Vortech battery backup help

[PghReef]

So upon setting up the new tank, my battery pack is completely dead. I expected to find it weak but not dead.

Really not looking to spend more on an overpriced battery than I did for my car batteries again. What options do I have?

How well do the apc battery backups work for a vortech mp10?

Also 1 of my 3 mp10s seems to have a bad power brick. Not looking to spend 50 bucks on a $2 piece of equipment but will if needed. Dont want a fire hazard or something that will damage the controller. Was looking at this
https://www.amazon.com/UPBRIGHT-MP10-MP10W-MP10WES-Power/dp/B076MV72SB/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=mp10+power+supply&qid=1550544289&s=gateway&sf=qz,rba,fr&sr=8-6&unfiltered=1

Any thoughts? I cant tell if its UL or not.

 

[watdachuck]

How old was the EcoTech battery? I have had one fail but heard feedback that around 3 years they tend to lose their useful life which made sense in my case. For the money I have not found better (more reliable) options that work seamlessly with the EcoTech line. I current run 1 for my 2 MP60's, and another just for my Vectra L1 return pump. They have saved me several times during storm caused power outages.

 

[PghReef]

How old was the EcoTech battery? I have had one fail but heard feedback that around 3 years they tend to lose their useful life which made sense in my case. For the money I have not found better (more reliable) options that work seamlessly with the EcoTech line. I current run 1 for my 2 MP60's, and another just for my Vectra L1 return pump. They have saved me several times during storm caused power outages.

I forget how old, I guess that should tell you all you need to know lol

Probably 4 or 5 years though. Been disconnected for the last year waiting to set up the new tank.

 

[watdachuck]

Right on, sounds like you had a similar experience as I did. I was cursing at the thing, and then thought back to how long I owned it. Sounds like it is well beyond the lifespan I have heard from other reefers including this one.

 

[keystoneckp]

There are some DIY threads out, of how to replace the battery. I have replace the battery in mine twice so far
with no problems. Just drill out rivets, find replacement battery and install, replace rivets.

 

[PghReef]

There are some DIY threads out, of how to replace the battery. I have replace the battery in mine twice so far
with no problems. Just drill out rivets, find replacement battery and install, replace rivets.

I can do that, where do you find the replacement internal battery piece?

 

[dwest]

I can do that, where do you find the replacement internal battery piece?

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/r...n-ecotech-battery-backup.427982/#post-4951609

 

[PghReef]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/r...n-ecotech-battery-backup.427982/#post-4951609

Thanks was actually just looking at that thread after googling the topic. Think I'll give it a try and hope the other cables are still good to use

 

[saintsreturn]

I rebuilt mine and made a couple small changes. After a couple hours on the phone with various vendors and ecotech, i decided on the following:

1) Replace the battery with an amazon (local seller) replacement
2) Replace the rivets with screws
3) Replace the power supply with a battery tender
4) Add in a small digital volt meter
5) Never worry again as it is monitored, displayed and easily replaced

 

[PghReef]

I rebuilt mine and made a couple small changes. After a couple hours on the phone with various vendors and ecotech, i decided on the following:

1) Replace the battery with an amazon (local seller) replacement
2) Replace the rivets with screws
3) Replace the power supply with a battery tender
4) Add in a small digital volt meter
5) Never worry again as it is monitored, displayed and easily replaced

Any tips on how to do steps 3 thru 5? Idk what a battery tender is

 

[saintsreturn]

Any tips on how to do steps 3 thru 5? Idk what a battery tender is

On my build thread, page 7, post 116 shows what it looks like.

1) Use (i think) 1/8 drill bit and remove the rivets.
2)Replace rivets with these (outside link)
3) Connect battery terminals to this adapter (outside link)
4) Wire up this so you can always see the power level on the battery (outside link)
5) One option for a battery is this (outside link)

 

[rossco]

I used this battery, has the correct terminals

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Sonic-Genuine-PS-12180NB-Rechargeable-Battery/dp/B00BMUEN9Q

 

[xaflatoonx]

can you please explain the reason for #3.
the tender and the power supply do the same thing no?
also - how easy was it to use the tender instead of the powersupply? does it get plugged into where the power supply did? or do i have to rewire things?

sorry - but just trying to understand.

appreciate your info shared here - gonna save me a lot.

I rebuilt mine and made a couple small changes. After a couple hours on the phone with various vendors and ecotech, i decided on the following:

1) Replace the battery with an amazon (local seller) replacement
2) Replace the rivets with screws
3) Replace the power supply with a battery tender
4) Add in a small digital volt meter
5) Never worry again as it is monitored, displayed and easily replaced

 

[saintsreturn]

can you please explain the reason for #3.
the tender and the power supply do the same thing no?
also - how easy was it to use the tender instead of the powersupply? does it get plugged into where the power supply did? or do i have to rewire things?

sorry - but just trying to understand.

appreciate your info shared here - gonna save me a lot.

Not a problem :D

So i went with three for a couple reasons. The power supplies seem to have some issues with their longevity, couple that with how many people have had to replace their batteries. After researching the power supplies and talking to the guys on the phone, i believe that the power supplies provide a constant low voltage charge to the battery. But is this necessary to maintain a healthy battery with a long life?

So a battery tender, trickle charges and shuts off based on the battery demand. Plus, i had a bad power supply which is $40 to replace. I bought two tenders for $28 bucks. Now i feel better and saved money. I notched the top of the housing to allow the new cable to pass through and direct bolt to the top of that battery, so it fit very nicely. You could cut the wires and use the standard barrel plug, but i didnt want to figure that out, so i just ran it through and directly connected as designed.

 

[xaflatoonx]

Thanks so much saintsreturn.... is there any chance you have a picture of your battery with the cover? of everything thats going on in there ... lol
if not - no worries. It would just help a simpleton like me.