STORMS: Do you have a generator for your reef tank?

[pulpfiction]

No generator.

I'm crossing my fingers rolling blackouts don't hit here but that is looking unlikely. I have a not huge backup battery on my tank and one I can steal from my computer. I have a battery bubbler but I don't have the batteries for it >.<. I suppose, luckily, my system is not a reef and is low tech. I could just keep the filter running as long as I can. I might be able to get by not using the heater to conserve battery. Wish I had been more prepared. Perhaps I could wrap the tank with a towel and tape reptile shipping heat packs to the outside of the towel lol.

 

[BighohoReef]

@Mrmiles @ReeferBlaine

I think this is a very relevant topic to our recent reefing adventures.

@ReeferBlaine has a great video on this check out his channel: King Tide Corals

 

[S.Pepper]

I have an 11hp Honda portable generator. I've had it for i think 15 years--well before i considered getting a marine system. An electrician buddy set up an outlet, next to the breaker box, that i can plug into to supply electricity to the whole house--one breaker at a time. Amazingly, it will do that, but I've only tested it, nothing on a long term basis.

Fortunately, I have never needed it. I typically service it twice yearly.

 

[dbowman5]

1. yes
2. portable, champion dual fuel. planning to use propane


3. i practiced with it but since propane gas is gas not liquid i am not worried about being able to operate it on demand.

 

[Nano925]

I didn’t have one until Saturday when we received a bunch of frozen rain and ice in Oregon. I rushed out and managed to get one of the last ones from Harbor Freight (3500 watts). It’s a good thing we did, since we’ve already been out for over 48 hours with no end in sight.

Harbor freight 3500 is the best 700 I ever spent. Basically a Honda of ya open it up. I actually think Honda was trying to sue them over it. Lol

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

Westinghouse 4500DF inverter generator... propane or gas... 4500 watts... portable... 52 decibels.. remote start... 18 hour run time... less than $100 you can get ebay natural gas plug on adapter.... about $900 to $1200 depending where you look...

Westinghouse iGen4500DF 4500/3700 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator with LED Display Electric/Remote Start and RV-Ready-iGen4500DF - The Home Depot

 

[Strangewaterchange]

Currently have portable generator but saving up for a home generator as the first step in my dream tank build

 

[Mywifeisgunnakillme]

Two Tesla Powerwalls and solar panels to recharge. When power goes out we don't even know it.

how long does the power last? with sun? without?

 

[Robert1994]

 

[blstravler]

1. Do you have a generator for your reef tank for emergency situations?

Yes - whole house generator

2. Which generator do you have and how many watts is it?

Generac 20kw whole with auto transfer switch

3. Do you regularly start and service your generator to keep it ready to go?

Auto test once a week for 10 mins and yearly service done.

 

[Scott Ulrich]

4000 watt gererac portable, has saved me, my fish and my perishable refrigerated items on multiple winter occasions. I wish it wasn't so loud and I wish I had a whole-home natural gas generator, but really this is a once every couple of years nuisance in Cincinnati.

 

[kpoj9]

I lost power for other day. After 4 hours I started panicking. Rushed out and bought the last generator at HD. Of course as soon as I got home the power came back on. Never again will I go without having a generator. I just pray this never happens when I’m out of town.

 

[Mkus]

I got a 9000k from a friend who’s building a new house which included a dedicated whole house generator so his newer portable one was given to me so I had a friend help me park install a transfer switch most of my home is now powered in case of a storm ..
Stored in my shed with a few gallons of non ethanol fuel a must you will never have carburetor problems!

 

[Reefnoobz90]

1. Do you have a generator for your reef tank for emergency situations?
Yes

2. Which generator do you have and how many watts is it?
Harbor freight 4375W

3. Do you regularly start and service your generator to keep it ready to go?
Start it up every once in a while, change the oil after use or after 30 hours of continuous use and change the spark plugs after a few days of continuous use. For some reason this generator is tough on spark plugs. Other than that the thing just keeps going, got us through quite a few outages.

 

[Robert1994]

I have a Firman 7500 dual fuel generator that's hardwired to my home through a manual transfer switch and plumbed into a 75 gallon Propane tank. Purchased that shortly after setting up my tank. I've had to use it a few times in the last year. I start it every month or two and let it run for a while to keep it charged and fresh.

 

[KLS1993]

I was going to build a UPS with lifepo4 batteries but halfway through doing that I was like, why don't I just build my own power wall and add solar panels while I'm at it.... The power wall is almost finished & I'll wire the panels to it this spring

 

[Carl C]

With so many major winter storms popping up lately there has been a lot of discussion on preparing for power outages and having power back up plans! So let's talk about generators today and see who's ready and what generator your using!

1. Do you have a generator for your reef tank for emergency situations?

2. Which generator do you have and how many watts is it?

3. Do you regularly start and service your generator to keep it ready to go?

I just got 1 , it was about $500 gasoline powered will definitely handle my heaters ; wave makers
Plus in summer my 10000 btu AC
And on refrigerator
Peace of mind ! also I start it every 2 weeks and have it full of gas with extra gas ️ in shed

 

[DDenny]

Have it running right now, however, I am still setting my little tank up so no worries at the moment. I have two 5500 watt generators that I run in case of power outages like this.
I start both once a month. Run them for 15-20 minutes with something one them to draw electricity to make sure they're generating power. Close the fuel valve and let it run dry until needed or the next month check. I also change the oil twice a year to make sure I don't blow them up. Had to replace the lower unit in one to years ago cause cause of bad oil. Probably could have bought a new one but it was only $200 and I did the work.

 

[Sajacobs]

With so many major winter storms popping up lately there has been a lot of discussion on preparing for power outages and having power back up plans! So let's talk about generators today and see who's ready and what generator your using!

1. Do you have a generator for your reef tank for emergency situations?

2. Which generator do you have and how many watts is it?

3. Do you regularly start and service your generator to keep it ready to go?

Hi
Here in the uk we don't get major power outages! Worst ways its about 5 minutes! I have ecotech mp40s and I am getting a battery back up just in case but not sure when it will come!

 

[Ludders]

Used to race bikes, so have always had generator. I run the core off a UPS, just for continuity over minor power outages on the grid, but if it's off for a while I usually go fetch the generator out the garage and hook it up.