Car Battery as Backup for mp40

[Randyp79]

With hurricane Irma bearing down on FL, I am wondering if it's possible to use a car battery in an emergency situation to power an mp40? If so, would it be better to get inverter or wire it up directly to battery?

Before it's suggested, I do already have a generator with 40 gallons of gas that should last 3-4 days. I am thinking about what to do if I run out of gas.

TIA

 

[TheLadyCrash]

How big is your tank and is it FOWLR or reef? You may be able to get away with some battery powered bubblers to oxygenate the water.

 

[Randyp79]

180g mixed reef

 

[Dj24680]

I would say use a power inverter. Would make it easier to connect and swap batters if need be.

Good luck and be safe down there

 

[TheLadyCrash]

I would say use a power inverter. Would make it easier to connect and swap batters if need be.

Good luck and be safe down there

With that size tank, agreed.

 

[Smo]

I saw recently a post where someone uses a car battery as a backup for his MPs. He claims three days of operation. He obtained the battery backup cable from Vortec and modified the battery connector. The other end plugged into the controller. He used a common trickle charger to keep the battery charged until needed. In your case likely need to find a local supplier for the backup battery cable.
An inverter could work in a pinch but they are inefficient and your battery would not last nearly long enough.