Power surge

PhishGirl · 10/17/2007, 09:04 AM

Is there any way to protect your tank from these? I bought a cheap surge protector but still lost power in my tank for several minutes. Plus, it really freaks the fish out, and my feather duster is shedding like crazy. For some reason I've been having a lot of random short power outages recently...

Æonic · 10/17/2007, 09:14 AM

Power surge or power outage?

Most of our mechanical stuff doesn't really get hurt by a suge. That's usually more harmful to sensitive electronics like computers.

So assuming you're getting a lot of short power outages, you might try a UPS (uninterruptable power supply). It can run a few powerheads for quite awhile if the power goes out. You can't plug too much into it though (and expect it to keep it all up).

Look here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16842107113 .. That one's $100 but look around that site there are cheaper and more expensive ones too.

PhishGirl · 10/18/2007, 09:40 AM

I actually read that a company called APC sells ones specifically for saltwater tanks around $100. I think I'm going to get a used one from buyupsonline.com because they are cheaper. (just when you think you are done all the big spending for a while - you have to buy something else) I'll let everyone know how it goes. I'm surprised I'm the only person with this issue. The last thing I need is for all my fish to die...

WaterKeeper · 10/18/2007, 10:13 AM

Hi PhishGirl,

The problem comes up from time to time and really takes off whenever there is a hurricane. The other big scare (where many lost tanks) was the Great Northeast Blackout a few years ago. Many reefers bought generators after that and they cost even more than a UPS. A cheap method however for short term outages is just to go to the LFS and buy a battery powered air pump and some air stones. It can sustain a tank for a day or two and costs very little.

cd77 · 10/18/2007, 10:15 AM

http://www.championlighting.com/prod...cat=421&page=1

PhishGirl · 10/18/2007, 10:47 AM

Thanks for all of the advice guys! This is a very intimidating hobby for a beginner.

WaterKeeper · 10/20/2007, 10:26 AM

Be afraid, be very afraid.

That is what RC is all about. Trying to make things less intimidating. Over time you'll get the hang of things and be teaching other Newbies perhaps.

10/17/2007, 09:04 AM	#1
PhishGirl Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 8	Power surge Is there any way to protect your tank from these? I bought a cheap surge protector but still lost power in my tank for several minutes. Plus, it really freaks the fish out, and my feather duster is shedding like crazy. For some reason I've been having a lot of random short power outages recently...

10/18/2007, 10:13 AM	#4
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	Hi PhishGirl, The problem comes up from time to time and really takes off whenever there is a hurricane. The other big scare (where many lost tanks) was the Great Northeast Blackout a few years ago. Many reefers bought generators after that and they cost even more than a UPS. A cheap method however for short term outages is just to go to the LFS and buy a battery powered air pump and some air stones. It can sustain a tank for a day or two and costs very little. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

10/18/2007, 10:15 AM	#5
cd77 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Fishers, IN, USA Posts: 1,169	http://www.championlighting.com/prod...cat=421&page=1 __________________ -Chris Current Tank Info: 70G Reef (Aug 2007), 45G Reef (Dec 2007)

10/20/2007, 10:26 AM	#7
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	Be afraid, be very afraid. That is what RC is all about. Trying to make things less intimidating. Over time you'll get the hang of things and be teaching other Newbies perhaps. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

10/17/2007, 09:14 AM	#2
Æonic Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 115	Power surge or power outage? Most of our mechanical stuff doesn't really get hurt by a suge. That's usually more harmful to sensitive electronics like computers. So assuming you're getting a lot of short power outages, you might try a UPS (uninterruptable power supply). It can run a few powerheads for quite awhile if the power goes out. You can't plug too much into it though (and expect it to keep it all up). Look here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16842107113 .. That one's $100 but look around that site there are cheaper and more expensive ones too.

10/18/2007, 09:40 AM	#3
PhishGirl Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 8	I actually read that a company called APC sells ones specifically for saltwater tanks around $100. I think I'm going to get a used one from buyupsonline.com because they are cheaper. (just when you think you are done all the big spending for a while - you have to buy something else) I'll let everyone know how it goes. I'm surprised I'm the only person with this issue. The last thing I need is for all my fish to die...

10/18/2007, 10:47 AM	#6
PhishGirl Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 8	Thanks for all of the advice guys! This is a very intimidating hobby for a beginner.