Generators, what brand and model do you use?

[brewmaster15]

Hi all, Ryan and I just re-organized the technical sections to make it a little easier to find things of interest..

I think a discussion of generators is very important, since so much hinges on electricity in this hobby...

Please share what you use for generators and why you chose the ones you did? Also what do you like most about it and what is problematic.

thanks,
al

[Tropical Haven]

Well I don't have a generator but I do use a power inverter that is hooked to a marine battery at all times. My battery is always being charged by a trickle charger and my inverter is hooked on that. My air supply is plugged into the inverter so when or if I lose power my air supply will never go out. My battery will keep my tanks going for 6 to 8 hours before I lose all of my charge. This is very quiet and you can't even hear it running. This is my backup system without spending a lot of money.

[CliffsDiscus]

Check out the Honda generator, its great but pricey.

Cliff

[fishmama]

Honda Blackmax 8450 max watt, 6750 running, model GX390 , OHV engine (portable) Purchased at Costco.

[tonymaccs]

I was going to buy one of the Honda super-silenced, lightweight models but most of the used ones available are too small for what I wanted.
I picked up this Yamaha Diesel electric start on eBay very cheap. Its 5kVA so I will also be able to run the house as well as the fish.
Will have to put it on wheels as it is very heavy.
Tony

[phidelt85]

Had to pick up a Craftsman model 6300 with 9100W max and 6300W continuous. Electric or manual start. Thing is a lifesaver.

[dwall174]

I have a Baldor PC-40H
It's a 4000 watt Industrial generator with a Commercial 8 hp Honda engine, It’s rated for 3500 watt continuously output.
During our last big power outage I ran it for about 18 hours a day for three days! I paid around $1,000 for it five years ago & it’s been well worth the money! When I bought it there were are a lot of generators out there under $1.000 & even at a higher wattage, But the thing that sold me on the Baldor was that it came with a 3 year Commercial Warrantee.

[Don Trinko]

I have a 1800 watt Coleman. The Hondas are quieter but more expensive. I also have several inverter/battery's. I use the inverters for power outage. (quiet and simple) I will use the generator if we ever have a long (24 hour +) outage.
I also have a ventless heater in the livingroom and portable LP heater for the fish room. This takes some of the load of the inverters in the winter by keeping the room temperature high enough so the tank heaters don't run to much. Don T.