Sine Wave Power Converter as a backup power source suggestions

[SaracensRugby]

So rather than using Ecotech basic battery backup for one powerhead I have heard using a Tripp Line Sine Wave Power Inverter Is much better and more reliable. You can hook up a marine battery or two which will give you days of backup power when used with the Sine wave power inverter.

Has anyone done this and can they recommend setups? I want it to kick on as soon as the power goes out, but get nervous about hooking my Apex to something like this.

Cheers!

 

[Quietman]

Not sure about better and more reliable depends on needs and wants. For example, the electrical infrastructure in my area is very reliable - 1 - 2 hour outage in 6 years and only a handful of momentary outages. I only need maybe 8 -12 hours of backup power supply for flow and I'm satisfied.

But if you need more due to unreliability, have a systems that needs more, then yes - you can really beef up the amp-hour capacity with a series of batteries and a inverter. There are many designs by experienced electricians out there (look on the "off the grid" type forums and channels).

I don't see any issues switching your Apex over to a properly designed backup power supply. My concern would be that your Apex (or any computer/electronics) might not be reliable after an electrical outage. Surges and lightning strikes can destroy equipment no matter what OTS surge protection you have installed.

 

[mike550]

Saracens — I went through same debate of specialized EcoTech batteries for my Vectra and Vortech vs big UPS (like 1500VA or bigger) that would filter the power for all devices and provide backup for water flow. I’m not as worried about water temp as it takes a while for water to cool and the ambient room temp is usually 72-74 degrees. But water flow was key.

Two things to know about Ecotech. If you use their batteries they will automatically switch pumps and powerhead to a power saving mode. Less circulation but extends battery life. Also. If you put the battery on their pump there’s an additional device you need to boost the voltage(?).

Try to figure out how long of a power outage you want to cover as this might guide your choice.

Hope this is helpful.

 

[SaracensRugby]

I am trying to determine what my real goal is here; mainly if the power goes out for a few hours to have backup flow kick on immediately, especially if no one is home all day. And if we are on vacation and power is out for 5 hours, nice insurance to keep things going. Power has been very stable here (out 5 hours max in 7 years), but you never know when the next storm could create a real problem. My apex tells me with lights and all I am running about 500 watts, not including the heater. But then if I do have an issue at some point for a day or two or three, (even if I am home) then what? My bubblers won't hold things over at that point. So thinking if I can macgyver something that has some more oomph to it, why not set it up. It would certainly be cheaper than having to replace everything in the tank, and cheaper than getting a generator for the whole house.

Thanks for the feedback so far!