Anyone have a backup battery as a failsafe in case of power outage

Ryanrttu · 05/23/2014, 06:34 AM

Curious if this approach has been tried to try and prevent something bad happening in case there is a power outage.

snorvich · 05/23/2014, 06:52 AM

With the exception of a specific brand of powerhead, these don't work all that well for a variety of reasons. People in areas highly susceptible to power problems often consider generators.

thegrun · 05/23/2014, 06:54 AM

I have a battery back up for my MP pumps that would give me flow for about two hours. I also keep a couple of battery opperated air pumps. My next major purchase is going to be a generator large enough to run my entire system, refrigerator and furnace.

Dmorty217 · 05/23/2014, 07:05 AM

+1 to the generator. I did see some people using car batteries after hurricane Sandy to power pumps and such, but that would be a last resort since you can regulate the current going to whatever you are trying to power and stand a good chance of ruining whatever it is.

Scott07 · 05/23/2014, 07:10 AM

I recently purchased an APC back-ups unit:

http://www.apc.com/products/family/?id=29

They're intended for office use... so you can safely shut down a computer w/o data loss etc.... Works for me as I have a smaller tank, and less equipment to run. The nice thing about it is that one side of outlets is surge protection only, and the other side is battery backup... so you can choose which equipment you want to continue to run during a power outage. I only have my vortech, heater, and filter plugged into the batery backup, and expect it would run for at least an hour or two if power were to fail. But it's not a long term solution.. if you have power outages lasting longer than that, or much greater energy demands from equipment.. probably not the solution for you.

Also, if you have a 'batteries plus' or similar store near you, check there before ordering one of these. I got mine used for only the cost of the actual battery inside (about $35).

Art13 · 05/23/2014, 07:28 AM

i would think a car battery hooked up to an a/c inverter would work for a short period of time, just the same as a battery backup. I was lucky enough to come across a generator rated for 5000 watts, if i had to take a guess my tank probably only consumes about 500 watts if the lights were at full, so more than enough to keep it running.

rale2001 · 05/23/2014, 07:57 AM

I was thinking this same question in TN we have quite a bit

Whistl3r · 05/23/2014, 08:20 AM

I currently have 2 deep cycle marine batteries for this purpose while I am saving for a honda generator (swiped them off my boat). I tested the batteries and running them through an inverter they will power my whole system for a little over 2 days, with lights and return off I should be able to extend that out to about 5 days for the heater and vortechs.

MarlinDreams · 05/23/2014, 08:50 AM

There are a few battery back ups on the market that are large enough to handle a tank for about a day, however they are very expensive. By paying a little extra you can get either a generator for only the tank (gas powered one like at Home Depot or a generator store) or you can invest in a whole house generator that will also run your A/C and fridge. Living where you do, like us up in Tulsa, the summers can get brutal and if the power goes off without A/C, you would be fighting another battle as well. There are several types out there, gas, propane and solar. You should be able to get with a local electrician and they can give you an idea on estimates. Hope this helps.

Ryanrttu · 05/23/2014, 09:13 AM

This is all interesting stuff and I think spending the extra money on this could save you big in the long run. Do these batteries just kick on when power is out automatically or is that something manual you would have to do.

JoeVandal49 · 05/23/2014, 09:42 AM

I have my basement (where tank is located) wired with a generator backup.

Art13 · 05/23/2014, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryanrttu

This is all interesting stuff and I think spending the extra money on this could save you big in the long run. Do these batteries just kick on when power is out automatically or is that something manual you would have to do.

you can get battery backups / generators both manual and automatic switch overs. Generally though with the automatic switchgear you are paying a lot more money for that convenience. Manual is as simple as throwing a switch and turning the generator on, what is nice about the auto is once power goes out, usually it has a battery backup or a flywheel spinning that will keep the power uninterrupted, fire up the generator and throw the switch to remove you from the grid. It's nice if you are out of town and the added bonus is they usually sense when power has been restored through the grid, will run for an extra half hour to make sure the power is stable (not cutting out intermittently anymore) and will throw you back on the grid, then shut off the generator. Keep in mind this is a whole house system i'm talking about, if you have it run just a few items, generally they are all manual and usually people are just running extension cords into the house.

Ryanrttu · 05/23/2014, 10:11 AM

My tank is 75 gallons so not as much power I guess but...

I definitely want it automated if the power goes out as most of the days during the week no one is at my house and I do travel here and there. I have very few power outages where I live in Houston, maybe 1-2 a year at the most and no longer than 30 seconds when they happen, but will spend more for the battery to just kick on if that happens.

The next question is would you just connect the backup battery to the pumps? I am going to buy one of those controllers that somewhat controls the aquarium, so possibly that would be good to have the battery hooked up to and all the devices that it controls.

