Questions on Battery Backup Systems

[markstr]

I just recently got a notice from the PUD indicating work to be done
in our area and the power will be out for 8 hrs..
I have an APC backup system but just enough for one tank ...
I'm sure it would work for powering one of my #5 Hydro sponge filters but I have a couple other tanks as well.........
Wonder if I should think about renting a generator??? Size???

Suggestions???

[Don Trinko]

It's going to depend a lot on the type of fish, how crowded your tanks are, and where you live. Many years ago not everyone had a pump or filter and the filters didn't filter near as much water as they do now so.... With a low bioload you may need nothing except to keep the temperature from droping significantly.
You can get battery operated pumps for around $10 each. They are available in fish stores and some outdoor stores. (Bass pro and Cabellas) You can also get rechargable batterys and an inverter. The heaters are the big user of electricity. Pumps and power filters use very little. ( a 100 watt heater uses 100watts etc. most pumps and power filters use 10 to 30 watts each) The wattage or voltage and amperage should be marked on the device. Wattage= voltage X amperage. Don T.

[crazie.eddie]

I would consider renting or even buying a generator. Not only would you be able to keep your tanks going, but also the refrigerator so foods will not spoil or defrost. Plus you can still watch TV or use your computer during this time.

[Cosmo]

Depends on which APC you have, what battery you connected to it, and how many amps the pumps/filters pull. There is a formula for doing that but I can't for the life of me remember it right how.. anyone??

A big gell cell deep cycle marine battery will keep a pretty good load going for longer than 8 hours, but they're pricey.. and your APC would need to be able to handle that type of battery.

Probably cheaper to rent a generator than buy a big battery :confused: But noisy :(

Jim

[Don Trinko]

Wallmart has 100 amp hour deep cycle batterys for abought $65. This means you can draw 10 amps for abought 10 hours. I used one with a 400 watt inverter and it runs 3 tanks abought 8 hours. Most inverters are 85 to 90% eficient so to put out 400 watts takes abought 450 watts input. this is abought 35 amps. Your heater will not be on all the time so the actual current average would be less. To calculate you add all the wattage of your accersories. Then get an inverter( or generater) that is rated slightly higher.
Heaters are the big user so If you can keep the room warm the batteries will last a lot longer.
Here is an example: 29g tank with 150 watt heater and power filter(20 watts typical) Total maximum power is 170 watts, minimum is 20 watts(power filter). You would need at least a 200 watt inverter. The maximum current from the battery would be abought 13.5 amps. the minimum would be abought 3 amps. (all inverters draw a small current even with no load). With max load a 100 amp hour battery would last abought 7 hours. With minimum load it would last abought 33 hours. So you can see if you can keep the room warm enough to keep the heaters from comming on; 1. you don't need as big an inverter. 2. The battery will last alot longer. Don T.

[markstr]

Thanks firstoff everyone for you comments on this matter...
The Room I have these 3 tanks in is an upstairs room and temp. averages in the 70's.....
I was looking into a "Honda Generator" EU 1000 i or the 2000 i series...............
Only 53- 59 db, so pretty quiet in general....
Anyone every used one ??????

[Don Trinko]

I have a Coleman. Honda is one the best generaters. They run very quite and are very reliable. I bought the Coleman knowing that I would not use it much and it was much cheaper. Don T.

[Greg Richardson]

Mark. I have Honda right outside 3 feet away from side. Barely hear it inside. Best investment I ever made. Starts and runs great now probably over 10 years old. Learned my lesson with two other brands. GRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

On 522 where you get off past the main Woodinville exit take a left at the boat place past the Vans down that street some where on the left is where I bought mine. Can't remember there name. Back then they had the best prices.

[markstr]

Hey thanks for the heads up Graig! I think I know right where that is.....
I did check into renting one for the day as well since I did get a price from the Rental place
on a new one ( 2000 series) around the grand mark OUCH!!!!!
For the Day is $40.00................. We don't have power here really go out. (underground lines) but, I know it would be a wise Idea to consider getting one......

[Greg Richardson]

Mark. Didn't know you had under ground lines. Nice.
In that case I'd go with the battery air pumps. You own a converter? If so you could use that for a couple heaters.

Before I had a generator when we first moved here in the early 90's we went a few days with no power and the discus made it.
That water was cold! So 8 hours wouldn't be much without heat this time of year.

[Marksdiscus]

Thanks firstoff everyone for you comments on this matter...
The Room I have these 3 tanks in is an upstairs room and temp. averages in the 70's.....
I was looking into a "Honda Generator" EU 1000 i or the 2000 i series...............
Only 53- 59 db, so pretty quiet in general....
Anyone every used one ??????

I use Honda EU 2000.very quiet.Nice generator