So what do you guys use for back up(power outage)

[JFrar]

This is my next buy im planning on getting on insuring the safety of my tank. I live in florida so storms are coming through almost daily right now, and between work and school im not home for 12 hours some days.... I honestly have not done research on brands or anything, wanted to start my research here on r2r. Thanks for any input guys/girls!

 

[rogersb]

Champion generator. Starts right up and does the job every time.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I bought a used generator. Works like a champ!

 

[Preyou]

I assume that you also have a battery backup for the time between the power going out and the generator firing up?

 

[JFrar]

i guess a battery backup is kind of what im talking about. i know i need a generator, god only knows a trop storm or hurricane coming through and i wasnt prepared :/

 

[Preyou]

I use an APC 1000 with AVR (automatic voltage regulation). It monitors the voltage from the outlet and adjusts as needed to stabilize the voltage to the display.

 

[vic67]

A whole generator would be best if you get bad storms regularly. The switch over only takes seconds and you don't have to be home. For me I just have a few battery powered air pumps; not much help if I'm not home though.

 

[reeffirstaid]

I've got a Generac, it's handy for working outside and powering an aquarium in a power outage

 

[evankouteren]

2 things, an ups for power supply. Only for the flow pumps actually. We live in a pretty stable area in the Netherlands as far as power black-outs go. Second thing is an sms-alert. Prepaid simcard in the device and any power outages are neatly reported on my cell phone so that i can alert the "babysit"

 

[vlangel]

I only use battery back up aerating pumps on my tanks. We've lived here almost 30 years and have never been without power more than 7 hours. I almost bought a gasoline powered generator once until I found out that it should be ran every 3-4 months so nixed the idea.

 

[JFrar]

only leaving power back up for the pump and power heads makes a lot of sense, i was thinking everything but it's not necessary if its only 5 minutes - 2 hours very max. I really wouldnt mind having a generator and running every 3-4 months isnt a big deal....its kind of a bonus buy for camp outs and stuff too. but then your taking your back up for your tank lol.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I agree with the comment that if you loose it frequently, and you're not home, go with a whole house generator with a transfer switch...it's all automatic. However, in my situation I very rarely loose power. Up until Sandy, I can't remember when power went out more then a few minutes. But I still had a generator back-up. Without a doubt, the best 300 dollars I've spent.....just in food in the freeze/refrigerator. I have a small generator I picked up from Sam's club. When Sandy hit, I was without power for seven plus days. That little generator ran my entire tank (90 g DT), refrigerator, boiler, television, a few lights....24/7. I most likely will never use it again, but it sits ready in it's own little shed.

 

[kingclam52]

When you have a reef tank you must have back up power it is a must better to be safe than sorry.

 

[JFrar]

ya having an automatic switch over with the generator sounds awesome...and ya know whats even better? i can convince my girl easily on this because its more than just the fish tank!! i think thats what i will end up doing. thanks for the advice everyone