APC Backup UPS for reef?

You are correct. There's nothing "continuous" or "constant" when it comes to power consumption. =) There will always be some fluctuation, even minimal. This would be worse case scenario at it's highest power consuming setting.

 

I have 2 seconds to reply before I get back to work - WOW BIG THANKS TO ALL!
A lot of great information here. I have a lot to go over when I have more time.

Like others are doing here, I was thinking of running my 2 vortech MP10s, my Ehiem 1260 sump pump, my Bubble Magus NAC6 skimmer (atman 2500 pump I believe) and my ebo-jager 200 watt heater. All else (think lights) will not be on backup. Lights would kill the backup time and the reef will live with some clouds a lot longer than without current and good oxygen exchange... oh and corals out of water for long periods when the sump drains.

Ha. You got me there buddy. Guilty as charged. Very taxed today. I'll do better At least this thread is not fluff.

Thanks again!

matt

 

the vortech battery back up my suite you better for the vortechs. Hook one pump up to the vortech backup and the heater and return pump to the battery buckup and you will have your heat and flow to oxygenate the water. No need for the skimmer to be on back up honestly.

 

Actually I have a reason on the skimmer. When the power kicks back on, the sump is higher than normal - this causes the skimmer to overflow briefly until the sump levels off. Even if this didn't happen, I would like to keep the skimmer on ideally.

 

You could set a delay for the skimmer to come back on after a power outage, if you use a controller. I know it's fairly simple for the RK. I don't know about the Apex, but it's probably also fairly simple.

 

yes it is.

 

I have heard that it is bad to plug vortechs into a UPS... something with feedback or something like that. Maybe it's worth a search to see if it's true or not.

 

'suppose I should look into that, thanks.

 

I have no problem with my Vortechs on the UPS Matt linked at the top of the thread. I don't know about cheaper models, though.

 

I have had numerous power outtage last year which made me stumble and purchase an APC battery back up unit from costco...
I currently have only the return pump plugged into the unit right now and will be doing my home work on getting a less powerful return and can mange to plug my skimmer back into the unit as we'll...
it gives me a little over an hour,i'm thinking of getting my hands on a controller as we'll.
This being said I will be delaying the skimmers on once i have the controller so the skimmer cup does not overflow...
Also here in the 204 region of canada we mainly get half to an hour of power outtage's so with the 1-2 hours being backed up i'm feeling pretty safe with this...