Battery Operated Air Pump?

Question:
Does anyone know a decent battery operated air pump that turns on automatically ONLY during a power outage?
I have found several that kick on but must remain on the whole time and then switches to battery power in the event of an electrical power loss.

I ask this, because I'm planning a week long trip and don't want to risk leaving without protection. I also can't have anyone come by the home. I currently have two battery operated pumps but they must be manually switched on.

Any suggestions?
Ryan

 

Here is exactly what you are looking for...

Penn Plax Silent Air B11 Air Pump

Good insurance against power outage or pump failure.

Have on all tanks...

Do not believe "silent" - sounds like a jackhammer when goes off...which is actually a good thing as experinced recently when cat somehow turned off switch on main power strip in middle of night...

8)

 

I've always used this model too. I recommend removing the enclosed airstone or make sure you remember to replace them monthly

 

This device can work without the airstone?
I'm assuming the concern is salt creep breaking the stone, correct?
Is one enough for a 72 gallon bow front mixed reef?

This is the one I purchased from marinedepot:
I don't believe it plugs in like the one you listed which is what I was really looking for!

Won Brothers Lite Air 50 - Battery Air Pump

Item Code: WB3311
List Price: $12.95
You Save: $1.96 (15%)
Your Price: $10.99

 

Not salt creep......bacteria say to themselves, "Hey cool....more live rock" and they create biofilms on and in the airstone. Similarly, microalgaes say to themselves......well you get the picture.

The only disadvantage of removing the stone is that you have to figure out a way to weigh down the airline tubing so it stays submerged.

There are MANY variables. How many fish you have, how deep your sandbed is, how good your circulation was prior to the power going out, etc.

 

WOW!!!

Great "tip" Curt, thx --- never thought of that...have long just done monthly batt test...airstones getting replaced today.

re: remove airstone...
Really think there is much more gas exchanged when used with airstone giving you really fine bubbles...:-/ --- but changing them out periodically really a great idea...

 

I have in the tank a yellow tang, cleaner shrimp, flower pot coral, carpet anemone (will be reintroduced this month), 2 clowns, yellow head goby, flame angel and a blue hippo.
The sand bed is about 2.5 inches deep... with 90lbs live rock.
The circulation before any outage would be great ... 4 powerheads controlled on a wave maker with a good return flow.
Do you think 1 or 2 battery backup devices for this setup?

Cheers,
Ryan

 

One

But buy two anyway. This product is sometimes available and sometimes not. They are inexpensive and you'll never regret a spare.

 

Cool!
Great advice... karma to you my friend!
Ryan

 

A length of 3/16th ridged airline pipe will say put or a good quality S.S bolt or washer all also hole the line in place . I always used wooden air stones but with any I simply soak them in bleach and allow them to air dry and rotate then them in and out duty Like the olden days of air driven skimmers and Silent Giant air pumps . God I wish they made that air pump still .