Backup power source or generator ??

[Jkhuu]

I've been thinking about setting up some backup power source for my fishroom. Preferrably something that is reasonable price wise or a quiet generator.

Thinking of a small portable generator. Or atleast some sort of a UPS battery just to keep the main fishroom airpump going until power is restored.

Does anyone uses backup source for this fishtanks/fishroom ?

JK

[CanadaPleco]

I dont think there is such a thing as a quiet generator.... Everyone I know that has one (and a huge range of sizes) they are all pretty loud. But we also live in the country so it doesn't matter much. Personally I don't have anything, if its out for more then 4-6 hrs though I'd be driving to go get a generator!!!

[willin]

On New Years Eve I experienced a 8.5 hr power outage (east scarborough) and was really concerned for my Discus. Thanks to a battery powered air pump with air stone loaner from Jkhuu, it elimated oxygen concerns that I had....not to mention saving me from blowing bubbles myself via a tube :)...Thanks JK.

That said, I'm interested in any suggestions to avoid ant future power outage concerns, because I'm sure as time goes on there will be more.

Rich

[Jkhuu]

I dont think there is such a thing as a quiet generator.... Everyone I know that has one (and a huge range of sizes) they are all pretty loud. But we also live in the country so it doesn't matter much. Personally I don't have anything, if its out for more then 4-6 hrs though I'd be driving to go get a generator!!!

Appreciate the input there Rich.
Yah, I guess I was hoping that there's a quiet generator, but I guess they would all sound lik a lawn mower or something. Maybe I'll just research on a UPS instead to power the fishroom air pump....keep me going for a few hours atleast.


On New Years Eve I experienced a 8.5 hr power outage (east scarborough) and was really concerned for my Discus. Thanks to a battery powered air pump with air stone loaner from Jkhuu, it elimated oxygen concerns that I had....not to mention saving me from blowing bubbles myself via a tube :)...Thanks JK.

That said, I'm interested in any suggestions to avoid ant future power outage concerns, because I'm sure as time goes on there will be more.

Rich

Anytime Rich..glad it worked out. That episode you went through got me thinking again about this whole backup power source thingy.

[upc239]

Let me resurrect this thread... Canadian Tire having special on 4000watt gasoline generator 399.00. Should be enough to power your aquarium and your internet connection to continue accessing canadapleco.com! :)

Champion 4000W Gas Generator | Canadian Tire (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/ShopEquipment/Generators/PRD~0550324P/Champion%2B4000W%2BGas%2BGenerator.jsp)

[Jkhuu]

Thats a good price for UPS. Currently testing a Belkin backup UPS. Me and 'Willin' each got one off of Kijij. $65 ea.
Currently have it hooked up to the main airpump. Will test it once fully charged to see how long it will keep the airpump running.
This thing is pretty neat and you can hook it up to your PC to monitor the UPS. I'll install the software that comes with it to see what other capability it has. Would be nice, and i am really hoping that it will send out an email to me when the power dies.

[upc239]

Hi Jkhuu...with my 6 tanks, i needed a bit more power. Allthough there are many dangers in what im about to post, the following system works great...

Viddler.com - UPS + Car Battery = More Computing (Or a 48 Hour Disco Ball?!?) - Systm - Uploaded by SYSTM (http://www.viddler.com/explore/SYSTM/videos/96/)

Note that there are huge safety concerns though!

[Jkhuu]

Yah..that would be quite a setup I imagine with the car battery, etc.

My initial thought was to start with the airpump to keep oxygen going for the tanks. If this unit works out. I'll setup possibly a couple more for heaters, water pump, etc.

Guess figuring out is half the fun of fish keeping hobby ?

[Bwhiskered]

I heard about a redneck that used an inflated inner tube hooked up to an airline to keep his minnows alive when he went fishing. I have considered a generator but I was lucky that when the big power outage that happened back some years ago took place and some were without power for several days mine was back on in 2 hours. I am in a location where they had to get it on first in order to work on restoring other areas.

