generator will be my FIRST purchase

[Stackbundles]

So like alot of people on MR, I got my ass handed to me due to Hurricane Sandy. I broke down my 75 gallon tank and was able to save all of the fish and some of the corals. I'm already planning on upgrading to a +/- 180 gallon reef tank (once my wife approves. lol). My first purchase will be a generator. Do you have any recommendations on a reliable generator? How many watts does a typical large reef consume. I'm researching alot now and like I said a generator will be my FIRST purchase. I will have the tank and just the major houshold items (lights, heat, refrig., etc.) on it.

Stack

 

[roc5288]

Most people will recommended Honda, Yamaha, yes great generators. But very pricey. If your pockets are good with it go for it. I myself brought a duromax 4,400 watts. With electric start. 599.00. Free shipping. Fantastic reviews. Generator direct outlet. Com

 

[thirty5]

First you really should figure out what you want to be able to power. IMO do not limit yourself and just get something that will work minimally. Get the largest generator that you can afford.

With the fuel problem in NJ, you should look at something other than gasoline also. There are a few tri-fuel units out there.

I am looking at a powerland 8000/10000 watt tri fuel generator to replace my GP6500E Generac.

Once hooked up to my natural gas at home, basically a limitless supply of fuel.

So back to my original comment, see what you want to power and then go from there.

FOR example!
My home
sump pump
large refrigerator
Circulator pump for heat.
Air Handler for Forced hot air
Minimal Lights throughout the house.
TV's
Cable Boxes
Computer.

Now in an emergency for a short outage then a small unit will work fine. But there are some people that will be out for a long time. At this point, you would want something that can allow you to live your life a little more normally.

Only my 2 cents, which on a good day may be worth 1 cent

 

[Stackbundles]

thank you thirty. very detailed. much appreciated

 

[thirty5]

thank you thirty. very detailed. much appreciated

This type of purchase should be done correctly. People are also looking at inverter based units for use for electronics. I do not think that it is really necessary. Yes you need to protect your electronics.... But there are other ways to do it.

I posted in another thread, what you can simply do is get a couple computer UPS power supplies and plug your electronics into the battery backup side and then the UPS into the generator. You are basically making your own inverter...

 

[Widdy]

While there's a no wrong in getting a generator that fits the budget. Certain circumstances dictates that's even an overpriced inverter generator might mean the difference of "getting by" and a 2 total nuked tanks. Which was my circumstances during Sandy. A 20Kw whole house generator is within my means, but my condo board would have a tantrum. Buy whatever your budget and situation permits.

 

[thirty5]

While there's a no wrong in getting a generator that fits the budget. Certain circumstances dictates that's even an overpriced inverter generator might mean the difference of "getting by" and a 2 total nuked tanks. Which was my circumstances during Sandy. A 20Kw whole house generator is within my means, but my condo board would have a tantrum. Buy whatever your budget and situation permits.

I also was looking into the whole house thing. But couple things that turned me off....

The cost at about 8k installed.... and it becomes a permanent installation therefore you may get a visitor from the local assessor and your taxes may increas. I will go with a portable unit and just plug in.

Budget is important I agree, but IMO get the biggest that you can afford (the biggest that you actually need)

 

[ohana888]

sorry - off topic - great to know the fish are OK. what tank are they in now?

 

[Widdy]

(the biggest that you actually need)

Go big or go home! With 20kW I was planning on holding a block party with a live band and animal balloon clowns!

In all seriousness, get something -- anything. My ignorance cost me 2 tanks... and that's just material and can be replaced. Do it for your loved ones' well being.

Going back to emptying my tanks and re-cycling live rock now...

 

[jhart]

Generac systems via Natural Gas/ Propane is the way to go. There systems are quiet, reliable and affordable. For instance a 7kw is about $2000 for the unit not bad for a permanent solution.
As a licensed electrician I just got 8 jobs to install these systems , Installation is very simple on the smaller units, I spend more time filing the job than installing it.

But for the homeowner that loses power often this investment is worth it .

 

[ceeworld]

What do you charge for a install?

