Honda EU2000i Generator

hambalid · 11/26/2006, 02:30 PM

I just placed an order for a Honda EU2000i electrical generator.

The other day I was in my LFS, and I was talking to a gentleman that had over 1000 gallons under his care at home. I mentioned that I too had a large system (SPS dominated), and we started talking about how his wife complains about California energy costs. One discussion let to another, and he asked me, "What kind of generator are you using? Diesel or gas?" I said that I didn't have one. He told me that I was crazy, and should make that my next purchase. He told me that the 1989 earthquake left him without power for days, he lost a massive investment in livestock because all his tanks crashed. He actually quit the hobby for a few years because of it.

I considered his words, and came to the conclusion that if I had to start over, I'd probably just leave the hobby, and put my disposable income somewhere else (like the bank!).

So I did a little research and with some guidance from this gentleman, and found the Honda EU series of generators. What I liked about them is the fact that they are quiet, have a decent warranty, and that two generators can be hooked up in tandem (future upgrades!).

The thing that I specifically didn't want was a loud two-stroke engine that would attract attention from the neighbors.

Should we have an extended power loss, my intention is to only run the pumps and the heaters. 2000 watts is more than enough. Forget the lights. Even SPS will survive for a while without them.

Although I would like a larger fuel capacity, I'm going to gamble that the outage won't last for more than a few days.

Have any other users on this board had experience with this generator? Can anybody share some real life experiences with having to use a generator to run their tanks for more than 24 hours?

Thanks!

Dan

AZDesertRat · 11/26/2006, 02:42 PM

Very very good generator but expensive. I followed the lead on RV.net and bought a Champion 3500w gen set myself. Its rated at 67 dBa at 21 feet and works like a charm. It also helps that it is only $299 at Checker/Shucks/Kragen auto and a few other places. They have a huge service network and a good record as far as complaints or returns.

auSS/Tin · 11/26/2006, 05:19 PM

Great generator. Neighbor has one for hunting/camping, etc. It is extremely quiet and I too like the tandem hook up ability that this unit offers. Remember to put Sta-bil fuel stabilizer in your gas can and I would cycle it (put it in your cars tank) and get fresh "emergency" fuel every 3 months or so. Just make it part of your reefing experience.

Bill

pad · 11/26/2006, 06:33 PM

I got one of this brand. It is a couple of years old but it was only $1000. http://www.kipor.com/pro3.asp?type_id=260

hambalid · 11/26/2006, 06:35 PM

Hi Pad, have you ever had the misfortune to have to use it for your tank?

Any issues with resistive load like heaters produce?

bowfront · 11/26/2006, 07:02 PM

I have used my Honda EU2000i twice for hurricanes. It's a great little generator but as mentioned pricey. As generators go exceptionally quiet and a gas miser. As well as running a small refrigerator, several lamps and a fan it also fired up my halides, return and skimmer pumps and the streams. It wouldn't however start my chiller (1/5 hp). I'm sure it would run a heater but that was'nt a concern for me. I used it straight for 5 days after one storm and 6 days after another. Starts first pull every time. Yamaha makes some nice home gererators also.

allstar.h2o · 11/26/2006, 07:02 PM

I live in Cali also and thought about this issue and figured the tank would splash around and catch fire anyways or otherwise be done with if a huge calamity were to occur. But yeah generator wise Honda is the best.

angelopasto · 11/26/2006, 09:19 PM

Coleman makes a power back-up with a Honda engine. The nice thing is that it comes with an automatic switch and is fully automatic. For you guys that are still looking, here is the link to the power back-up system:

http://www.colemanpowermate.com/powerstation/

PatMayo · 11/26/2006, 11:26 PM

I have that model generator. I had the opportuity to use it the other day. I powered my whole tank but not the halides. It was at night. I also powered a downstairs light and the refrigerator. It worked like a champ and is very quiet. I paid the premium because the size and quiteness was real nice for me.

But If I had to do it all over again I would go ahead and buy a larger unit that would power most of my house with an automatic switch.

