How do you keep your tank warm, when you don't have power or access to a generator???

[happyface888]

As the question stats, I'd like to know how fellow reefers keep their tanks warm, when they lose power and don't have access to a power generator or some sort of back up energy.
Do you guys boil ro water and slowly add it back into the tank?? Or what I would love to know. Thanks

[InsaneClownFish]

I just went through this with my tank as I didn't have enough heaters to keep up with our cold new england weather. I ran the lights for an extended period and ran out for an added heater asap. The top suggestions I've seen for power losses are warming salt water on the stove, having a battery powered air pump on hand, and possibly looking into a upc to run heaters.

They do make small generator units that are becoming more popular with the reef crowd.

In a recent article I read, wrapping the tank in blankets during a power outage was recommended to keep it insulated.

[ludnix]

I have heard of people sticking plastic containers on the surface of the water and adding boiling water to them. This allows the boiling water to dissipate it's heat slowly and safely into the tank and prevents any issues with dilution.

A well insulated tank can keep it's heat for a surprisingly long time, if you're anticipating a power outage I would buy some of the foam covers for any plumbing to prevent heat loss from there as well as keeping some blankets and tape around for the method InsaneClownFish mentioned. I think I would use some of those large black contractor bags to wrap the glass with first (or a space blank) then go with the blankets.

[Playa-1]

I keep a power inverter around in case of emergencies. Plugs into the cigerette lighter in the car and run an extension cord.

[Jason Donohoe]

Playa,

I was thinking of doing the same but wonderred how helpful it would actually be.

Have you tried it out yet? How much of your equipment can you run on it?

[geoxman]

How much equipment would depend on what size inverter you bought

[SVTour]

Originally posted by Playa-1
I keep a power inverter around in case of emergencies. Plugs into the cigerette lighter in the car and run an extension cord.

I do the same...I also have a small UPS that can run a couple power heads for about an hour on the smaller power outages (about an hour before it peters out).

[spsfreak]

Originally posted by jason.donohoe
Playa,

I was thinking of doing the same but wonderred how helpful it would actually be.

Have you tried it out yet? How much of your equipment can you run on it?

Not to answer for Playa, but I had to do this very thing many years back when parts of the Triad here in NC had major power outages due to an ice storm. I had my (then) 4 Runner running for 2 days straight, it worked like a champ.

[CIGDAZE]

A couple automotive batteries (kept fully charged), and an inverter will get you by for quite a few hours.

Here's a little discussion on this topic from not too long ago:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1545925

[rickh]

If you can run an extension cord from the car--just hook the inverter to the car. I bought several $25-- 400 watt inverters and found the one that would run my power heads without "chattering".
Most importantly--You have to run the car. I have also done it for over 24 hours with no harmful effects. Batteries are as pain to store, maintain, they are expensive and you probably will have no way to charge them. R

[happyface888]

Those converters sound really interesting, might actually have to get some. BTW how do you guys deal with all the carbon dioxide released by the car?? My car is in the garage, and if I leave my car on outside... hmm don't know who might go in and try to take it.

[ScottL4619]

If all else fails, use a gas range or propane grill to heat pans full of salt water. Take pan of saltwater out of tank, heat (don't boil, just heat) and slowly add back into sump so it can mix before entering tank.

One of the above methods is much more practical, but the heating over fire method can work as a last resort. Ask me how I know...

[noahm]

If you have gas hot water and city pressure, you can hook a hose to your faucet and loop into the tank and back to the sink running hot water slowly through it. Something like a 'python' would make it easier. If not, space blankets and/or any vessel you can fill with heated water that can sit in the tank will help like a gal jug full of hot w/the lid on.

[oldsaltman]

It is very simple to build a cheap DIY inverter system that will work. If you want it to be auto on/off here is a diagram of the one I made. If you are just looking for quick power then the inverter and battery are all you need.