 

[jhart]

you may get a visitor from the local assessor and your taxes may increas.

I doubt your taxes will go up.. In fact if you go with the eco systems which tie into off grid battery solutions , your Federal Government gives you back 30% rebate, and you local government also gives you back some rebates, and to top it off your power company also gives you back rebates. Not on the generator but the other sources of green power that will feed the batteries

 

[jhart]

What do you charge for a install?

Its hard to give you quote , it depends on the location where your installing the generator and where your panel is , But for instance if we can mount the unit on the side of the house 5 foot away from the windows and opposite of the electrical panel. All I have to do is drill a hole mount the transfer switch next to the panel install a conduit or nipple the transfer switch and then wire up the circuits you want backed up . In that scenario $300 minus the filing fee's each town has different costs and requirements.
Now if we have to mount the unit farther away the price goes up cause more material is needed.

 

[ceeworld]

Pm w/ your info. When you get time thx

 

[thirty5]

Generac systems via Natural Gas/ Propane is the way to go. There systems are quiet, reliable and affordable. For instance a 7kw is about $2000 for the unit not bad for a permanent solution.
As a licensed electrician I just got 8 jobs to install these systems , Installation is very simple on the smaller units, I spend more time filing the job than installing it.

But for the homeowner that loses power often this investment is worth it .

IMO a 7kw is not worth it at all. That is a great little unit, but 7kw is not the best and it is only a 6kw on Natural gas....

Like widdy says go big or go home. I totally decided against the standby but i did price out the 20kw..

And with the large unit, you can have it so that the transfer is at the line level and not the circuit level so that every circuit is charged when it turns on..

 

[jhart]

IMO a 7kw is not worth it at all. That is a great little unit, but 7kw is not the best and it is only a 6kw on Natural gas....

Like widdy says go big or go home. I totally decided against the standby but i did price out the 20kw..

And with the large unit, you can have it so that the transfer is at the line level and not the circuit level so that every circuit is charged when it turns on..

7kw is perfect for backing up your heat , lights ,fridge, tv, and your fish tank ..
Yes 20k is better , and yes transfer at the line will get your whole panel . But with that installation requires to open the loop or have the meter pulled by con Ed .. With that con Ed is backed up till January so no new installations till then..
Also a 20k systems costs anywhere over $5000.00 plus installation which is a lot more..
To remind you years ago 50 amps was all that was needed in a home .

 

[strgazr27]

Powering a generator by Natural gas is a great option.... Depending on where you live. I work w someone who owns an 8000 w natural gas fueled gen. Was useless to him as gas was shut off in his area for 5 days. Propane is convenient but realize like here in Suffolk it was 3-5 days before propane was available. Without power you cannot fill propane tanks. Your rating drops when using fuels other than gasoline as they have a lower power output. Whole house is a misnomer. I have a 5500 that does my whole house. It's a portable unit tied into a 6 circuit transfer switch. Safe, affordable and I can still take it with me if need be.

 

[thirty5]

I doubt your taxes will go up.. In fact if you go with the eco systems which tie into off grid battery solutions , your Federal Government gives you back 30% rebate, and you local government also gives you back some rebates, and to top it off your power company also gives you back rebates. Not on the generator but the other sources of green power that will feed the batteries

LOL this is not green energy... There are no rebates. I know for a fact that a person in NJ got it installed and got assessed. His taxes went up 100 a year.

 

[strgazr27]

And with the large unit, you can have it so that the transfer is at the line level and not the circuit level so that every circuit is charged when it turns on..

Just finished up my neighbors house. 7000w on gasoline. Whole house wired into transfer switch. Every circuit is powered. You may/may not need a large unit to power a house. But there is the common misconception. Unless it is a true "whole house" unit generators are meant as a support product not a full power reacement. And none of the portable generators are meant to run 24/7. Another common misconception.

 

[jhart]

LOL this is not green energy... There are no rebates. I know for a fact that a person in NJ got it installed and got assessed. His taxes went up 100 a year.

Thats why I said not on the generator.