Im guessing there are battery packs that automatically kick on for maybe a hour or two (if they make battery packs that are efficient enough for that), I am located right next to a hospital which helps with getting my power back on faster IMO.

Lucky Lefty · 05/23/2014, 12:20 PM

When Sandy swung through here, my buddy managed to get a tiny 800 watt generator from harbor freight. Ran his refrigerator, TV, and 90 gallon setup. I just saw them the other day for $129. Can't beat it, thing runs all day on a small amount of fuel and got the job done.

Unfortunately for my buddy, they were sold out for a few days before he got his hands on one, by that time everything aside from his black clownfish died.

Without a doubt it's on my top 3 items next to buy for my setup.

Of course, if you're not home.. A generator sitting in thebgarage won't do anything for ya, but it's something to consider because who knows, you might be home when it happens, and may need more time than a few hours from a battery backup.

Reefvet · 05/23/2014, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryanrttu

Curious if this approach has been tried to try and prevent something bad happening in case there is a power outage.

Try the search function. You'll find dozens of threads on this topic.

Ryanrttu · 05/23/2014, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefvet

Try the search function. You'll find dozens of threads on this topic.

I did, but didn't find exactly what I was looking for. I'm sure one can search for any topic in general and a general answer will be found from the past but the problem is getting feedback is harder (if even possible) if its an old thread. Updating with new threads is never bad though, newer people get to see solutions/give input/etc.

Art13 · 05/23/2014, 01:37 PM

There are automatic battery backups like the one made by the high end pump company, also the ones for computers will work just as well. How long they handle the tank depends on how much you have running and their battery life.

Bent · 05/23/2014, 02:38 PM

When I get my tank up and running I'm going to buy a few UPCs. My generator has a 10 second delay. So I want to get something to bridge the outage.

Edit:

Maybe something like this:
Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT 1500VA 900W UPS Smart LCD Battery Back Up Tower AVR 120V USB Coax RJ45 by Tripp Lite http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009TZTGWK/..._jm7Ftb17VFQ3B

jam583 · 05/23/2014, 05:38 PM

I have an APC Battery backup running everything on my 100G. Max draw, 4 amps. I'll get 15 mins until it dies. So, if power blips, it kicks on seamlessly. Alarms go off and I can hook to a generator, assuming I'm home. I also have a gel battery with an inverter, 35amp hours. It's on a trickle charge 24x7. So, I could use this and get about 7 hours, give or take, before I even had to hook a generator up. However, even though I'm in MD and lots of power issues during storms, we've had no issues as our lines are buried. Been though some big storms and direct to the CO we are buried, no issues yet.

05/23/2014, 06:34 AM	#1
Ryanrttu Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: San Francisco / North Beach Posts: 394	Anyone have a backup battery as a failsafe in case of power outage Curious if this approach has been tried to try and prevent something bad happening in case there is a power outage.

05/23/2014, 06:52 AM	#2
snorvich Team RC member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Outlander Posts: 40,953 Blog Entries: 46	With the exception of a specific brand of powerhead, these don't work all that well for a variety of reasons. People in areas highly susceptible to power problems often consider generators. __________________ Warmest regards, ~Steve~

05/23/2014, 07:05 AM	#4
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	+1 to the generator. I did see some people using car batteries after hurricane Sandy to power pumps and such, but that would be a last resort since you can regulate the current going to whatever you are trying to power and stand a good chance of ruining whatever it is. __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

05/23/2014, 07:57 AM	#7
rale2001 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Memphis, Tn Posts: 429	I was thinking this same question in TN we have quite a bit __________________ 90g Reef Octo BH2000 Tek 8x54 T5s 100 lbs of fiji rock Tangs; Magnif foxface; clowns; bar goby; chromis; Cardinal Frogspawns; zoas; scroll; acans; red and blue people eaters; RBTA and Carpet Nems Current Tank Info: 90g and 36g Bow

05/23/2014, 10:11 AM	#13
Ryanrttu Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: San Francisco / North Beach Posts: 394	My tank is 75 gallons so not as much power I guess but... I definitely want it automated if the power goes out as most of the days during the week no one is at my house and I do travel here and there. I have very few power outages where I live in Houston, maybe 1-2 a year at the most and no longer than 30 seconds when they happen, but will spend more for the battery to just kick on if that happens. The next question is would you just connect the backup battery to the pumps? I am going to buy one of those controllers that somewhat controls the aquarium, so possibly that would be good to have the battery hooked up to and all the devices that it controls. Im guessing there are battery packs that automatically kick on for maybe a hour or two (if they make battery packs that are efficient enough for that), I am located right next to a hospital which helps with getting my power back on faster IMO. Last edited by Ryanrttu; 05/23/2014 at 10:24 AM.

05/23/2014, 06:54 AM	#3
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	I have a battery back up for my MP pumps that would give me flow for about two hours. I also keep a couple of battery opperated air pumps. My next major purchase is going to be a generator large enough to run my entire system, refrigerator and furnace.

