Generator Question

Is an 800 watt generator too small for a 40gallon tank? In the event of a power outtage I would only need to power the most essential things.. the heater, a powerhead or two, maybe a return pump, and occasionally the lights.

I was looking at the one on harborfreight.com

800 Rated Watts/900 Max Watts Portable Generator

It seems to have decent overall reviews and I wouldnt want anything too big because I need this for a small 3rd floor apartment.

What do you guys think?

 

Wow thats the cheapest one ive seen yet. I think it would suffice to run all those things. Just total up all the things you want to run in terms of wattage and see if you are near the continues run wattage of the generator not the peak or max. And also calculate amperage compared to the amperage that the generator is putting out to make sure you wont overload it. I do believe it should be fine though, I am sure someone else will have a better answer.

 

should be plenty, but where are you gonna put a generator in a 3rd floor apartment? balcony?

ok maye not PLENTY, but should run your heater and some pumps/jets

 

Good question. We have a door to our room from the fire escape.. (where I dump water change water.. and throw dead stuff.. and chaeto.. haha) shhh.

Running a generator on a fire escape is probably against some sort of safety rule or something but gotta do what I gotta do for the reef.

I read that this one is under 50 lbs and holds a gallon of gas. Hopefully it would be small enough to fit in a hallway closet.

 

I'd get a carbon monoxide detector if its gonna be running near any doors and windows and a long extension cord to get it outside! Or else the fish will be the least of your worries!

Yeah rockets right!

 

Never, ever, ever run a generator indoors, including in a garage or close to an open door/window.

 

What are the dangers of running it on the fireescape ? Is it possible to do? .. or too dangerous to consider. Keep in mind I know nothing about generators / electronics

 

Just gonna throw it out there... what happens in the event of a fire?... Im sure everyone in your building would trip over it creating a severe hazard. Ive never lived close to a building with a fire escape, but i can only imagine leaving a generator out there is a fire marshals worst nightmare. It may even be illegal to block/interfere with the normal operation of a fire escape.

i mean most fire escape doors are labled "Keep clear at all times" im sure a fire escape has stiffer precautions in place, but i do not know for sure. Contact your landlord.

 

7 amp's is plenty to run what you have in mind plus a lamp for you if needed.

the unit is very small and should not cause a problem blocking the fire escape. would need to check with landlord for permission as mentioned.

In power outtages I power my kitchen, heat, water pump, sump pumps, family room TV, tank heater and pump. I do not bother with lighting - of course if power were to be out for days I would run a cord to them. the tank lights suck up the Amp's (especially halids)

 

I'm using an 810W UPS [FONT=&quot](CyberPower CP1350PFCLCD UPS 1350VA 810W PFC Compatible Pure Sine Wave[/FONT]) which provides me with up to 20 minutes of power on my 38Gallon. I did note on the specs for the generator that the 5 hours is based on 50% load.