Battery backup options

[Potatohead]

I have been putting this off for way too long. I do have a generator but living in the city I can't run it at night. If the power goes out for more than a few hours at night time, this is a problem. I currently have Vortech pumps in my display (DC) but all the pumps in my sump and obviously the heaters are AC. I also have a 210g freshwater tank which is all AC. I would much prefer to run only the AC stuff if I have to choose.

Option 1) Vortech/IceCap battery backup. Will only control DC pumps. Turns on automatically.

Option 2) 12V AGM deep-cycle motorcycle battery. Can use with an inverter to run AC and could also run DC right off the battery if necessary. The only problem with this option is that it doesn't turn on automatically, unless someone knows of a work-around for that or some way to trigger it?

Option 3) Computer UPS. Turns on automatically and will run everything AC. Problem with this is even a largish one will only last a couple hours.

Any other options I am missing? Other pros and cons to the above?

Thanks!

 

[bif24701]

I have a Red top Optima that runs my MP60, provides 3+ days of back up power. Yes! 3 days!

A BatteryMINDER keeps the battery charged and maintained perfectly at all times. When power goes out the Vortech controller automatically switches to the battery power. I bought the battery backup cable from Ecotechs parts web site, spliced eyelets to the battery end and connected it to the battery and plugged into the Vortech controller battery plug inlet.

This system has been tested and works perfectly. Provides more power longer than anything premade.

Also better than anything with a converter because they waste power and the batteries are small, only providing 1-2 hours of power maybe a few more but nothing like what I have.