Battery Backup Options

[Tom2257]

In my area of New York we have weather related blackouts occasionally. Like most of you, I have a big investment in my reef tank. My thinking is this: Solar powered generator. Looking at them now online. Expensive yes. I am computing the wattage of my heater, powerheads, pumps etc to find one that can keep everything running. Most blackouts here are resolved within 24-48 hours.

Whats your opinion?

 

[Ron Reefman]

Will the solar powered unit produce enough if it's not sunny? Are you thinking of having a battery attached?

I'm in SW Florida. I just did 12 days of no power after Hurricane Ian. We use an 8000 watt generator to run almost everything in the house. I also use a couple of battery powered bubblers for power outages of shorter (like 1 to 12 hours) duration.

I just put an old computer battery backup in my system and it runs my pumps for 12 hours as well! And that's an older smaller battery backup.

 

[threebuoys]

How big is your tank? The load from all of your equipment will likely require considerable battery storage if the blackout lasts for any length of time. I'm curious what you come up with.

I'm in the process of installing a backup propane fueled generator with an automatic switch over when power failures occur. My primary objective is to keep everything else in the house operating in the event of nor'easters, hurricanes, etc. Keeping my tanks operational will be a major side benefit. But not an inexpensive option. Would have been much cheaper if we had natural gas in our location.