Emergency Generator

What about using a power converter that you hook up to your car battery? I mean they support 400watts that should be good to run a return pump and a skimmer or air-bubbler for about 5 hours. Just start your car hook it up and let it run.

With gas prices though it might be cheaper to just let it all die and start over again. JUST KIDDING EVERYONE DARN GAS PRICES!!!

 

Last night our power went out for 7 hours. Our 4 tanks were running very cool when it finally came back on, and we were floating plastic bottles with warm water in towards midnight, all in candlelight. We've discussed a generator and were going to get one a couple of weeks ago, but you know how things go.

We couldn't even string a power line from next door as they were off aswell.

We didn't lose anything, but the boxer shrimp had a molt this morning. Maybe not connected.

So, generator shopping this weekend.

 

Ya Most people I know with larger tanks have some form of back up power. I guess I should get one at some point.

J

 

Having had 3 hurricanes hit right here in the last year and a half I am glad I had my generator for the tank. Everything survived each time. Worthwhile investment. ;D

 

Timing Is Everything!!!

Last Sunday I left the country on business.

I'm asleep in bed Monday night when my wife calls in a panic. We had a huge storm and no power. This is before I even took the generator out of the box. I told her where I had oil and gas in the garage and what to basically do. After a follow up call and a few hours without power she managed to get it running and hooked into the pump and the fridge. ;D We had no power for almost 24 hours and had 90+ degree weather. Between the sump being in a cool basement and the circulation without any lights...

NO LOSSES. :biggrinbo :biggrinbo :biggrinbo

Plus we didn't loose any food.


I'm a 100% believer. One of the best investments I've ever made. $260 at Menards just saved over $2,000 of fish and corals, plus a couple hundred of food.

My $.02 is to get one if you can!

 

A backup generator is definitely on my shopping list. Even though we only lose power on average once a year, and usually it's only for an hour or so. The risk vs the return just doesn't even compare. Oh yeah, I must say, WOW!! great price on that generator. That will handle a peak of 35 amps, I believe, from back in my electrician days. 3500 watts peak = 35 amps peak or pretty darn close to it. 25 amps continuous sounds right. Great unit for the price. I'd like to have mine on a transfer switch so that if the power goes out when everyone is away that it will come on automatically. I used to test those in nursing homes all the time. Very cool. Anyway, congrats on saving your reef, I'll bet the wife thinks that was a pretty good purchase now huh??

 

Ok guys & gals here ya go! $3,300 professionally installed. Now before everyone has a fit over price, you need to evaluate the rarity & $$$ amount of your current livestock. Some of my piece can never be replaced! The amount it cost me for the generator is a drop in the bucket!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After 7 minutes of no power, the generator begins to power and will not shut off until power has been restored for 7 minutes! I mean come on with a gas one you have to be there to activate it. What happens if the power goes out 5 minutes after you leave for work and you’re not going to be home for 8+ hours....

Just a thought for you all to ponder!


7-13 kW Air-Cooled Standby Generators

 

You know Mike, you make a good point. Those standby generators are a really good idea. Great way to protect your animals from an unexpected power outtage. But the price... OUCH! :-/

 

Solid idea.

As a matter of fact I'm sort of guilty of procrastinating on this issue for the longest time ... especially being a home owner. I can appreciate the hurdles that are faced for people who live in apartments (or condos).

 

On a day like today, we had alot of power outage. Last week some areas was without power for a few days. I might look into getting one myself.