Generator Recommendation

[Jimbo]

I'm looking to get a generator to keep around in case of a power outage. Not looking to break the bank with a $1000 Honda though. Don't want a piece of junk either. Don't know much about them but I see some are " inverters" is that what's best for the tank equipment?

Any recommendations for a DECENT generator that'll keep the essential equipment on the tank going and maybe a couple of other things around the house for a few hours?

Something in the $300 -400 range

 

[tcarter1936]

How big is your tank, what lighting, what other things around house to power, all very important details, generac makes a decent generator

 

[Jimbo]

It's a 93 cube. Wouldn't bother running the lights, like I said only essentials like the return pump ( Eheim 1262) and the heater. Maybe one of the Vortechs for some flow.
Now that I think about it , probably wouldn't even bother with any household stuff.

 

[tcarter1936]

I would look into a 5000 watt generac probly best bang for your buck and you could still run the fridge and fans and the whole tank assuming you don't run halides

 

[Downbeach]

Generac makes a GP3300 that's in that price range

 

[Steve Maxwell]

I just bought a: http://www.amazon.com/WEN-56551-Sta...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00
While that's a little out of your price range, they do have a 4750 watt for $399.98. I was going to get this one, but decided to go with the larger one since I live on the Gulf Coast and as a RN I might have to work during any major weather events and I wanted my family to be able to run the fridge, a single room air conditioner, and a few essentials along with the pumps and skimmers on my 3 tanks.

 

[ksc]

You need to figure out how many watts your going to need. Is your house going to be heated if you lose power in cold weather?

I lost power for 6 days during the winter. The day after the blizzard it was -7 f out. We had a wood stove cranking but my tank was at the opposite end of the house. The tank room was in the 40's, and I didn't have enough heaters to keep the tank above 70 (I had 4 in the tank, various wattages).

I have a 8000w generator which was far too big, I was burning over 20 gallons a day with intermitent use. All I needed for the tank was one 1875 watt circuit off the generator. I had the powerheads on batteries, ran the return pump and heaters. Luckily I had halides which I ran for more heat.

That Honda 2000 is a great generator but I think Generac has a copycat 2000 of their own. All that said, my BIL kept his tank alive with a $150 Harbor Freight unit.....

 

[vic67]

I have a Sportsman that is in that price range and I've been happy with it. A dual fuel (propane/gas) one in the 4000w range was on sale recently for about $230 shipped. I'm not really that worried about power fluctuations so I picked this over an inverter.