[Zebrapl3co]

Let me resurrect this thread... Canadian Tire having special on 4000watt gasoline generator 399.00. Should be enough to power your aquarium and your internet connection to continue accessing canadapleco.com! :)

Champion 4000W Gas Generator | Canadian Tire (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/ShopEquipment/Generators/PRD~0550324P/Champion%2B4000W%2BGas%2BGenerator.jsp)
Do you have one? I wonder how long does it last?


Thats a good price for UPS. Currently testing a Belkin backup UPS. Me and 'Willin' each got one off of Kijij. $65 ea.
Currently have it hooked up to the main airpump. Will test it once fully charged to see how long it will keep the airpump running.
This thing is pretty neat and you can hook it up to your PC to monitor the UPS. I'll install the software that comes with it to see what other capability it has. Would be nice, and i am really hoping that it will send out an email to me when the power dies.
I used to have mine setup like that. But had a change of heart lately. There are 2 very notable problem with these UPS units.
1) the battery needs to be replace every 2 years. This blows as battery cost just as expensive as the UPS itself.
2) when there is no power outage, the battery draws power to charge the battery constantly. I tested my UPS (Nona brand) by simply plugging it in with the power switch on but did not plug any appliance into it. For three days, it sucked power and that was with my battery fully changed too. It ended up with me paying a premium just to have that expensive crap running.
That's why I am thinking about buying some battery operated pump instead or look for a gas generator. Atleast then, I won't have to pay for not using it.

[Romulous]

I want to do a generator at some point myself.... Have it hooked up so that it kicks on after 30 seconds of sustained power outage ..... I will do it at some point when I have the disposable income LOL
but I agree with Zebrapleco that the UPS units draw alot of power all the time and really rack up the hydro bill ...... a battery operated air pump would be a much cheaper safety net

[upc239]

Im wondering if a single battery powered air pump would be sufficient for large tanks (125 gallons+) Im guessing they must each have a max capacity.

[jlloydb]

why not put one of these in front of your tank:Free Plans To Build your own Bicycle Generator Pedal Power Station (http://www.pedalpowergenerator.com/index.html#FREE)
or if you just need air:pedal powered air compressor (http://www.instructables.com/id/pedal-powered-air-compressor/)

[Jkhuu]

Thanks..really great input everyone. Love the redneck one Charlie : ) And also the bicycle generator..very healthy too.

Seriously Peter, good insights on the on-going cost for using a UPS. I better hook up a meter to see how much my UPS actually cost to plug in per day (without any device plugged in). Maybe cheaper in the long run to have a dozen of the battery operated airpumps. They work really well too.

I love to get a generator, but really concern of the noise factor. Especially if power goes out at 3 in the morning or something (I would sleep right through it at 3).
Also, I am too afraid to run the generator due to the noise. I imagine it sounds something like a lawn mower. This would bother the neigbors, etc.

Wonder if there's any by-law on using it in residential areas.



Do you have one? I wonder how long does it last?


I used to have mine setup like that. But had a change of heart lately. There are 2 very notable problem with these UPS units.
1) the battery needs to be replace every 2 years. This blows as battery cost just as expensive as the UPS itself.
2) when there is no power outage, the battery draws power to charge the battery constantly. I tested my UPS (Nona brand) by simply plugging it in with the power switch on but did not plug any appliance into it. For three days, it sucked power and that was with my battery fully changed too. It ended up with me paying a premium just to have that expensive crap running.
That's why I am thinking about buying some battery operated pump instead or look for a gas generator. Atleast then, I won't have to pay for not using it.

[fccm15]

i have experience using gasoline generator, not just the noise but the smokes it continuely produce.
well, compare it with watching fish die due to no power.

[tobalman]

My simple solution

Get the battery air pump "Hurrican 2" with two "D" battery, It will last you for three days. with 4 air stones. this type of air pump only needed one "D" battery to run the other just serve as a back up.

as for heat, I have the 60hr heat pack. (shipping fish) just open it and rest it on top of your tank.

Have fun.

[Romulous]

and John sells them for 8.04$ not a big investment at all .....Good Idea Hong !!!

