Emergency power backup system?

[Vixyswillie]

PCB's post on his recent extended power outtage got me thinking. How many currently have an emergency power backup system in place? If YES, please share the specifics of your system. Thanks!

 

[reefNewbie]

I use a Tripp Lite 700VA UPS for my system. It is only hooked up to the heater/sump pump and filter. It can run my system for a long time, havent tested it out all the way yet.

 

[King Jason]

Porter-Cable 3000-Watt Generator. Not just for my tank, but would plug in a heater and powerhead during a long power outage. Got it for our fun Southern CA Rolling Blackouts…

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... 0678278859

 

[tazdevil]

No, but wish I did, good idea in almost any state, if you've invested in a reef tank. Here, we could have ice storms, snowstorms, tornadoes, high wind, and a few other things that could ruin your day to make it a good idea.

 

[Anonymous]

Honda portable generator
Pros: very light weight- carry in one hand, quiet, nice quality
Cons: expensive, not very big gas tank so it doesn't run forever

I also have a 750W cigarette lighter inverter and a woodstove

 

[jhaag]

I just run a 1400VA UPS on my return pump. It gives me about 50mins backup time which handles just about any outage that comes my way. If that ever fails, I have 2 battery air pumps that can be deployed.

 

[Lurshy]

Not looking to hijack post, but if folks put a ups between thier equipment and a GFC Interrupt, will that defeat the GFCI e.g. when the GFCI trips, the UPS instantaneously supplies juice :idea: and you continue to get electrocuted :twisted: . Just wondering.

 

[texman]

30 kW natural gas powered automatic backup generator which runs my fish tank, big screen TV, kitchen, and AC unit in my bedroom. Bring on the hurricane. I also have a good supply of shotguns and ammo to keep my neighbours away from my cold beer if we ever have a good hurricane here.

 

[Anonymous]

I don't have anything automatic in place for my tank. I have a battery airstone and a ups on my computer that I could use in case of an outage. This would work in all but long power outages. Of course in Florida, we don't have to worry about ice, falling temperatures, or extended power outages due to same. So our backup plan not not be too elobarate. Hurricanes aside, I think my plan is sufficient for my 75. If I had a 300, I would probably invest in a more elaborate back-up plan.

Texman said:

I also have a good supply of shotguns and ammo to keep my neighbours away from my cold beer if we ever have a good hurricane here.

Ahhh, live is good! :lol:

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

Not automatic. 3500w Generac portable. Got it primarily to keep the basement dry. Run sump pumps during nasty weather and keep water out of the waterheater, furnace, and freezer. I can easily run the pumps for the tanks.

 

[Jeff Hood]

Hey Texman, its the Ice storms tornados and rural power grid that gets us up here in Okie land. I have a 40kw generator that runs on propane. I can last a full week with out refueling and it will power my whole house including the landscape lights hot tub as well as the 580 reef. The other nice thing about a large generator like mine is its so much quieter than those old portable units. The automatic transfer switch is a nice feature as well when we go out of town to play!
My wife will not let me run the landscape lights or Christmass lights when the power is down because she thinks the neighbors will come and shoot me

Jeff

 

[Vixyswillie]

I appreciate all of the responses. Interesting to see that we're about evenly divided in terms of having one/not having one (I don't - yet 8)).

What about your tank lights? Run them right from the get-go... or only during a really extended outtage? How long could you go without them before you'd start to worry?

 

[Mac1]

I have an APC Backups 1200 running on mine. Guy's me about 45-minutes on my Eheim 1060 pump and SeaSwirl. Those are the only things I run during a power outtage. Lights are extraneous IMO, unless you have a 2-3 day outtage.

- Mac

 

[texman]

Jeff, did you have your house pre-wired for the generator or did you put it in afterwards? I built my house here with the backup generator in mind. I have a 400 amp service that splits into 2 seperate 200 amp panels. My transter switch is hooked to one of the panels. The electrician was a little upset when I asked him to wire seemingly randon circuits (ie bedroom at the far end of the house (with A/C circuits), fishtank room (other end), kitchen, workshop) all to one panel and wire everything else to the other. Seems to work out fine though. My wife also at this point does not realize that every room which is important to me is backed up, whereas her fluffy rooms (dining room, living room etc) are not.

 

[MarkO1]

Need to add another option: "Kinda"
I have a 300 watt power inverter and 12 volt (car) battery on hand if necessary. The only hitch is that I need to know when the power is going out. I've gone 4+ hours without electricity without any real noticable affects.
_________________
BMW Compact

 

[fishfarmer]

I have an APC Back-UPS ES 500 with one powerhead hooked to it, plus a battery powered airstone and a power inverter I could use on car batteries if needed. I also have gas heat. I really would like a generater some day though.

 

[Jeff Hood]

texman,

I added it after the fact. It was not that bad and it is hooked to every circuit in the house. If we loose power I will not even notice it at all except for the slight hum I hear from the Vortex V6 motor running out by the end of the driveway. Best money I have ever spent. No more missing the Superbowl because some jerk got drunk and ran into a power pole again. He He! The only down side is I will probably have to go in and put him to sleep so someone like you can fix his fractured femur! grrr!

We have a 200 amp service with a 100 amp sub panel I believe. Then outside I have another couple of panels that run the outside stuff etc... Nice to have a friend as an electrician huh! I have 80 amps I added to the fish room which just about maxes out all my panels. I should have put in a 400 amp service panel from the start but.... live and learn.

House is only 3500 feet anyway. When I add the home theater sun room and extra family room upstairs it will grow to around 4700 ( lots of bonus empty attic space to use) so will need to upgrade the power of the house then and maybe I can simplify everything at that time.

 

[Carpentersreef]

30 kW natural gas powered automatic backup generator which runs my fish tank, big screen TV, kitchen, and AC unit in my bedroom. Bring on the hurricane. I also have a good supply of shotguns and ammo to keep my neighbours away from my cold beer if we ever have a good hurricane here.

:lol: :lol: ...If there was ever a typical American-type post.... :lol: :lol:

It's been years since I've experienced a power outage up here in Alberta, so no, no backup here.

Mitch :wink:

 

[texman]

Hey Mitch, I may call myself texman, however I was born and raised in Toronto, and lived there for 30 years. It was only a few years ago that I saw my way out of that pinko, take-away-every-cent-you-have-with-taxes, $30 for a case of beer country, to move down here. When I lived in Toronto, there all kinds of power outages from ice storms etc. In fact, as far as I can remember, there was an ice storm 2 years ago which left half of Ontario and Quebec without power in the dead of winter for many days. Say goodbye to your reef tank if that happens and you don't have a generator. The power grid is not better up there than it is here - not really much of anything is (except for the scenery).

 

[Carpentersreef]

:lol: