Battery Back-up

[Tab28]

Sorry if this is an old question but can you use a battery back up, the kind you buy for computers, for pumps? I know you would not be able to plug massive lighting systems, but newer low watt pumps seems would work. Also I do not think they would be able to last as long as one made for the Vortech but if it could keep you a 100 watts or so of power for a handful of hours. In Florida we have several days where the power may go out from storms for an hour or so. Also this would help with any gravity sunction lines from being formed.

 

[swannyson7]

Absolutely, several people use UPS systems designed for computers for their reefs

 

[CJO]

Many people do. However, most pumps will require a pretty good UPS that outputs either a pure sine wave or a good approximation to run properly.

CJ

 

[stylaster]

yep i use an apc 1500 series that runs my return pump ehiem 1262 for about 10 hours

 

[Tab28]

Thanks that what I was thinking.

 

[Tab28]

Many people do. However, most pumps will require a pretty good UPS that outputs either a pure sine wave or a good approximation to run properly.

CJ

sorry "sine wave" but this is Greek to me. How would you know by the unit if it has "sine wave"?

 

[CJO]

It should say in the technical details for the unit. Most of the lower-priced ones do not output a true sine wave.

CJ

 

[Tab28]

Well the one I have says "step-approx. sine wave". Not sure if that is good or bad. Why does it need sine wave power is power. I am sure it makes a difference.

 

[CJO]

Well the one I have says "step-approx. sine wave". Not sure if that is good or bad. Why does it need sine wave power is power. I am sure it makes a difference.

It's because of the way motors work. They are the opposite of a generator- they convert AC electricity into rotational motion. Try running your pumps on the UPS and see how they do. If they do fine, no problem. If they chatter enough, you know that "power is power" is not necessarily true.

CJ

 

[Dr.Venkman]

There are some DIY battery backups I have seen, don't have them handy but can send you the links. I have been doing some research and it seems it can be done fairly easily and for not too much $. Any of the gurus on here have knowledge on how to tackle this? Didn't mean to hijack, but maybe diy will give you other options besides store-bought UPS's.