How big of generator

[Travis Stewart]

How big of a generator do you need to run a power strip of plug ins? Have a couple full DJ strips plugged into the strip as well as the lights. Thanks in advance.

 

[Dennis McGrath]

What kind of lights, LED, T5, MH? What is the pump size? Heater size?
Sorry for my ignorance, but what are DJ strips?

 

[JoshH]

That would all depend on the wattage you are drawing with those strips. If you take a look at all of your equipment and add up the total wattage draw of everything, that will give you your answer just make sure when purchasing a generator you look at it's actual running watts vs it's peak wattage (which is what most generators are advertised with).

 

[andrewkw]

Unless money is real tight or you are concerned about noise from a louder generator get one that can power more than your tank. I use a 7500watt generator and it not only powers my many tanks but fridge and freezer and tv too. If the power is out my first concern is of course my reef but 10-12hrs later I'm going to worry about my dinner and having something else to do other than worry about the tank.

 

[Dennis McGrath]

I've got a 4200 watt generator that can power everything except my central AC. It only cost $400

 

[JoshH]

What kind of lights, LED, T5, MH? What is the pump size? Heater size?
Sorry for my ignorance, but what are DJ strips?

Dj power strips are basically a power bar with switches for each individual outlet so you can turn equipment on and off from one place

 

[Dennis McGrath]

Dj power strips are basically a power bar with switches for each individual outlet so you can turn equipment on and off from one place

Ok. I've got something similar to that on my tanks.

 

[Travis Stewart]

Got two hydra 26’s, two 150w heaters, apex junior, two powerheads, skimmer, etc

 

[Dennis McGrath]

You'd be fine with almost any generator, but I'd get at least 1000 watts over what you estimate because there's going to be a few things you want to add or didn't think about running on it.

 

[Travis Stewart]

Thank you all for the quick responses!

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

So you have 4200 watt generator. That may be 4200 surge, actually you might have 4000watts, ÷ 120v =33amp. Plenty for 3 200 gallon tanks

 

[14 foot reef]

I chose this one 35 KW, runs the entire house !!!!!!

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

That's a MONSTER. bifuel?

 

[BZOFIQ]

I've got a 4200 watt generator that can power everything except my central AC. It only cost $400

I am really wondering if you have tested your generator with ALL of your aquarium equipment; and I am not asking that because of total wattage.

 

[Travis Stewart]

Does brand Matter? I see some are high dollar...

 

[60CubeReefer]

The more expensive ones (inverter) run very quietly... the cheaper ones, while putting out more power, are a LOT louder.

 

[cracker]

I have a 65oo continuous generator . Wish I had invested in a bigger one. I can run both tanks, fridge, window AC, tv & dvd player . Didn't try more might have done it. There are other things beside the tank during long term outage You may want to run.Ya it's loud but so are all my neighbors ! If it's just the tank , I'd "think" a much smaller one would be just fine.

 

[14 foot reef]

That's a MONSTER. bifuel?

Built from factory for propane, I have a 1000 gallon tank buried in the ground dedicated to the generator only.

 

[Dennis McGrath]

I am really wondering if you have tested your generator with ALL of your aquarium equipment; and I am not asking that because of total wattage.

Yes, I've tested it twice just to make sure. Ran it for about 30 minutes each time.
I also have each tank on a 1200 watt UPS.

 

[Dennis McGrath]

Does brand Matter? I see some are high dollar...

If you're going to use it a lot, or you want something you can rely on 99.999%, then I'm sure the higher $ ones are the way to go.