Nano tank backup

[Brad Shook]

I've often had night mares about loosing power while I was away or sleeping and only discover it when I walk in to a tank with floating fish and dead corals. I didn't like the idea of a large UPS because it's a nano tank and space is limited. I have battery powered air pumps but I never knew if the batteries were fresh and only worked if I was home when the power was lost. After racking my brain I came up with a battery powered air pump that charges when I have electricity and turns on when I loose power. This thread will be on how to build one. The total cost for me was about $50. I have one on each nano tank.
Pictures and post to follow soon!

 

[AlyciaMarieee]

Awesome! I'm preparing for my first 20g so I'll definitely be following this thread. How many gallons is your nano?

 

[Brad Shook]

Awesome! I'm preparing for my first 20g so I'll definitely be following this thread. How many gallons is your nano?

Awesome! I love mine. I have a 10g, 24g and 2.5g nano tanks.

 

[Brad Shook]

Here is the list of what you will need.
Emergency backup light. I use this one because the lights used the same volts as the air pump I had and it's inexpensive. http://www.homedepot.com/p/IDEAL-Se...eMMpYf5U1hk-4PiPKOQs7fxpv33wvuFwmyhoCWdnw_wcB

You will need a DC air pump. I found 3 for $10 on eBay.

 

[Brad Shook]

I chose to leave one light on this one.
All you do is remove one of the lights and cut the wires and wire to the air pump.

 

[Brad Shook]

Video of backup working.

 

[Katrina71]

I was told you can buy one of these that detects power interruption. Anyone happen to know what they are called?