what to connect to the UPS

[segen77]

What are the most important items to connect to a UPS and how does it differ once you get a controller like an APEX? There is a pretty good deal on amazon right now, and wondering if it is worth investing in.

http://www.amazon.com/APC-BR1500G-Back-UPS-10-outlet-Uninterruptible/dp/B003Y24DEU

 

[thegrun]

Controller and powerheads would be my choice.

 

[stingeragent]

I can't comment on the Apex setup using one, but your heater and powerheads would be the most important IMHO. Corals and fish can go days without lights, but can't say the same for water temp or water circulation. If you have a sump, your return pump would also be an ideal one.

 

[segen77]

So, I guess the only real difference with an APEX is to connect that power strip to the UPS and let the controller continue to do it's thing.

Does anyone have any opinions on the UPS I linked to above?

 

[Breadman03]

I would prioritize a powerhead and a heater. With an Apex, I would set it up so the Apex can send an email to let you know power failed.

 

[SoloGarth]

I can't comment on the Apex setup using one, but your heater and powerheads would be the most important IMHO. Corals and fish can go days without lights, but can't say the same for water temp or water circulation. If you have a sump, your return pump would also be an ideal one.

You probably won't want to connect a heater unless it is a huge UPS. Even a small heated will greatly reduce runtime. On my ups I have the apex main unit, a powerhead, skimmer pump (due to failed restarts) and return pump. Also the dsl modem and router so that I maintain internet service and the apex can text me if there is an extended outage.

 

[SoloGarth]

what to connect to the UPS

Also you will need to have either a power plug for the apex or a second eb8/4 to perform utility monitoring. Then you can program each outlet to run while on ups or not and also give them specific times to run before shutting down during a loss of utility. For example my skimmer and return pumps only run for 1 min on UPS before the apex shuts them down. This helps to keep them from shutting down during quick power blips but conserves runtime for long outages.

 

[heathlindner25]

if you're expecting power outage is over 20 minutes I wouldn't look for UPS as my backup..just buy a generator,winter is coming...lol

 

[segen77]

I live in Texas. We have winter about 3 days a year.

 

[SoloGarth]

if you're expecting power outage is over 20 minutes I wouldn't look for UPS as my backup..just buy a generator,winter is coming...lol

I always advise people to use a UPS as well as a gen. You need to be home to start and connect the gen unless you spend a whole lot for a full ATS system.

The GEN is for long term outages (days) while the UPS covers you for seconds to hours. Both are must haves if you want to minimize the risk of losing livestock.

 

[Breadman03]

I always advise people to use a UPS as well as a gen. You need to be home to start and connect the gen unless you spend a whole lot for a full ATS system.

The GEN is for long term outages (days) while the UPS covers you for seconds to hours. Both are must haves if you want to minimize the risk of losing livestock.

The UPS is good for giving the Apex time to send up the...

so you can get home to address the issue in a timely manner. Most tanks will be fine for a few hours without power. The main thing is keeping some circulation to allow gas exchange.

I'm in the process of ordering an interlock so that I can just plug in my generator and run the household essentials. I don't feel like running extension cords everywhere and this will allow me to keep the tank running, the fridge cold, and the lights on.

 

[SoloGarth]

Exactly my point. I just prefer to not have my tank without circulation and comms even briefly.

 

[Pastey]

Problem with setting up your Apex to a UPS for power failure notifications is that you must also hook your cable modem and wireless router to the backup. Otherwise, your powered up Apex will have no network access to send out the alarm.

For those random power outages, I have no great way to detect if power is down. When we're having severe weather and I'm away from home, I'll check Fusion periodically. If it goes down, I'll check our security camera. If they're both down, either the network has fallen or the power is out. Quick check on our power company's website will confirm if it is out.

 

[SoloGarth]

what to connect to the UPS

Problem with setting up your Apex to a UPS for power failure notifications is that you must also hook your cable modem and wireless router to the backup. Otherwise, your powered up Apex will have no network access to send out the alarm.

For those random power outages, I have no great way to detect if power is down. When we're having severe weather and I'm away from home, I'll check Fusion periodically. If it goes down, I'll check our security camera. If they're both down, either the network has fallen or the power is out. Quick check on our power company's website will confirm if it is out.

Yes the network gear must also be on the UPS (this is extremely useful anyway). The apex allows you to set up power loss alarms. It will text or email you if the power is out.

For example:
If Power TankPower Off 000 Then ON

This uses the apex power supply. You can also use an EB that is not in the UPS to create the alarm.

 

[hkgar]

If you have Apex, of any controller, join reeftronics.com. Reeftronics.com maintains communication with your controller and if it doesn't hear from it for an hour you will get an email message.

Get a generator. While in Florida we lost power as a result of Charlie, for several days, but everything in the tank was gone within 24 hours. Lesson learned. Now in Michigan, last 11 years, and an ice storm knocked out power for 3 days, had a generator this time and ever lost a beat.

POed me one time when the power went and at the 30 minute mark I got the generator up and running and everything plugged in and the power came on.

 

[Pastey]

Yes the network gear must also be on the UPS (this is extremely useful anyway). The apex allows you to set up power loss alarms. It will text or email you if the power is out.

For example:
If Power TankPower Off 000 Then ON

This uses the apex power supply. You can also use an EB that is not in the UPS to create the alarm.

It would be useful if it were possible without having to run all new cables or having to purchase a separate back up.

 

[SoloGarth]

what to connect to the UPS

It would be useful if it were possible without having to run all new cables or having to purchase a separate back up.

I'm not sure why you would have to run all new cables . . .
Power cables? Ethernet? Apex comms? I rewire my system every year or so when I get some new scheme to make things better. Just me though.
Most recent setup:

 

[hkgar]

I'm not sure why you would have to run all new cables . . .
Power cables? Ethernet? Apex comms? I rewire my system every year or so when I get some new scheme to make things better. Just me though.
Most recent setup:

Can I borrow you for a few days? I have no idea how to convert this to what you have for order.

 

[Pastey]

I'd have to either purchase a separate UPS or I'd have to run a new COAX line to the wall that has my aquarium since there is not one near my aquarium.

 

[SoloGarth]

I'd have to either purchase a separate UPS or I'd have to run a new COAX line to the wall that has my aquarium since there is not one near my aquarium.

Oh I see what you mean. I have a similar situation as my modem is in the garage while the router is upstairs. I bought an inexpensive second UPS ($40) to power the modem. Generally very small inexpensive ones will work sufficiently for router modem.