[Bwhiskered]

A power converter that you plug into the lighter socket in your car could give you enough power to run an air pump. How often is this going to happen can depend on where you live. As long as you can idle your car in the driveway this would be the same as a generator.

[arapaimag]

I had the power out for quite a few hours in August of 2003.

I relied on a 3,000 watt gas Honda generator (which I bought) and a 5,000 watt gas Honda generator which I borrowed.

In 2006 I installed a 15,000 watt Briggs and Stratton natural gas generator with a transfer switch and a power managemebt system that allows the generator to perform like a 25,000 watt unit.
This unit I attached to my 200amp hydro panel and it powers most of my fish and house lights and most of my fish pumps and blowers, the garage door motor, elevator, furnace and fan, well pumps, fridges & freezers, televisions, stoves, computers. security system etc. It does not do everything in the house but the odd thing it does not do I can run an extension cord to if needed (Never had to so far)

It comes on 15 seconds after a power outage in stages (power managemant) and adds more circuits every 30 seconds in stages as the computer evaluates my needs.

Some friends going on holidays each of the past 5 years have spent more than I did for the generator.

It was expensive but I felt I was irresponsible to not value the lives of my pets (Not just their $ value) and it helps protect me also.

Yes of course there is noise but it is not any louder to my neighbours than their lawn mowers, snow blowers etc. are to me.

[CanadaPleco]

I had the power out for quite a few hours in August of 2003.

I relied on a 3,000 watt gas Honda generator (which I bought) and a 5,000 watt gas Honda generator which I borrowed.

In 2006 I installed a 15,000 watt Briggs and Stratton natural gas generator with a transfer switch and a power managemebt system that allows the generator to perform like a 25,000 watt unit.
This unit I attached to my 200amp hydro panel and it powers most of my fish and house lights and most of my fish pumps and blowers, the garage door motor, elevator, furnace and fan, well pumps, fridges & freezers, televisions, stoves, computers. security system etc. It does not do everything in the house but the odd thing it does not do I can run an extension cord to if needed (Never had to so far)

It comes on 15 seconds after a power outage in stages (power managemant) and adds more circuits every 30 seconds in stages as the computer evaluates my needs.

Some friends going on holidays each of the past 5 years have spent more than I did for the generator.

It was expensive but I felt I was irresponsible to not value the lives of my pets (Not just their $ value) and it helps protect me also.

Yes of course there is noise but it is not any louder to my neighbours than their lawn mowers, snow blowers etc. are to me.

Now that is something I would love to have here one day! Does your come on every 4-5 days to cycle as well? I have been looking at diesel powered ones myself.

[Jkhuu]

A power converter that you plug into the lighter socket in your car could give you enough power to run an air pump. How often is this going to happen can depend on where you live. As long as you can idle your car in the driveway this would be the same as a generator.

Charlie,

I didn't think of this option of using the lighter socket. Just have to make sure i have a long enough power cord.


I had the power out for quite a few hours in August of 2003.

I relied on a 3,000 watt gas Honda generator (which I bought) and a 5,000 watt gas Honda generator which I borrowed.

In 2006 I installed a 15,000 watt Briggs and Stratton natural gas generator with a transfer switch and a power managemebt system that allows the generator to perform like a 25,000 watt unit.
This unit I attached to my 200amp hydro panel and it powers most of my fish and house lights and most of my fish pumps and blowers, the garage door motor, elevator, furnace and fan, well pumps, fridges & freezers, televisions, stoves, computers. security system etc. It does not do everything in the house but the odd thing it does not do I can run an extension cord to if needed (Never had to so far)

It comes on 15 seconds after a power outage in stages (power managemant) and adds more circuits every 30 seconds in stages as the computer evaluates my needs.

Some friends going on holidays each of the past 5 years have spent more than I did for the generator.

It was expensive but I felt I was irresponsible to not value the lives of my pets (Not just their $ value) and it helps protect me also.

Yes of course there is noise but it is not any louder to my neighbours than their lawn mowers, snow blowers etc. are to me.

