Power outages

boehm742 · Jun 20, 2010

With all the storms i have had lately i NEED to get some type of backup in event of a power failure. i have been looking at air pumps. I had a couple questions about them. On the battery pumps such as this one.
http://premiumaquatics.com/store/mer...y_Code=Dolphin
Do they run constantly then switch to battery power when the power cuts off? Can they be used to only operate when the power is out? I have seen several that are strictly battery but they must be put in when the power goes out and if its late at night and im sleeping i might not get it in till its to late.
I guess what im looking for is something that i can have in the tank that will only operate when the power is out and kick on on its own. I wouldn't be able to stand bubbles in the tank 24/7 hence i just want something for when the powers out. Any suggestions?

TopNotchCorals · Jun 20, 2010

You can look into a smart ups battery backup,I purchased one on craigslist for $75 and it retails for $400

TANKSALOT · Jun 20, 2010

I use a battery back-up system.
Most of our power failures are very short flickers.
In the event of a lengthy outage, the Battery Back-Up will keep the main pump running for about 2 hours.

I have a battery operated air pump. But as you have found it is running on a/c and switched to battery during a failure. So yes, it is bubble A L L T H E T I M E ! ! ! ! :squigglemouth:

TANKSALOT
aka - Steve

LitlBailey · Jun 22, 2010

I'm in the process of setting up my tank. With the way power service around here is I'm going to go buy one of the cheaper small capacity generators and dedicate it to the tank system only. I had also thought about a few car batteries and a power inverter, but I'm not for sure how long that would last. BTW, power going out here is going to last anywhere from a few hours to a week.

Murfman · Jun 22, 2010

I have a 300 watt inverter that can be plugged in to my car lighter and power anything I need, under 300W.

TANKSALOT · Jun 22, 2010

Generators are a great option as long as you are there to start them. :sad:

For long term outages, they are the thing to have. But for short outages, the battery back-up will do the trick and then recharge it's self.

fsn77 · Jun 22, 2010

For the time being, I run a power inverter off the marine batteries from our boat. It'll run a couple K3s and MJ 900s for at least 4 hours (the longest I've ever had to use it).
I really need to get a generator, but continue to put it off.

Tricky · Jun 22, 2010

I have a number of tanks and they all have a low wattage circulation pump such as a Korilia. They only draw a few watts of power each, so they will live a long time one even a small UPS if the power goes out. As long as you have some water movement at the surface, you will have oxygen transfer and it will keep the fish alive. Otherwise after about 6 hours, surface tension seals off the oxygen transfer and fish start dying. That will at least get you by during the day while you are gone. For longer term emergencies, there are a number of ways to get some water movement for longer periods. One of the most effecient is a lift tube. It is a PVC pipe hung in the corner of the tank with an airstone half way up. It keeps the bubbles from going all over the tank and gives you good water movement in the corners where you really need it, might be good to run all of the time. Don't forget that during a hurricane or extended power outage you could easily rig a scuba tank as an air supply. Other methods would be an inverter from the car battery, etc. with eiter the Korilias or an air lift.