05/23/2014, 07:10 AM	#5
Scott07 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 384	I recently purchased an APC back-ups unit: http://www.apc.com/products/family/?id=29 They're intended for office use... so you can safely shut down a computer w/o data loss etc.... Works for me as I have a smaller tank, and less equipment to run. The nice thing about it is that one side of outlets is surge protection only, and the other side is battery backup... so you can choose which equipment you want to continue to run during a power outage. I only have my vortech, heater, and filter plugged into the batery backup, and expect it would run for at least an hour or two if power were to fail. But it's not a long term solution.. if you have power outages lasting longer than that, or much greater energy demands from equipment.. probably not the solution for you. Also, if you have a 'batteries plus' or similar store near you, check there before ordering one of these. I got mine used for only the cost of the actual battery inside (about $35).

05/23/2014, 07:28 AM	#6
Art13 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,444	i would think a car battery hooked up to an a/c inverter would work for a short period of time, just the same as a battery backup. I was lucky enough to come across a generator rated for 5000 watts, if i had to take a guess my tank probably only consumes about 500 watts if the lights were at full, so more than enough to keep it running.

05/23/2014, 08:20 AM	#8
Whistl3r Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Dallas, Ga. Posts: 80	I currently have 2 deep cycle marine batteries for this purpose while I am saving for a honda generator (swiped them off my boat). I tested the batteries and running them through an inverter they will power my whole system for a little over 2 days, with lights and return off I should be able to extend that out to about 5 days for the heater and vortechs.

05/23/2014, 08:50 AM	#9
MarlinDreams Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Tulsa, Ok Posts: 214	There are a few battery back ups on the market that are large enough to handle a tank for about a day, however they are very expensive. By paying a little extra you can get either a generator for only the tank (gas powered one like at Home Depot or a generator store) or you can invest in a whole house generator that will also run your A/C and fridge. Living where you do, like us up in Tulsa, the summers can get brutal and if the power goes off without A/C, you would be fighting another battle as well. There are several types out there, gas, propane and solar. You should be able to get with a local electrician and they can give you an idea on estimates. Hope this helps.

05/23/2014, 09:13 AM	#10
Ryanrttu Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: San Francisco / North Beach Posts: 394	This is all interesting stuff and I think spending the extra money on this could save you big in the long run. Do these batteries just kick on when power is out automatically or is that something manual you would have to do.

05/23/2014, 09:42 AM	#11
JoeVandal49 Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 360	I have my basement (where tank is located) wired with a generator backup.

05/23/2014, 12:20 PM	#14
Lucky Lefty Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: NJ Posts: 790	When Sandy swung through here, my buddy managed to get a tiny 800 watt generator from harbor freight. Ran his refrigerator, TV, and 90 gallon setup. I just saw them the other day for $129. Can't beat it, thing runs all day on a small amount of fuel and got the job done. Unfortunately for my buddy, they were sold out for a few days before he got his hands on one, by that time everything aside from his black clownfish died. Without a doubt it's on my top 3 items next to buy for my setup. Of course, if you're not home.. A generator sitting in thebgarage won't do anything for ya, but it's something to consider because who knows, you might be home when it happens, and may need more time than a few hours from a battery backup.

05/23/2014, 01:37 PM	#17
Art13 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,444	There are automatic battery backups like the one made by the high end pump company, also the ones for computers will work just as well. How long they handle the tank depends on how much you have running and their battery life.

05/23/2014, 02:38 PM	#18
Bent I got nothin' Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The anals Posts: 6,420	When I get my tank up and running I'm going to buy a few UPCs. My generator has a 10 second delay. So I want to get something to bridge the outage. Edit: Maybe something like this: Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT 1500VA 900W UPS Smart LCD Battery Back Up Tower AVR 120V USB Coax RJ45 by Tripp Lite http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009TZTGWK/..._jm7Ftb17VFQ3B __________________ Quitters never lose. [QUOTE=CStrickland]Who gets mad at a starfish?[/QUOTE] Current Tank Info: 75g DT, 30G refugium, 10g chaeto tank, 50g stock tank basement sump Last edited by Bent; 05/23/2014 at 02:44 PM.

05/23/2014, 05:38 PM	#19
jam583 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Phoenix, MD Posts: 260	I have an APC Battery backup running everything on my 100G. Max draw, 4 amps. I'll get 15 mins until it dies. So, if power blips, it kicks on seamlessly. Alarms go off and I can hook to a generator, assuming I'm home. I also have a gel battery with an inverter, 35amp hours. It's on a trickle charge 24x7. So, I could use this and get about 7 hours, give or take, before I even had to hook a generator up. However, even though I'm in MD and lots of power issues during storms, we've had no issues as our lines are buried. Been though some big storms and direct to the CO we are buried, no issues yet.