Battery Backup Needed for Tank

[ThePapa]

Here in FL three layers of surge protection, two in front of the UPS, are recommended. Yes you need to protect the UPS as well and that is the expensive piece if the UPS fails because of a lightning strike you really are up the creek so think in terms of layers of protection. Good outlet strips can be added as you are able and are rated in joules of dissipation the higher the number the better. The other number to look for is the clamping voltage, the closer to terminal voltage, 120 VAC, the better not the 500- 1000 VAC ones. Some even warranted. Eclips of Clearwater, FL is the best I have ever used. I have been in their lab and the demonstrations were an eye opener.

 

[MCooper]

Amazing info! Going to do this.

 

[MCooper]

I originally thought water movement was most important, but since my tank uses about .5 dkh of alk an hour, my dosers are just as important.
So for my mp10's, I just went with their battery backup, but for one of my 2 heaters, and then the dosers, I got this setup. The computer UPS's don't last very long, even the Ecotech 18AH battery is bigger than the majority.
Go big or go home. :)
This is the main part of it:
http://www.amazon.com/Power-PICOGLF...8&qid=1462387533&sr=8-2&keywords=aims+1500+ul
Then this will be the start of my battery array:
http://www.amazon.com/Vmaxtanks-Vma...1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Powering my Reef Angel, every doser, and a 75 watt heater, it lasts quite awhile. :)
Only the cost of 10-15 frags these days right... heh

WOW! That looks intense. Not sure I need that but going to look into both options. What spot did you put this in?

 

[ThePapa]

The SLA batteries in most APS units can be easily upgraded. I run a battery store for a living. You can get the same amount of reserved capacity from a battery upgrade in a small apc for a fraction of the cost. Sometimes double the run time when you run a smaller unit and upgraded battery

Is this a battery with better energy density or are you using a larger physical size of battery? Can you recommend a brand name other than the SLA? I'm about to replace some UPS batteries and barly got the old ones out of the case.

 

[Kungpaoshizi]

WOW! That looks intense. Not sure I need that but going to look into both options. What spot did you put this in?

Just have it in its own little area by the tank. Close enough to the tv too.. ☺
I was going to upgrade a UPS as I do IT and have a few, but I didnt want to void a warranty and I wanted something meant for a longer runtime since I absolutely do not want my dosers to go down. Best part is other than the expandability by adding more batteries, it's got enough power to run multiple other things in case of a lengthy outtage. (having a battery-backed heater is a requirement during winters here)

The cost was the major negative, but after having invested so much time and thousands into the tank, <1000$ is not something to nit-pick about. With all the horror stories of just a few hours without juice and the massive deaths incurred its a small price to pay.

 

[AdamPhe]

Is this a battery with better energy density or are you using a larger physical size of battery? Can you recommend a brand name other than the SLA? I'm about to replace some UPS batteries and barly got the old ones out of the case.

The best brand of battery for APC back up is power sonic. They are a much denser battery and you can typically go up 2 to 4 amp hours without changing sizes

 

[theMerchant]

I am using a UPS also but wondered if it defeats the purpose of a GFCI outlet.
When the GFI trips, there is still going to be power because of the battery. anyone know if this will shock you, Im sure it would.



update.
after some research I found it is suggested to install a GFCI AFTER the UPS.
I am going to use this
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-GFCI-5-Outlet-Adapter-30339037/203741442