Backup Battery?

Eienna · Jun 7, 2016

OK, so I have decided not to add any more animals to my reef (except maybe berghia) until I have a backup power source. Can anyone recommend a suitable UPS? Chances are I will only run my return pump off it. The tank is 150g, not counting the sump.

jsker · Jun 7, 2016

Depending on the pump, Amazon has back up batteries for computers that will work with you pump.

Eienna · Jun 8, 2016

jsker said:
Depending on the pump, Amazon has back up batteries for computers that will work with you pump.

I noticed...I just need to figure out which one and what size...

AllSignsPointToFish · Jun 8, 2016

What is the wattage for your pump? That will determine UPS sizing.

jsker · Jun 8, 2016

Eienna said:
I noticed...I just need to figure out which one and what size...

List out your equipment that you are thinking about plugging in to the backup.

Eienna · Jun 8, 2016

All right. I have to get under the stand for something anyway. What scares me is that the plumbing is kind of sensitive. i haven't really been able to lock down the soft plumbing and if I move the pump it's likely to make a real mess x.x maybe if I turn it off first...gimme a sec.

AllSignsPointToFish · Jun 8, 2016

Just give a make and model, if you know it.

AllSignsPointToFish · Jun 8, 2016

I have this system. It should run a 50W pump for at least two hours:
https://www.cyberpowersystems.com/products/ups/intelligent-lcd/cp1500avrlcd#section-runtime

You also need to define the length of power outage you want to protect against.

Eienna · Jun 8, 2016

I'll have to check on it later today. Fiancee's in the same room trying to sleep.

Runtime would be as long as I can afford...

AllSignsPointToFish · Jun 8, 2016

Well, a 50W pump for a 150 gallon tank is probably not a bad assumption at this point. Are you looking at power outages longer than two hours?

Eienna · Jun 8, 2016

Grech CHJ-6000 Aquarium Submersible Fountain Pump 1585 GPH
It says 100 watts

And no, I doubt we'll get a large one, but I'd much rather be prepared....I think the longest so far has been about two hours, but we haven't lived here long.

Eienna · Jun 8, 2016

I've lost more than enough fish so far in my reefing journey. I don't want that to happen any more!! Each one is a life...besides which they are expensive.

AllSignsPointToFish · Jun 8, 2016

The website says 91 minutes of runtime with a 100W load and the UPS system referenced above. If you decided to go with a variable speed DC pump (assuming you can make due with less flow), you could extend the runtime even farther. FYI.

Eienna · Jun 8, 2016

Hmmm....
I CAN turn to flow down on the one I have, which might help....

AllSignsPointToFish · Jun 8, 2016

As long as you're not throttling the flow with a valve, slowing down the pump will reduce power consumption and heat generation.

Eienna · Jun 8, 2016

OK, thanks, and I think I know the one I need.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZT2K9...colid=A14FXNYTA1BW&coliid=I55EM9BTLZRTB&psc=1
If I'm reading the chart right, I should get right around 40 hours out of it. Coming up with the money....umm....I think I'm gonna need some help from my darling, but she won't mind.