Wattage Question for Back Up Power

Need some help!
I'm trying to figure out the total wattage for my saltwater aquarium to run the correct power backup system.
This is what's in my system:

Rio Pump 2100 x1
MaxiJet 1200 x5 (4 power heads on wave maker, 1 on protein skimmer)
Coralife 1/6 Chiller x1
Current USA T5's =216 total watts
Aqua C Urchin In Sump Protein Skimmer x1
Wave Maker Pro x1 (*as stated* connected with 4 maxi-jet 1200's)

Can anyone help me with an estimated total wattage to run everything?
I don't have the boxes any more with the information listed.

I am gathering this information so I don't lose any more fish during a power outage. Recently, I was hit by Hurricane "Dolly". Power went out for 25 hours and lost a flame angel.

Based on the total wattage... do you recommend a power generator (gas filled) or a battery back up system. I'd like to prepare for multiple days of no power and I'm looking for something cost effective. Any suggestions and price points? Kind of in an emergency situation with hurricanes still potentially forming in the Atlantic!

Thanks,
Ryan

 

Well, I'd have to do some hardcore research on your equipment, but always keep in mind that Volts X Amps = Watts - and you can change that equation around to suit your need.

Battery backup (I'm in computers for a living) are designed to put out X amount of watts for X amount of time. The size of the load defines the runtime.

If you dont already have a generator, I would say get one. Also, for sure get a battery backup - I love APC for their gear. Top notch and not too outlandishly priced.

Anyway, back to the math for how much power you need. If you look at any/all of the equipment you can find either wattage or amperage ratings. Being in the states, all our house power is single phase, 120V and runs as 60 Hz. The only important part in that is the 120V.

In your equation, we already know that volts is 120, so multiply the amps by 120 to get the wattage rating of the device. Add up all those numbers and that will give you a total wattage load or draw.

If you have batteries/generator for that number (+about 10%) you'll be in great shape. Also because the majority of the equipment doesn't run at its maximum capacity all the time. There are alot of factors that go into how much draw there will actually be on any certain circuit.

You could also just find an electrician friend with an "Amp-Clamp". With that you can see how much power is ACTUALLY being used on both legs of the circuit without relying on math. If you can find someone with an amp-clamp (or go buy one) be sure that it can also record in-rush. (this is the spike in power when equipment turns on) so you can be sure that it won't trip breakers in the event of a sudden outage.

Turn off everything in the tank, set the amp-clamp to record in-rush, and turn everything on.

Of course feel free to PM with any other questions/comments. I'm in central Florida and live the hurricane lifestyle every year! Woohoo!!!

 

You need to think about where you are going to store gasoline for multiple days running if you go with a gas generator. I went with a LP type generator because if there is no power at my house then there is not going to be power at the gas station either. No power, no pump for gas.

You want to size on a little larger so you can run some of your houses essential off of it too.

 

Ive got an APC battery backup that I use for a power head and heat, total 300watts, and its suppose to run 400watt power supplies for 16hrs. So I should be able to get 18hrs out of it if Im lucky. The power here has never been out for more then 4hrs.

 

I live in the Pacific NW. When power goes out here it's for about a day or two at the longest. Noting the prices for solid battery backup, I have just decided to go with gas. It'll run my fridge and TV too.