Help! Power's out & generator's not working

[ReeferMo]

This hoss. Currently hooked up to propane. The little circuit breakers aren't tripped, either. The single thick cord plugged into it goes to a through-the-wall kit, where I have an extension cord plugged in and running to the tank. I though the issue could be the kit or cords, but plugging a night light directly into the generator produced

no results either, so it's not the kit or extension cords.

• Initial checks
  • Circuit Breaker: Flip the circuit breaker off and then on again. If it keeps tripping, there might be an issue with the load or the generator's internal components.
  • GFCI Plugs: If your outlets have GFCI buttons, press the "reset" button on them.
• (sponsored by Google)

 

[Malum Argenteum]

Ok, yea it looks like the battery on these guys needs to charge....
If you have a charger you could drop on the little guy it may help.
Or the brushes are toast, or the AVR is toast...

I think this is a new version, but should be similar manual

The battery is a starting battery. The generator started, and runs, but does not output AC.

 

[JTP424]

The battery is a starting battery. The generator started, and runs, but does not output AC.

apologies i misread the troubleshooting too quickly!

 

[Ziggy17]

, disconnect the negative on the battery to the Gen for 30 seconds. Then connect it. Perhaps the board is stuck on stupid somehow, and that will reset it. But it sounds like a circuit issue.

 

[SallyWho]

I called tech support- the 120V receptacles work! There might be a problem with the 120V 30A twist lock receptacle I was using for the heavy duty cord. So instead of using the through-the-wall kit, I'm running regular extension cords through the back door. Having that door cracked is going to chill the heck out of my house, but with the tank heaters finally working I think the tank will be okay! Thanks, everyone!

 

[ReeferMo]

I called tech support- the 120V receptacles work! There might be a problem with the 120V 30A twist lock receptacle I was using for the heavy duty cord. So instead of using the through-the-wall kit, I'm running regular extension cords through the back door. Having that door cracked is going to chill the heck out of my house, but with the tank heaters finally working I think the tank will be okay! Thanks, everyone!

Great

Now cancel the hot water bottle I told you about

 

[KrisReef]

Gas’s stove?
Heat water, pour into a plastic milk jug and float that in the tank to keep the water warm.

Make go cocoa, mix with an appropriate amount of vodka for adult consumption.

 

[Naekuh]

Sadly I have no power inverters. :/

Going by your location, it seems NAPA Auto Store is near you.
They might have an inverter for sale there, and possibly even a generator.

Like one of these guys:
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7829284
You could connect that to your battery. have the car running, and then run an extension cord until you can figure out whats wrong with your real generator.

But that is all i can think of atm, as it seems your pretty rural and dont have a wallmart or harbor freight near you.

Edit: ack... tldr; didnt see you got the power sorted out.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Like the title says, my power's out and will be for several hours (might be back on by 1600 and it's 0930 now). My portable generator did start after a few tries, but it doesn't seem to be putting out any juice. I'll continue to troubleshoot it but in the meantime, what do I do with my tank? I have a couple of battery powered air stones going already. It's a 90gal so it shouldn't get too cold too quickly but it depends on how fast my house gets cold. It's 30⁰F outside and the electricians are coming & going. Any advice on keeping it warm enough, or anything else I might be able to do to protect my tank? Thanks!

Battery operated pumps with airstones and tape heat packs to each side of glass and wrap tank with blanket(s)

 

[bob88884]

The idea when I bought it was to power the reef, the fridge, and maybe at intervals a small space heater!

No, it isn't big enough to do all that. The Refrigerator is heavy, and so is a space heater. Maybe one, then the other. I have a 6500; it doesn't like refrigerators much. It handles my tank very well, though.

 

[bob88884]

I called tech support- the 120V receptacles work! There might be a problem with the 120V 30A twist lock receptacle I was using for the heavy-duty cord. So instead of using the through-the-wall kit, I'm running regular extension cords through the back door. Having that door cracked is going to chill the heck out of my house, but with the tank heaters finally working, I think the tank will be okay! Thanks, everyone!

I was going to say try the 120v, but when you said you tried a night light, I assumed you went straight to the 120.
Glad you got it working.

 

[coralSLover]

Like the title says, my power's out and will be for several hours (might be back on by 1600 and it's 0930 now). My portable generator did start after a few tries, but it doesn't seem to be putting out any juice. I'll continue to troubleshoot it but in the meantime, what do I do with my tank? I have a couple of battery powered air stones going already. It's a 90gal so it shouldn't get too cold too quickly but it depends on how fast my house gets cold. It's 30⁰F outside and the electricians are coming & going. Any advice on keeping it warm enough, or anything else I might be able to do to protect my tank? Thanks!

Oxygen first – battery air stones are the most important. Keep those running.

Insulate the tank – wrap the glass with blankets/towels (leave the top partly open for gas exchange). Foam board works great if you have it.

Reduce heat loss – keep the room doors closed, avoid opening the tank.

No feeding – reduces oxygen demand and waste.

Circulation – if you have a battery powerhead, alternate it with air stones if needed.

A 90g has good thermal mass. Even if temp drops a few degrees over several hours, livestock usually tolerates it far better than low oxygen. If power is restored by afternoon, you should be fine.

 

[pazlebon]

How long do you think you would last in your living room with doors and windows closed. I'd imagine quite a few hours

 

[Malum Argenteum]

How long do you think you would last in your living room with doors and windows closed. I'd imagine quite a few hours

If you're suggesting that's analogous to a reef with no power, you're dangerously incorrect.