Generators - The one important piece we always miss

[Abhishek]

Hi friends,

As I have started in my journey of sps dominant tank with wrasses , investing thousands of dollars on equipments , frags and wrasses , it dawns on me the need to have a power backup.
Have been extremely lucky to be in midwest and that too in a fairly amazing city where powercuts haven't been that common due to natural calamity over the last year.

But with summer approaching in a few months, it drives the nuts to think of a day or 2 without power for my prized sps .

So, question to all experienced reefers - do you use a generator? If so, what power and which one that economically sounds reasonable? Can't shell 1000$ for sure ..

Regards,
Abhishek

 

[jenreefer]

Why yes I do. It has saved me many times.

 

[MaiReef]

I run mine and my refrigerator and tv off a 5500 watt version
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Generac-5-500-Watt-Gasoline-Powered-Portable-Generator-5939/202527679

I have a Subaru, but I would imagine Generac wouldn't put their name on absolute garbage.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

You can also by a gasoline inverter just to keep your tank alive:
https://www.amazon.com/XtremepowerU...4&sr=8-2&keywords=portable+gasoline+generator

 

[TylerS]

Look for one that has low total harmonic distortion. Honda inverters are the best, but there are others. There is risk of electronic damage or shortening the lifespan of whatever you plug into the cheaper generators. Even my fridge has an LCD panel now

I believe the options are generac Xp series, all Honda inverters, and winco sells a tri-fuel option. Also make sure you keep enough fuel on hand using fuel stabilizer. Pointless to have a generator with no fuel (I'm keeping 20 gallons).

People certainly run their tanks on less though.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

There are even dual fuel options:
https://www.amazon.com/Sportsman-GE..._n_feature_browse-bin:13883100011|13883099011

 

[Abhishek]

Thanks so much guys for the awesome replies.
My budget is around 300-350$ , max 400$. I run 2 250 watt halides and other equipments . Hence thinking of 2000 watts at the bare minimum, if not more.

Regards,
Abhishek

 

[Abhishek]

Have been looking at the below options :-

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Champion-...6596/203589520

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Durostar-...000S/203729740

http://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-3-500...6352/203576895

Any experience with these ?

Regards,
Abhishek

 

[MaiReef]

Thanks so much guys for the awesome replies.
My budget is around 300-350$ , max 400$. I run 2 250 watt halides and other equipments . Hence thinking of 2000 watts at the bare minimum, if not more.

Regards,
Abhishek

In my opinion, wait and raise your budget. I think so because anything that you want to run more than once is going to cost more. Keep in mind the maintenance and additional high amp cords you will need. Do you really want to spend that much and have it not work? I would say even with a Harbor Freight predator(Which don't seem bad) you will be at $500 by the time you are done.

If you want to cut cost, just think about circulation and oxygen transfer vs. lights. Then you can get a 1000w of a better brand than those.

 

[Abhishek]

In my opinion, wait and raise your budget. I think so because anything that you want to run more than once is going to cost more. Keep in mind the maintenance and additional high amp cords you will need. Do you really want to spend that much and have it not work? I would say even with a Harbor Freight predator(Which don't seem bad) you will be at $500 by the time you are done.

If you want to cut cost, just think about circulation and oxygen transfer vs. lights. Then you can get a 1000w of a better brand than those.

Makes a lot of sense ... With no lights , I might be able to squeeze in around 1000 watts or 1500 watts at most .

Regards,
Abhishek

 

[blkhwkz]

I got mine from Harbor Freight when my brother was still a manager there. Between the sale they had going and the family discount, I grabbed the biggest one they had for a really nice price.

http://www.harborfreight.com/engine...g-watts-13-hp-420cc-generator-carb-68525.html

They do tent sales a couple times a year and usually drop the price on these during those.

 

[FishGuyBri]

Any recommendations for those of us in condos where generators are not allowed?

 

[MaiReef]

Any recommendations for those of us in condos where generators are not allowed?

A large Marine battery or 2 daisy chained and an dc /ac inverter. You can keep the batteries charged with trickle chargers. It will only do movement, but will give you more time. You could probably keep descent circulation for 12 hours per battery at least. and you could always do a switch and charge the other where there is power if you need more than 24 hrs.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

If all you expect is a couple of days power interruption at worst, then I would not run lighting on emergency power since you can go several days without light. This strategy should minimize your power consumption while keeping the tank alive.

 

[TylerS]

Check out electric generators direct for more options.

http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/

Given what you've said I would go for this one, or similar http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/Generac-6866-Portable-Generator/p50969.html

But make sure you check the watts that you need since it's on the smaller side. You might've surprised how quickly things can add up.

 

[xabo]

Using a Generac 17K whole house generator here.

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Using a Generac 17K whole house generator here.

I've been considering this as well here in Florida. The only drawback...I will need a propane tank

 

[TonapahNorth]

I've been considering this as well here in Florida. The only drawback...I will need a propane tank

Fortunately my whole house 17kW runs on natural gas. I have it set for dual fuel just in case natural gas fails. I can then switch to 100+ pound propane tanks. Keep in mind that the little grill tanks won't work. They don't have enoug pressure.

 

[xabo]

I've been considering this as well here in Florida. The only drawback...I will need a propane tank

Fortunately we use natural gas......................

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Fortunately my whole house 17kW runs on natural gas. I have it set for dual fuel just in case natural gas fails. I can then switch to 100+ pound propane tanks. Keep in mind that the little grill tanks won't work. They don't have enoug pressure.

Good tip! Thanks for that!