power outages

[bgbdwlf2500]

since this is my first year of having fish (and gone way overboard with 6 tanks) i have one concern. We havent had much rain in VA this year and the last time that happened we got lots of snow and ice. My concern is the power being out for a long time (days). some tanks have canister filters and require an air pump. The rest have HOB's so they dont need air but after a few days thay all will im sure.

Short of a generator, what can i do to keep my fish alive if the power is out for a few days (or more)?

[B-O-F]

If it gets cold enough to lose power for several days then an air supply sounds like the least of your problems. You are going to need heat for the fish and you, and I dont see any alternative to a generator .

But someone else may know more :)

[Organic Farmer]

www.jehmco.com offers several kinds of battery backup systems.

[bgbdwlf2500]

If it gets cold enough to lose power for several days then an air supply sounds like the least of your problems. You are going to need heat for the fish and you, and I dont see any alternative to a generator .

But someone else may know more :)

not worried about me, i can stay warm. i did forget about the tank temp... might have to start looking for a small generator.

[korbi_doc]

:D When I was in NJ, lost power few xs, but short, under 6 hrs....I installed a UPS system, Tripp, from Jehmco & it ran the linear air pump very well...for heat, I covered the tanks with styrofoam & blankets & only lost 5-8 degrees.....fortunately had a propane fireplace for such emergencies, but was lucky enough not to have the need...Now here in Tn, have the same Tripp system just in case, but for major outages, I do think a generator is necessary....when I can manage, I do want a "whole house generator" to cover these problems.....later.....lol...Dottie ;)

[Cosmo]

I use the battery backup unit from Jehmco that Dottie referenced. If you go that route invest in a good battery like a "gell cell", don't just pick up a "cheap" battery cause you're defeating the purpose if you do.

The battery may cost you as much or more than the Jehmco unit, so beware ;) You can hookup an unlimited number of batteries in series to prolong protection if you have the $ and space :D

I've lost power to the house a couple times since I installed mine.. the pumps and filters keep running like nothing has happened :)

DON'T try and power your heaters with the backup unit unless you have an impressive array of batteries hooked up :p

Jim

[Don Trinko]

My main backup is several battery's (115 amp hour)and inverter's( 1 800watt, 1 400 watt) with a float charger near the tanks. This will run everything. I also have portable LP and kerosene heaters to keep the rooms warm and minimize the load on the inverter. ( the tank heaters are the biggest load. By keeping the room warm they will run less often) Don T.

[bgbdwlf2500]

My main backup is several battery's (115 amp hour)and inverter's( 1 800watt, 1 400 watt) with a float charger near the tanks. This will run everything. I also have portable LP and kerosene heaters to keep the rooms warm and minimize the load on the inverter. ( the tank heaters are the biggest load. By keeping the room warm they will run less often) Don T.

i had thought about inverters as well.

[crazie.eddie]

How about a generator?

The inverter would only last until the battery(s) drain. In the winter time, no heat in the house, would probably cause the heaters in the tanks to go on more often. Therefore, cause a bigger drain in the batteries.

[Don Trinko]

That is true. that is why I also have the portable LP heaters. A whole house generater woult be great but not cheap! Don T.

[crazie.eddie]

A portable generator is cheap and all you need to plug in are the necessities, like tanks and fridge.

[Don Trinko]

My tanks are in different locations and on different electrical lines so the generator will only run one group of tanks. I do have a 1500 watt generator. I have a jumper ready to hook it up into the furnace or the upstairs tanks. If the battery's and LP run low I will use it. Don T.