Generators 2023: Do you have one, what's the wattage & what equipment will you run with it?

[revhtree]

As dedicated reefkeepers, we understand the importance of preparedness when it comes to our saltwater reef aquariums. For those who use a generator for backup power during unforeseen outages, we'd love to hear about your experiences and insights!

If so, we're curious to know what size generator you use and which essential equipment you power with it. Whether it's keeping your circulation pumps, heaters, protein skimmers, or even lighting systems active, we're eager to learn about the setup you have in place.

Please answer the following:

1. Do you have a generator to keep your reef aquarium running during power interruptions?

2. What wattage is your generator and what equipment do you intend to run with it?

 

[X-37B]

I have a Craftsman 3500 watt unit. It has come in handy on several occasions.
I would not have a reef tank without one on standby.

 

[Mperry622]

Once i hit 600 gallons in the basement i got the wife to let me put in a 24k generac Now i look forward to power outages.

 

[Gtinnel]

I have a 20kW generac. Everything in my house runs the same as if the power were on.

 

[kenchilada]

13kW dual fuel standing by. During the last hurricane we lost power for almost a week. I had no losses!

Finding gas was a nightmare though. I only had about four days on hand.

Thankfully I do not and will not own an electric vehicle.

 

[1112-425XL]

I have two. A Briggs and Stratton Generac 5500 and a Dewalt 7000.
The B&S powers the house thru a master transfer switch in case of power loss due to hurricane. I keep the Dewalt ready for backup.

 

[ShoreReefer]

I bought a 6500kw generator during Superstorm Sandy that kept the essentials running in our small apartment at the time which included my freshwater tank. 2 houses later I've yet to need it again but do run it each summer to tune it up and make sure it's working properly heading into hurricane season. I contemplate a whole house generator but since the neighborhood hasn't seen a major power outage in over 10 years, it's hard to justify the money

 

[ReefDreamz]

20 kW with auto transfer switch

 

[Floyd-]

500 watt inverter hooked to the car at the moment for when my UPS dies after about 2.5 hours.

 

[Battlecorals]

In the way paranoid camp here

One monster 48k and an 8k backup for the “essentials” if ever the big guy stumbles. And I’ve got pull start in the garage if things really get dicey. Again. Paranoid

 

[Reefer Matt]

I have the 8750w Predator inverter generator from Harbor Freight. I had to use it twice in the last year.
Those in apartments, look into getting a boat battery and an inverter outlet if you can't have a generator.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

This is something I will 100% be investing in, in the future

 

[revhtree]

In the way paranoid camp here

One monster 48k and an 8k backup for the “essentials” if ever the big guy stumbles. And I’ve got pull start in the garage if things really get dicey. Again. Paranoid

WOWee!

 

[cwerner]

In the way paranoid camp here

One monster 48k and an 8k backup for the “essentials” if ever the big guy stumbles. And I’ve got pull start in the garage if things really get dicey. Again. Paranoid

I know this is very off-topic, but how do you like your LP Smartside? I'm currently installing it on a garage build.

 

[dadnjesse]

I would like a home generator but for now I have the Honda EU 7000is that will run my whole house I just have to manually hit the Breakers.

 

[Gtinnel]

In the way paranoid camp here

One monster 48k and an 8k backup for the “essentials” if ever the big guy stumbles. And I’ve got pull start in the garage if things really get dicey. Again. Paranoid

Being that paranoid is understandable for someone who has what you have at stake.
On my tank if my generator fails and I would lose everything it’s not too big of a deal start over. It would give me a reason to buy some battleboxes, lol.

 

[revhtree]

I've always had a portable generator. On the new house we will have a whole house generator. @Battlecorals now has me thinking overkill!!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

In the way paranoid camp here

One monster 48k and an 8k backup for the “essentials” if ever the big guy stumbles. And I’ve got pull start in the garage if things really get dicey. Again. Paranoid

Those are some massive generators haha

 

[Battlecorals]

I know this is very off-topic, but how do you like your LP Smartside? I'm currently installing it on a garage build.

dude its great I mean I did construction for 20+ years before I retired in about 2016 and we did lots of this stuff. The story I tell people it's about how my kids took a lot of our scraps, and made trails in the woods with it. to walk on, and such. it got snowed on and rained on for quite a few years, and remained almost relatively perfect if it was painted or primed, both sides.

pretty good stuff. Ultimately we loved working with way more so than concrete siding. Sorry for the digression

 

[Battlecorals]

I've always had a portable generator. On the new house we will have a whole house generator. @Battlecorals now has me thinking overkill!!

Well, like I said, I am just the most paranoid guy. Anytime the they'd be a storm warning I would just go into a freaking panic practically, so if anything is kind of peace of mind,

But I just don't trust machines at all, to do what they're supposed to do when they're supposed to do it, so I always like the idea of having a redundant failsafe, and my generator situation was no different.

If you're on the fence, go for it. My 48K powers the entire house, roughly 300 amps, including two air conditioners, my shop with all the lights on, including halides every pump, and a hot tub even! With a few kilowatts to spare lol.

As far as I'm concerned there's no such thing as overkill when it comes to stuff like this my good man