Power Backup Options for Nano & Calculating Runtime

[AlohaReef]

I have the 13.5 fluval evo. I have 2 DC powerheads that don't have a "stock" backup option (slw-10's). I am trying to figure out the best solution to getting gas transfer in the tank during a power outage, and everyone talks about backing up a powerhead. In the case of my nano, I'm using a sicce syncra silent .5 for a return pump with 8 watts of power usage, & I believe the pump is AC (more efficient for use with UPS). Also the return pump is the one causing most of the surface disruption and the powerheads really just stir up current in the water column. Would this mean that backing up the return pump is the best option for my purpose?

If so, how do I calculate runtime for a UPS? I've been searching google and they come up with plenty of formulas giving me all sorts of different results, converting measurement units, the need to calculate power factor, etc. Really making it alot more complicated than I was hoping. Does anyone know how long a 600 VA / 300 watt UPS would run this 8 watt pump for? & how long it would run, or how big of a UPS I would need if I added in my 100w helio smart heater? Just curious if I'm able to run that on UPS as well since everything is so small in a nano.

I'm also willing to look at other backup options, but UPS seems like the easiest route given the AC return pump & small load. Correct me if I'm wrong here! I appreciate the help & HAPPY REEFING!

 

[Kooma]

Its important to remember that the return doesnt provide circulation, but with such a compact system you could easily put it on a UPS and be in great shape. The lights on that tank use about 16 watts, you have an 8 watt return and each SLW-10 claims 10 watts. With a load of around lets say 94 watts with a 50 watt heater running, you can get about 30 minutes out of something like this:

As the heater isn't going to be on all the time, it would probably last an hour or two. If you setup just your return and heater to it, you can add more time.

Its important to keep in mind when adding a UPS that if you use a GFCI plug the UPS is removing that safety from your water.

 

[AlohaReef]

Its important to remember that the return doesnt provide circulation, but with such a compact system you could easily put it on a UPS and be in great shape. The lights on that tank use about 16 watts, you have an 8 watt return and each SLW-10 claims 10 watts. With a load of around lets say 94 watts with a 50 watt heater running, you can get about 30 minutes out of something like this:

As the heater isn't going to be on all the time, it would probably last an hour or two. If you setup just your return and heater to it, you can add more time.

Its important to keep in mind when adding a UPS that if you use a GFCI plug the UPS is removing that safety from your water.

Would you recommend a different backup source? I'm looking for the most cost effective, safe & reliable option. I wouldn't be interested in running all the pumps and the heater. The return circulates pretty well. I would think that would be enough to back up, maybe adding in the 100w heater for a situation where we're without power for 48 hours or more and I'm not around to turn on the generator. Although, I really think I'd be okay for a standard 3-12 hour or so blackout with just the return though.

 

[BigAl07]

Here's what we use for our 120g for shorter power drops:

BLUETTI Handsfree 2 Backpack Power Station​

 

[Kooma]

Would you recommend a different backup source? I'm looking for the most cost effective, safe & reliable option. I wouldn't be interested in running all the pumps and the heater. The return circulates pretty well. I would think that would be enough to back up, maybe adding in the 100w heater for a situation where we're without power for 48 hours or more and I'm not around to turn on the generator. Although, I really think I'd be okay for a standard 3-12 hour or so blackout with just the return though.

You won’t find a battery backup that’s cheap and run the tank for 24 or more hours. For the sub12 hour ones I’d buy a UPS and run the return and heater and that’s it. That’s what I do.

 

[AlohaReef]

You won’t find a battery backup that’s cheap and run the tank for 24 or more hours. For the sub12 hour ones I’d buy a UPS and run the return and heater and that’s it. That’s what I do.

I ended up going with a power station. the river 2, smaller version. Should run my return for 24 hours & was on sale on amazon for $160. Will test it and let ya know!

 

[Kooma]

I ended up going with a power station. the river 2, smaller version. Should run my return for 24 hours & was on sale on amazon for $160. Will test it and let ya know!

Cool! I went ups as I want to cover when I’m not home or sleeping. We run a generator for our house if we are home.

 

[Indiana Reefin]

Interested on how the power station worked out? I have a 9 gallon nano reef I am about to setup and would like something that could power my return pump and heater for 8-24 hours.

 

[VintageReefer]

Interested on how the power station worked out? I have a 9 gallon nano reef I am about to setup and would like something that could power my return pump and heater for 8-24 hours.

Easy, but your range is drastically different in terms of battery.

8 hours - 300wh power station
24 hours - 1000wh power station

Roughly $200-450 depending on which timeframe you want. Whatever model you pick, needs to have ups functionality so it can be connected all the time and cutover to battery automatically

 

[Indiana Reefin]

Easy, but your range is drastically different in terms of battery.

8 hours - 300wh power station
24 hours - 1000wh power station

Roughly $200-450 depending on which timeframe you want. Whatever model you pick, needs to have ups functionality so it can be connected all the time and cutover to battery automatically

If I only use 150 W on a 300 W capacity unit, would I get 16 hours or still only 8?