What to Do: Tanks & Power Outages

jellifishi

Community Member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 13, 2024
Messages
53
Reaction score
17
Location
Louisville
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I am currently under a tornado watch, first one of the season, and realized I am not prepared for a power outage when it comes to my tank. I seen post talking about backup generators, people put Hot Hands in ziplock bags and put it in the tank, putting blankets on top of and around the tank. The backup generators are beyond expensive from what I've seen.
I'm curious, what do you do in a power outage? How do you maintain the pump or water temperature?
 

TokenReefer

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Oct 4, 2022
Messages
2,221
Reaction score
2,074
Location
Outer Space
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Batteries are expensive. A generator is expensive. I don't see a cheap solution. A generator can run for as long as I have gas for it so I chose that. I need a heater (depending on the season) and my return pump (and a kettle ;)) to keep both dt and sump alive. Water falling through the overflow into the sump is enough for my small system to keep the o2 levels up enough; may not be for others though
 

Roatan Reef

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Mar 28, 2022
Messages
1,164
Reaction score
2,207
Location
Melbourne fl
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I live in Florida on the Space Coast, we get hit often....crazy storms hurricanes you name it.

Your 1st line of defense is a battery backup. Then a generator.

IMHO....everyone who has a Saltwater Tank should have a battery backup...as in when you plan your tank build, budget for a battery backup also.


For our freshwater tanks, we always have extra air bubblers...like the ones you use for fishing, to keep your shrimp alive, we fish a lot over here, so we always have extra battery powered air bubblers....you can also use them in your saltwater tank as well.
 

DED65

Well-Known Member
View Badges
Joined
Mar 21, 2016
Messages
795
Reaction score
1,073
Location
Sparks, Nevada
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I have two Honda inverter generators for when the power goes out, not a cheap option, but they can also be used for other tasks. You can run the pump off of your car if it has an inverter. Also a second on the battery powered air pumps.
 

gbroadbridge

2500 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Mar 25, 2021
Messages
4,571
Reaction score
4,839
Location
Sydney, Australia
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I am currently under a tornado watch, first one of the season, and realized I am not prepared for a power outage when it comes to my tank. I seen post talking about backup generators, people put Hot Hands in ziplock bags and put it in the tank, putting blankets on top of and around the tank. The backup generators are beyond expensive from what I've seen.
I'm curious, what do you do in a power outage? How do you maintain the pump or water temperature?
Battery Backup and a generator.

Considering the $30k in the tank, $4k for a generator to power the tank, household essentials and keep the beer cold is cheap/.
 

PharmrJohn

The Dude Abides
View Badges
Joined
Mar 19, 2019
Messages
2,738
Reaction score
6,516
Location
Shelton, Washington
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Battery Backup and a generator.

Considering the $30k in the tank, $4k for a generator to power the tank, household essentials and keep the beer cold is cheap/.
+1. I've already got a monster generator, but will be getting a battery backup as primary. But don't forget, you need a TV working to go with the beer. Let's remember our priorities! Oh! And an XBox......
 

ChrisfromBrick

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Mar 29, 2024
Messages
1,018
Reaction score
1,281
Location
Brick, NJ
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Im about to pick up a honda 2000 watt inverter generator just for the tank. Seems like a good idea since it has the option to add on a natural gas/propane hookup should i go that route as well and it is safer source of power than traditional generator. I have a 3500 watt for the rest of the house.
 

DO YOU USE A PAR METER WHEN PLACING NEW CORAL IN YOUR TANK?

  • Yes! I think it's important for the longterm health/growth of my coral.

    Votes: 5 7.1%
  • Yes, but I don't find that it is necessary all the time.

    Votes: 16 22.9%
  • Not currently, but I would like to.

    Votes: 31 44.3%
  • No. I don't measure PAR and my corals are still healthy/growing.

    Votes: 14 20.0%
  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 4 5.7%
Back
Top