Backup equipment, who's got it?

alex.mccann99 · Nov 23, 2017

Perfect example of why it's great to have some backup equipment on hand. Night before Thanksgiving and what decides to crap out and die on me, my main Return Pump. My Sicce Silent after about 1 year stopped. I took it out, cleaned it, etc etc... Nothing. All the LFSs near me were closed, last resort, big box pet store. Got there and they closed early. Ordered a new pump right away on Amazon, paid extra for quick shipping, will be here Friday. So now I've got my extra heater (thank goodness had that) up in my display with my Vortech turned up extra to keep the water moving. Got a small pump circulating the water in my Sump and a water change bucket ready to go. Really makes me aware of how vulnerable we are to losing our pride and joy hobbies with just the simplest equipment going out.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Big G · Nov 23, 2017

Great reminder for all of us. I keep an extra heater on hand at all times. My pump on my mixing station can be unhooked, moved and installed on my DT in just a few minutes. Someday I'll buy, when I've got the bucks, another pump to keep new in the box. I'll need it someday anyway. Thanks again for the reminder. Knowledge is great; experience makes us wish we had more. Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Crabs McJones · Nov 23, 2017

I got a spare return pump for This exact reason

ca1ore · Nov 23, 2017

I keep a spare for anything that cannot wait for 2-day prime shipping. So a drop in main pump and a new stick heater. Everything else can wait.

PiscesPower · Nov 23, 2017

I keep spare return, heater and powerheads. I have a few other pumps and 'stuff' but I figure the return and heater are essentials, the powerheads were ones I replaced and decided to keep as spare.

cracker · Nov 23, 2017

I have a decent return ready if needed.

Tuffyyyyy · Nov 23, 2017

Really sorry to hear about your pump. Thankfully you were home to react quickly.

Daltrey · Nov 23, 2017

Alot of these return pumps go out because of turning them off and on everyday to feed the fish. It puts alot of unnecessary wear and tear on the pump. Mine are shutdown once every 4-6 months for a thorough cleaning. I also run the same size on my mixing station for backup.

Salty1962 · Nov 23, 2017

I keep a return capable pump, heater, light and circulation pump on hand for backups. I also have an UPS and generator for peace of mind

ca1ore · Nov 25, 2017

That's an excellent point - I think a generator is almost required equipment these days. Kept my tank alive on a few occasions here in CT.

Big G · Nov 25, 2017

Salty1962 said:
I also have an UPS and generator for peace of mind

Yup. Me too. In my area, sometimes we are without power for days.

DSC reef · Nov 25, 2017

I keep a spare return pump, 4 bulb T5 light just incase the halide/T5 goes out plus spare ballasts, spare power heads, spare chiller. 7000 watt generator as well. Only thing missing is a spare tank....