Emergency Preperations?

[Harry_Y]

As to not hijack the other thread "Realistically how long can a tank go without power?"

What are your Emergency Preparations for your Reef Tank?

We had a windstorm last weekend where we could have lost power
and I was a bit concerned as I realized that I really was not very
well prepared to loose power on a cold winter night.

Sure I can get the fireplace going and I can run a cord out to my
Jeep to plug into the inverter to power a powerhead to stir the water.
If it really came down to it I can stir the water up by hand, but it
(along with the other thread) made me realize I'm not very prepared.

So please post your ideas, and your preparations so we all can benefit.

Thank you

 

[swannyson7]

I have a deep cycle battery hooked up to a trickle charger to power my four vortechs in the case of a power failure. I also have a UPS to power my return pump, skimmer pump, reactor pumps, and heater in case of an outtage. I also keep two battery powered air pumps on hand if needed and I have a thermal blanket to maintain temp for short periods. I bought a power inverter for my car to power things for a short period if the batteries die, but (knock on wood) the power has never been out for more than an hour or two since I moved to my new house. The sad part is... if I add up the cost of all this stuff, I probably could have bought a small generator to power at least my tank in the case of power failure.
As far as other precautions, I keep 50 gallons of fresh saltwater and 50 gallons of RO/DI on hand for any tank emergencies along with plenty of fresh carbon in case of fatal parameter swings.

 

[dougers31]

Well currently I rely on two batt operated air pumps, and if I get into a bind I could go grab a deep cycle battery and converter.(by the way does anyone know how long a typical deep cycle battery will run a 30 watt return pump and 150 watt heater?) Iif I sell enough frags at our next swap I would like to pick up a basic generator.:)

 

[swannyson7]

Well currently I rely on two batt operated air pumps, and if I get into a bind I could go grab a deep cycle battery and converter.(by the way does anyone know how long a typical deep cycle battery will run a 30 watt return pump and 150 watt heater?) Iif I sell enough frags at our next swap I would like to pick up a basic generator.:)

Not sure on how long a deep cycle will run the return pump and heater, but I'd think you would be pleasantly surprised. The thread on RC where I got the idea for the deep cycle said that the OP ran four MP40s in reefcrest mode for 24 hours and they were still going strong.

 

[dougers31]

Not sure on how long a deep cycle will run the return pump and heater, but I'd think you would be pleasantly surprised. The thread on RC where I got the idea for the deep cycle said that the OP ran four MP40s in reefcrest mode for 24 hours and they were still going strong.

Well, I know deep cycles are sometimes used in boats for the trolling motor(can't imagine how many watts that puppy was pullin). In my Dad's old 16ft Lund he could use that thing non-stop for prolly at least several hours.

 

[Captain Nemo]

I have a generator for such occurances/ situations should they arise. Hopefully they will not but in case they do, I can take care of it promptly.:xd: