Backup Battery?

[Eienna]

OK, so I have decided not to add any more animals to my reef (except maybe berghia) until I have a backup power source. Can anyone recommend a suitable UPS? Chances are I will only run my return pump off it. The tank is 150g, not counting the sump.

 

[jsker]

Depending on the pump, Amazon has back up batteries for computers that will work with you pump.

 

[Eienna]

Depending on the pump, Amazon has back up batteries for computers that will work with you pump.

I noticed...I just need to figure out which one and what size...

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

What is the wattage for your pump? That will determine UPS sizing.

 

[jsker]

I noticed...I just need to figure out which one and what size...

List out your equipment that you are thinking about plugging in to the backup.

 

[Eienna]

All right. I have to get under the stand for something anyway. What scares me is that the plumbing is kind of sensitive. i haven't really been able to lock down the soft plumbing and if I move the pump it's likely to make a real mess x.x maybe if I turn it off first...gimme a sec.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Just give a make and model, if you know it.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

I have this system. It should run a 50W pump for at least two hours:
https://www.cyberpowersystems.com/products/ups/intelligent-lcd/cp1500avrlcd#section-runtime

You also need to define the length of power outage you want to protect against.

 

[Eienna]

I'll have to check on it later today. Fiancee's in the same room trying to sleep.

Runtime would be as long as I can afford...

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Well, a 50W pump for a 150 gallon tank is probably not a bad assumption at this point. Are you looking at power outages longer than two hours?

 

[Eienna]

Grech CHJ-6000 Aquarium Submersible Fountain Pump 1585 GPH
It says 100 watts

And no, I doubt we'll get a large one, but I'd much rather be prepared....I think the longest so far has been about two hours, but we haven't lived here long.

 

[Eienna]

I've lost more than enough fish so far in my reefing journey. I don't want that to happen any more!! Each one is a life...besides which they are expensive.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

The website says 91 minutes of runtime with a 100W load and the UPS system referenced above. If you decided to go with a variable speed DC pump (assuming you can make due with less flow), you could extend the runtime even farther. FYI.

 

[Eienna]

Hmmm....
I CAN turn to flow down on the one I have, which might help....

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

As long as you're not throttling the flow with a valve, slowing down the pump will reduce power consumption and heat generation.

 

[Eienna]

OK, thanks, and I think I know the one I need.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZT2K9...colid=A14FXNYTA1BW&coliid=I55EM9BTLZRTB&psc=1
If I'm reading the chart right, I should get right around 40 hours out of it. Coming up with the money....umm....I think I'm gonna need some help from my darling, but she won't mind.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Why do you think you need that one? The one I posted has more capacity at nearly half the price.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Also, I don't believe 40 hr at 100W...just saying! :)

 

[reefkeeperCOL]

what about the one that sells fish-street.com for DC pumps and vortech pumps?

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

By the way, I looked up the SMC1000 on the APC website. They say it will give you 80 minutes at a 50W load and 49 minutes at 100W.