Battery Backup

[krennman]

What does everyone use for battery backups? Do you just backup the pumps?

 

[Johnd651]

What does everyone use for battery backups? Do you just backup the pumps?

This will get a lot of different answers. Depending on if you're looking for system specific or whole system, you have options such as UPS back ups or battery generators with solar, just to list some options.

If going back up, return pump minimum.

 

[vlangel]

I use a 1000 watt power inverter that can clip onto our car battery and then run an extension cord to the tank. I needed to do this several years ago when our power was off about 5 days.

I also use a cheap Penn Plax battery air pump. It has 2 D batteries and is plugged in so when it senses the power is off it automatically turns on.

These have been economical solutions for me.

 

[Pistondog]

Lots of choices like bluetti for lithium phosphate batteries. I bought a 2kw version for pumps and skimmer.
Heaters are power hogs.

 

[JohnNYC8]

What does everyone use for battery backups? Do you just backup the pumps?

If you're still in the market, Amazon has the Ecoflow Delta 2 for $350 right now. That's the lowest price I've seen.

 

[Kooma]

I run a 1500VA APC SmartUPS on my tanks. I backup everything and it runs the complete system minus lights for about 2 hours. You could simply run skimmer and return pump and get even more time.

I would buy something that works when you aren’t home.

I have a generator for longer outages.

 

[Largeangels]

UPS on a couple of pumps. Battery operated air pumps triggered by power outage. Generator ready to plug in. All aquariums have pumps on at least two different circuits, in case one trips.

 

[naps]

This will get a lot of different answers. Depending on if you're looking for system specific or whole system, you have options such as UPS back ups or battery generators with solar, just to list some options.

If going back up, return pump minimum.

Wouldn't the heater take priority over a return pump? My fish could live fine without filtration but i don't think they would enjoy my tank when the power goes out this winter and it's 40 degrees inside my house.

 

[Johnd651]

Wouldn't the heater take priority over a return pump? My fish could live fine without filtration but i don't think they would enjoy my tank when the power goes out this winter and it's 40 degrees inside my house.

I think that is more person to person. I live in Central NY out in the farm's, but have done a lot of insulating, and home prep. I run propane heaters for the house, so yes, in a power outage will the tank temp drop, yes, but slowly and only to house temp. That should give me more then enough time to get home and the generator going. I am more concerned with keeping the sump/display water circulating and oxygenated. I even have a battery powered bubbler and sponge filter for back up.