What’s your power outage solution?

[AZMSGT]

This poll allows for multiple answers considering people can use a combination of the poll answers.

Last couple days I’ve seen several questions about power back up. So.. lets do a Poll..

This is my back up solution for the moment.

I have my home WiFi router plugged into a computer battery back up. Then over at the tank I have my Profilux 4, doser and KH Director also plugged into a computer style battery backup. When power goes down the Profilux notifies me regardless of the rest of the house. Also I can monitor things for a few hours as needed.

As additional back up, my Ecotech return pump and powerheads are also plugged into Ecotech battery back ups. These keep the water moving in a power outage. These last for about 8 hours.

If power is out longer I will plug into my RV generator direct to my tank.

This is my back up plan at the moment.

The one thing for the future is the next big purchase, a whole home generator.

 

[Quietman]

Voted "No Back Up" and it's a worry for sure. Next big purchase is going to include EcoTech backup power supply which should be enough. In the 7 years lived here only lost power once for more than a few minutes and that was 2 hours. So very lucky to have stable power but like I said....still a worry that money can easily solve.

 

[jd371]

I first use the built in inverter that's in the Jeep because it's easy to run and extension cord from the driveway to the tank. If I know the outage is going to last for longer than few hours I then break out the portable generator from the shed.

 

[DylanE]

I’m out in the country, so power outages can last a while before PGandE make it out. Thankfully that was a great reason to buy a whole house generator. It runs off a propane tank that could last a couple weeks if need be, so no longer a worry.

 

[Dsnakes]

I’ve got an inverter generator that I use for my tank when we lose power. It’s extremely efficient and quiet.

 

[mta_morrow]

Battery backfired my 2 gyres, and a whole house generator I can fire up and plug in when needed.

No inverter so I would most likely not run my tank lights or other home electronics.

 

[Squidward]

Thankfully the house I bought came with a home generator... Previous owner had it installed after the great blackout that happened years ago on the Midwest and eastern coast. This way I don't have to worry about buying battery backups etc.

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

I have a 10+ year old Generac 5500W portable generator that I use to back feed the house, through the dryer outlet - pretty simple, turn off the Main breaker and plug the generator in.

It is enough to do our house except for the A/C and Water Heater.

 

[Jon Fishman]

Voted "No Back Up" and it's a worry for sure. Next big purchase is going to include EcoTech backup power supply which should be enough. In the 7 years lived here only lost power once for more than a few minutes and that was 2 hours. So very lucky to have stable power but like I said....still a worry that money can easily solve.

I also have no backup. Looking into “somewhat affordable “ options to run lights/pumps everything for up to 24 hours or so

 

[Shaummy]

I voted "Other" because I use an inverter that's hooked up to a car battery in case of an outage. I only run what is absolutely needed (like return pump) and that is DC so power consumption is pretty low to get me through it. Of course I'm not talking days or weeks of an outage from something like a hurricane or tornado, but I have used it for something like 12-16 hours, and starting the car it was in every few hours to make sure I didn't run them down.

 

[Beardo]

After a recent power outage, thankfully short, I decided it was time for some backup. Bought a 4000 watt inverter generator.

 

[smartwater101]

I got nothing. Was going to to get a 1500 Cyberpower, like what I use with my home PC/workstation, but the length of battery use is not great. Even if just wanting to run a return pump, a couple powerhead, and a heater.

Is there such a thing as a non-gas generator? Some sort of large lithium battery or something? I live in an apartment so my options are limited.

If I have to get a couple Cyberpowers, I will. But would like a more powerful solution though.

 

[Silent]

There are many good threads on here for DIY inexpensive ways to power your tank during outages.

 

[minder_mano]

Ecotech battery backup and my truck has an outlet that I can run a long extension cord from if need be

 

[lmm1967]

Runs entire house - including AC units - 100% hands off. As long as the natural gas flows - we're in good shape.

We're out of town a few times a year and any solution that requries manual intervention doesn't work when you aren't home.

runs a self test for 10 minutes once a week - about once every month to 2 months I manually kill power to the house and watch everything happen.

 

[Chris Wells]

This is what I do for 10 to 20 hours and below. A portable generator will be used beyond that.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/battery-back-up.644967/post-6478164

 

[smartwater101]

There are many good threads on here for DIY inexpensive ways to power your tank during outages.

Electricity + DIY = me scared.

I have a couple family members, back home, who are electricians. They got the old saying "electrical is not a hobby" implanted in my brain lol

When it comes to stuff like this, I'd rather pay 3x the amount and sleep soundly knowing I didn't screw something up.

 

[Silent]

@smartwater101 12 volt batteries can run 12vdc pumps or a car battery and an inverter can run an entire tank sometimes. Almost plug and play.

 

[BrandonS]

I have an off grid solar system with battery bank in my shed. If I need it I just run and extension cord from the shed through the window.

 

[krbshappy71]

Hubby wants a whole-house generator before I can get into saltwater. It's been on the list for years. We don't lose power often but the last time we did was a couple of months ago and within 3 hours the house was pretty warm and stuffy. He sees it as protecting our investment since I'm eyeing nice, big tanks. Ha!! So the freshwater fish have clearly been lower on his totem pole, eh? I'm only bummed 'cause it puts the tank off even longer now.