Michael,
Thanks for sharing the details. Quite an impressive setup. I neglected to plan for proper backup solution when I build the fishroom :blush:

[arapaimag]

Now that is something I would love to have here one day! Does your come on every 4-5 days to cycle as well? I have been looking at diesel powered ones myself.

Yes I programmed mine to cycle once a week for 20 minutes. The natural gas feature is nice because it will run as long as required (power is out) because of the continous supply of fuel.

I looked at diesel also because living in the country I did not have access to natural gas and could have tapped into my oil tank. I decided on the Briggs and Stratton when natural gas became available in 2006 to my house.

[klc]

I use a deep cycle trolling motor battery with a phase inverter as my back up. Costs about $200.00 and will power several air pumps for days. It also holds a charge for a month or two before requiring a top up. Only problem is that you have to be there to turn the system on.

[Zebrapl3co]

Yes I programmed mine to cycle once a week for 20 minutes. The natural gas feature is nice because it will run as long as required (power is out) because of the continous supply of fuel.

I looked at diesel also because living in the country I did not have access to natural gas and could have tapped into my oil tank. I decided on the Briggs and Stratton when natural gas became available in 2006 to my house.

Do you know how much you spend on the whole setup? I am kind of interested. I do have my eyes on an electric windmill generator. Air is still free after all. Just have to pay for the cost of the rechargable battery.

[arapaimag]

Do you know how much you spend on the whole setup? I am kind of interested. I do have my eyes on an electric windmill generator. Air is still free after all. Just have to pay for the cost of the rechargable battery.

Mine cost around 13k. But I am sure you can go a lot cheaper by buying a different brand/manufacturer of generator. I've had a lot of experience in selling generators when I was able to work so expected to pay in this area for a proven/quality product of this size. When buying one make sure that it has a appropriate transfer switches, battery warmer, cycles automatically weekly and have a licensed electrician install it (for insurance purposes).

I looked into the windmill generator but the retailer checked the velocity & amount of wind and felt it was not adequate to operate in my area. The cost in 2001 was 20k to provide less than half the power I got with my generator. The cost of replacing the batteries every 3 years was far more than the little amount of fuel I use on my generator. Remember it costs less than $2 a month to cycle and actually only is used in emergencies.

[Jkhuu]

Had a power outage on our street in Richmond Hill last Saturday. Believe it lasted 2 hours but I was anxious as I wasn't home for part of it. Worst was not knowing how long it would have lasted.
The battery UPS kicked in and ran the fishroom airpump for atleast 1.5 hr.
I did some checking before heading out for someone's birthday dinner. When I got home, I was glad there was no flooding from the tanks or sumps.
From this experience, I think I will stock up on some extra and battery operated lamps and some battery operated airpumps as they will run for hours. Possibly a small gas generator when they go on sale.

[rieger]

I just use very large UPS for my 4 computers as backup and surge suppressors. When the power goes out I shutdown my computers safely and then unplug the 4 UPS and then plug the aquarium heater and filters to my UPS. I think the average fish enthusiast with about 3 large tanks can use this method but if you have more than you definitely would need a generator.
For cheap UPS you can go here.
http://www.upsforless.com/
The battery prices are not bad either.

[dogger99]

Costco has a 3000w gas generator on sale for $224 was 299...

[Jkhuu]

I just use very large UPS for my 4 computers as backup and surge suppressors. When the power goes out I shutdown my computers safely and then unplug the 4 UPS and then plug the aquarium heater and filters to my UPS. I think the average fish enthusiast with about 3 large tanks can use this method but if you have more than you definitely would need a generator.
For cheap UPS you can go here.
http://www.upsforless.com/
The battery prices are not bad either.

I just had one UPS hooked up to test and it did quite well during the outage. Mind you, it was a short outage. I think the other use for UPS would be if you were travelling with your fish, bring the charged up UPS with you in the car and keep the air pump/heater running during the trip:)


Costco has a 3000w gas generator on sale for $224 was 299...

Thanks for the heads up Shane. Hope the sale will last through the weekend. I also like Costco's return policy, etc.