Please recommend a UPS (power back up)

[Sunshine0659]

Hello -
I have a 125 FOWLR tank. Two years ago this was a freshwater tank with cichlids in it that we had for years. We lost power after a storm in the middle of winter for 4 days. We live in a condo, so there's no way I can use a back-up generator. I would like to get a UPS to cover the short outages that are normal for this area. Usually, an outage isn't more than 2-3 hours.


Can anyone recommend a UPS (uninterrupted power supply)? Also, what is most important to back-up? The heater, cannister filter, or power head?

Thanks for your help.
Debbie

[charlie]

I always try to keep the main return pump going in a power outtage, that way I have good circulation thruout the tank. As for a UPS, check Radio shack or Best buy for a UPS, I know they have ones that they use for computers, your cannister filter can't draw too much more than that.

[Bullet]

I agree with Charlie, Costco also has power backup units for a decent price. I will be buying a generator soon just in case.

[Future]

The only problem with the computer UPS's is they don't last very long. I had a 48volt one for my computer and after 3 hours it was dead. For the price you'll pay, a small generator will be money well spent. You can find good deals on them now as well. Most people will get rid of their old ones due to stagnant gas. Simply clean out the carburetor and it should turn over fine. The only issue there MIGHT be is if the seals inside went bad. Usually they will be fine if you allow a new gas/oil mixture to soak in for a week or two, otherwise brand new sells for a few hundred at harbor freight. last week I saw a small one there perfect for a tank and the cost was $225

[charlie]

I agree, a generator is the way to go, but these folks live in a condo, it is kinda tough for them to be using a generator.

[Lucid]

what about using a battery operated air pump and a flow stone? I always heard they were good for sustaining life longer than without. if it's winter, you might need the heater too...

[charlie]

That will work also!!! They make a unit that will run off of your car battery too, but for the life of me I can't remember the name name of the darn thing.

[Ramer]

Id think they could put a generator on the porch during a power outage, to run the tank. They are very quiet now days, due to all the upset campers. Condo or not, it shouldnt be a problem. Save the tank at no expense.

[charlie]

Good point, I know Honda makes one that is just a primo little setup. Heck, if you get a big enuf one, you could even run some of your neighbors stuff, have them chip in on gas!!!!

[Lucid]

lol, true the new generators supposed to be quiet and might be enough wattage to run the heater and your main pump/filter.

I saw somewhere on the net, a guy took a cheap UPS and gutted the sm. battery and hooked up a car battery. I wouldn't recommend something like that unless you know electrical work. but it's some food for thought.

I did get one of those azoo battery backup pumps and it's nice. a lot bigger than I expected though.

[charlie]

I did get one of those azoo battery backup pumps and it's nice. a lot bigger than I expected though.

If it saves your system, who cares how big it is.

[Sunshine0659]

Thanks, everyone, for your replies. I'm not sure I can do the generator thing. I live in a bit of a snooty condo complex with lots of old folks that have nothing better to do than make sure you follow the condo rules. They even put a stop work order on me for putting hard wood floors in my ground floor condo! Anyway, can't have anything that makes noise or requires gasoline or propane. I am looking into the battery back up pump. I've been told that if I keep the heat in my tank at the high end of normal, it would take several hours for the temp to drop to a dangerous level. I could even wrap the tank with newspapers, if need be. Also, I've been told that if we had a several day outage (like we did in Feb 2007), even if I had an aquarium heater powered, it wouldn't be able to keep the tank warm enough if the ambient temperature was 60 degrees or below so there's not much use in worrying about the heater.

In retrospect, when my cichlids died in Feb 07, they were all gulping at the top and the small ones survived. That seems to suggest that they died from lack of oxygen instead of lack of heat. I'm going to concentrate on keeping the circulation going in the tank with a battery back-up pump and just keep my fingers crossed regarding the heater.

Thanks and I appreciate any more input you may have.

Debbie
Annapolis, Maryland

[Future]

That will work also!!! They make a unit that will run off of your car battery too, but for the life of me I can't remember the name name of the darn thing.

It's called a "Power Inverter". They work great! The downside to these is if you're running something longer than an hour, the car battery is dead. So, just start the car every now and then to recharge the battery.

For my FW tank, I have a battery backup airstone that turns on as soon as power goes out. It takes 1 AA battery. Obviously it's plugged in, but it works the reverse as a typical powered appliance and cost me $12.

Being in a condo unit, you can goto a few meetings and bring up the subject of generators. They are important especially for older people who take medications, they sustain a standard of living that will allow for some quality during a power outage, and they will keep everyone from losing hundreds of dollars in food. The positives out weight the negatives and being in a condo everyone gets assessments anyway, why not try talking them into something that will prove useful in a time of need? $45,000 for a natural gas generator that will support the whole building with running air conditioning/heating should be a selling point alone.

I watched as after the first week w/o power a HOA threw all rules out the window and purchased separate generators to simply run the basics in their homes. They assessed the community as to provide a generator for the clubhouse so those w/o one could at least find some comfort during a power outage.


As for the heating issue, a single heater will struggle to keep a temperature, this is why I had 2 backup heaters when I lived in a cold region. A few heaters going in the tank when it's cold outside can make up the difference that 1 can't handle alone. As it is now, I use 2 heaters in my FOWLR because I keep a 64* temp. in the house. The tank stays 72*-78* with no struggling from 2 heaters. If you calculate 5watts per gal. then my 36gal. needs at least a 200watt therm. (180 rounded up).

Anyway the options could be simply a gathering of the small things

1. Battery Back-up
2. Battery powered air stone
3. Power Inverter
4. a small single florescent light strip from the store for $10. Just change the bulb to one suited better. Not the best light, but it's something in case it's needed.

There are UPS's out there that will last 15-20 hours, but expect to spend a small fortune on one. One is designed for house sump pumps.