a small reliable and efficient generator just in case I need it. You can't beat the Honda generators. They are about the best portables you can get.
 
Yeah I'll look into it.

What I meant by electric was not so much a generator, but as dkeller_nc said, an alternate battery/electrical source.
 
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