Aquarium Battery Backup

[Kolby’s Reef]

Hello, I was wondering what people are using as a UPS or battery backup for a reef tank if the power goes out. I know there are some DIY builds if you have built one I would like to know more about it, what the specs are, devices you are using, how long it will run without power, and cost. I had a tank crash while I was on vacation and lost several coral and fish. I need to prevent this from happening. I would need to run my return pump which is 60W and a heater which is 250W I realize that is a lot of draw, I have a 90 gallon tank and would have my backup heater on the UPS or battery backup. I believe I could get by with a 250W heater. I just desperately need some suggestions/ideas/ your own personal builds (if you don’t mind sharing) and what you have plugged in for a power outage. I am really unfamiliar with the whole battery backup systems and UPS in general. Any advice would help. Thank you guys so much!

 

[Kathy Floyd]

Following. I have a battery-operated pump and a generator but curious also as to what needs to absolutely run during a power outage.

 

[ReefEco]

Search YouTube, I think there are several videos detailing builds, including from ReefDudes...

 

[kados]

Duracell ran an MP10 for 4 days on a 100g tank. For my bigger tank I've used a combination of this and/or battery powered air pumps.

 

[kados]

Storm Season among us. Power outage readiness!!!

Good afternoon everyone, I wanted to make this thread to give myself and others who live in Florida and other outlying states who are affected by hurricanes and other storms which can leave us without power for days to weeks at a time. I am still newish to the hobby and I haven't had my tank up...

www.reef2reef.com

Some additional info

 

[Kolby’s Reef]

Duracell ran an MP10 for 4 days on a 100g tank. For my bigger tank I've used a combination of this and/or battery powered air pumps.

what model is that and how much?

 

[Kellie in CA]

I’m in the market for one too. I used the Icecap battery backup on my Mightyjet for a while, but after 2 years it is now dead.

 

[kados]

This was last year from Costco.

https://www.frugalhotspot.com/2020/12/duracell-powersource-660-costco/

 

[Tuan’s Reef]

I can run a long extenstion cord from my F150 to my tank and keep it going for days on end if i had to. You can probably get an car power inverter too.

 

[DanTheReefer]

I made one that runs a small dedicated USB (DC) pump for 7 days. Kicks on automatically when power is cut. Was a little north of $100 with most of it being the battery. The PC UPS systems have a bit of overhead to invert the power. The DC battery directly powering a DC pump will get you the most mileage out of any given battery.

DIY 7 Day Life Support Backup System

It’s hurricane season again, and this year I’m not going to take any risks with losing the reef to a power outage. Fortunately, I don’t have to worry about freezing temps in FL, so I don’t need to run a heater. I just need a few days of water movement. Most folks try to figure out a way to keep...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[gbroadbridge]

I run essentials such as return pump and circulation pumps from a 3300W UPS. That keeps them running for over 12 hours. The profilux sends a power fail alarm and switches other stuff off.

If the power is still out we have a home 8kW generator that can be fired up and switched in. Runs the whole house other than 3 phase things like the A/C

 

[Kolby’s Reef]

I run essentials such as return pump and circulation pumps from a 3300W UPS. That keeps them running for over 12 hours. The profilux sends a power fail alarm and switches other stuff off.

If the power is still out we have a home 8kW generator that can be fired up and switched in. Runs the whole house other than 3 phase things like the A/C

How much was this whole setup and what does it consist of?

 

[Kolby’s Reef]

I made one that runs a small dedicated USB (DC) pump for 7 days. Kicks on automatically when power is cut. Was a little north of $100 with most of it being the battery. The PC UPS systems have a bit of overhead to invert the power. The DC battery directly powering a DC pump will get you the most mileage out of any given battery.

DIY 7 Day Life Support Backup System

It’s hurricane season again, and this year I’m not going to take any risks with losing the reef to a power outage. Fortunately, I don’t have to worry about freezing temps in FL, so I don’t need to run a heater. I just need a few days of water movement. Most folks try to figure out a way to keep...

www.reef2reef.com

wouldn’t you need to run a heater to?

 

[mistyw]

I’m looking at getting a solar generator, and have a power inverter I can use with my car. But luckily extended power outages aren’t really a thing here.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have generator and in the past used a large UPC unit

** Please refrain from using Emergency as emergency option is for those with fish or coral that are dying, leaks, etc. This non-emergency takes away from those wo need and seek immediate advise in a crisis situation.

 

[gbroadbridge]

How much was this whole setup and what does it consist of?

Bear in mind, it's not just for the fish - although they were the main reason for setup. It can run the whole house.

We don't normally get long outages where I live, however with all the crazy weather at the moment I'd rather be prepared than try to source stuff when the lights do go out.

The tank is worth over $20k

Cyberpower Online UPS about $US 1200
Briggs & Stratton Generator about $US 3000
Electrical work about $US 500

 

[eqbal9947]

How is this an emergency

 

[gbroadbridge]

How is this an emergency

It's a potential emergency. Lol.

 

[Kolby’s Reef]

I have generator and in the past used a large UPC unit

** Please refrain from using Emergency as emergency option is for those with fish or coral that are dying, leaks, etc. This non-emergency takes away from those wo need and seek immediate advise in a crisis situation.

Yea bud I lost about 6g’s because of a power outage so it’s a emergency there was no other prefix for me to put

 

[Kolby’s Reef]

How is this an emergency

^