Regards,

Pat

11/26/2006, 02:30 PM	#1
hambalid Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 68	Honda EU2000i Generator I just placed an order for a Honda EU2000i electrical generator. The other day I was in my LFS, and I was talking to a gentleman that had over 1000 gallons under his care at home. I mentioned that I too had a large system (SPS dominated), and we started talking about how his wife complains about California energy costs. One discussion let to another, and he asked me, "What kind of generator are you using? Diesel or gas?" I said that I didn't have one. He told me that I was crazy, and should make that my next purchase. He told me that the 1989 earthquake left him without power for days, he lost a massive investment in livestock because all his tanks crashed. He actually quit the hobby for a few years because of it. I considered his words, and came to the conclusion that if I had to start over, I'd probably just leave the hobby, and put my disposable income somewhere else (like the bank!). So I did a little research and with some guidance from this gentleman, and found the Honda EU series of generators. What I liked about them is the fact that they are quiet, have a decent warranty, and that two generators can be hooked up in tandem (future upgrades!). The thing that I specifically didn't want was a loud two-stroke engine that would attract attention from the neighbors. Should we have an extended power loss, my intention is to only run the pumps and the heaters. 2000 watts is more than enough. Forget the lights. Even SPS will survive for a while without them. Although I would like a larger fuel capacity, I'm going to gamble that the outage won't last for more than a few days. Have any other users on this board had experience with this generator? Can anybody share some real life experiences with having to use a generator to run their tanks for more than 24 hours? Thanks! Dan

11/26/2006, 06:33 PM	#4
pad Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Melbourne, FL Posts: 523	I got one of this brand. It is a couple of years old but it was only $1000. http://www.kipor.com/pro3.asp?type_id=260 __________________ I want a sleazy button. Current Tank Info: 150 mixed, 2x ASMG3, OM Squirt, 2x 250 wt MH, 4x 96 wt PC

11/26/2006, 06:35 PM	#5
hambalid Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: San Francisco Posts: 68	Hi Pad, have you ever had the misfortune to have to use it for your tank? Any issues with resistive load like heaters produce? __________________ "We've got a blind date with destiny, and it looks like she's ordered the lobster." Current Tank Info: Reef: 375 gal. 4 x 400w HQI 20k, 4 x 54w Geisemann T5, SPS dominated.

11/26/2006, 11:26 PM	#9
PatMayo Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,843	I have that model generator. I had the opportuity to use it the other day. I powered my whole tank but not the halides. It was at night. I also powered a downstairs light and the refrigerator. It worked like a champ and is very quiet. I paid the premium because the size and quiteness was real nice for me. But If I had to do it all over again I would go ahead and buy a larger unit that would power most of my house with an automatic switch. Regards, Pat __________________ 90 AGA Megaflow (Setup 1-24-06) 120 Lbs. Liverock EuroReef RS 100 Skimmer 2 X 150 MH 2 X 96 watt PC Actinic 2 Clarki Clowns (31 months old) 1 Niger Trigger (Owned 6 months) 2 Tunze 6055 PH Current Tank Info: 90 AGA Megaflow To Be Mixed Reef

11/26/2006, 02:42 PM	#2
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	Very very good generator but expensive. I followed the lead on RV.net and bought a Champion 3500w gen set myself. Its rated at 67 dBa at 21 feet and works like a charm. It also helps that it is only $299 at Checker/Shucks/Kragen auto and a few other places. They have a huge service network and a good record as far as complaints or returns.

11/26/2006, 05:19 PM	#3
auSS/Tin Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Cedar, TX Posts: 107	Great generator. Neighbor has one for hunting/camping, etc. It is extremely quiet and I too like the tandem hook up ability that this unit offers. Remember to put Sta-bil fuel stabilizer in your gas can and I would cycle it (put it in your cars tank) and get fresh "emergency" fuel every 3 months or so. Just make it part of your reefing experience. Bill

11/26/2006, 07:02 PM	#6
bowfront 10 & Over Club Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Florida Posts: 1,663	I have used my Honda EU2000i twice for hurricanes. It's a great little generator but as mentioned pricey. As generators go exceptionally quiet and a gas miser. As well as running a small refrigerator, several lamps and a fan it also fired up my halides, return and skimmer pumps and the streams. It wouldn't however start my chiller (1/5 hp). I'm sure it would run a heater but that was'nt a concern for me. I used it straight for 5 days after one storm and 6 days after another. Starts first pull every time. Yamaha makes some nice home gererators also.

11/26/2006, 07:02 PM	#7
allstar.h2o Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 214	I live in Cali also and thought about this issue and figured the tank would splash around and catch fire anyways or otherwise be done with if a huge calamity were to occur. But yeah generator wise Honda is the best.

11/26/2006, 09:19 PM	#8
angelopasto Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montreal Posts: 193	Coleman makes a power back-up with a Honda engine. The nice thing is that it comes with an automatic switch and is fully automatic. For you guys that are still looking, here is the link to the power back-up system: http://www.colemanpowermate.com/powerstation/