What Do You Use For Backup Power?

[reef life]

I use a generator if I lose power. In the near future I plan to install a propane(Underground tank) generator with transfer switch that can run my entire house. Thats one fear I always have is losing power while away from home. Also live in South East Florida. Every time a tropical storm develops I am glued to the weather channel.

 

[Steelerfan747]

I personally do not have any type of back up so I am very curious to find out what others are using. By the way, what part of So Fl are you from?

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I have a generator and yes I have already had to use it in the past.

 

[cdness]

I have a very small generator and a few battery operated air pumps. I need a larger generator though for the new tank. I have had to use them a few times in the past as well.

 

[greg0385]

car inverter, and extension cord for running a power head and heater for short term. parents and friends have generator if i ever need it for a long term power outage

 

[hogsnapper7]

I have the APC battey backups used for computers. This can run my entire system, radions, mp40's, heaters etc for 3-5 hours and kicks in automatically. If it goes out for longer I have a portable generator..

 

[reef life]

I personally do not have any type of back up so I am very curious to find out what others are using. By the way, what part of So Fl are you from?

I live in St Lucie County, Where Hurricaine Francis and Jeane both hit within two weeks apart back in 04.

 

[3Twinklets]

Generac, auto transfer, propane, whole house generator . Brand spanking new!

 

[reef life]

Generac, auto transfer, propane, whole house generator . Brand spanking new!

Did you purchase your own tank or did a company rent/lease tank to you with filling rights?

 

[mrbee2828]

I'm in the market to purchase a backup generator and I was going to start a new thread regarding HOW to choose a generator. I figured this was a good spot to continue the conversation. Each of our tanks require different amounts of power draws. What is a good method on how to calculate your needs? Is it as simple is X,Y and Z pieces use X,Y and Z amount of watts each, adding up, then purchasing a generator with that wattage output? What other considerations are there? I plan on getting a gas powered portable generator for my upcoming large build and want to have this before I start stocking again.

 

[ravi197699]

I got my self Generator 5000w and its hooked to main panel....best investment

 

[AZDesertRat]

I have the AC/DC air pumps that plug into 120v so they stay charged and kick on when the power goes off for short term. I used to have a Champion 3500w portable generator which was always stored full of gas(with StaBil added) and with a couple extension cords and outlet strips zip tied to the fram so I didn't have to hunt them down when needed.
I now have a 25' toy hauler RV with a built in Onan generator so I still keep the cords and outleet strips in my aquarium closet and can run them out to the trailer in my back yard if needed.

 

[sqcube4me]

generator with a 5 mins delay after power goes off and 30 min after power comes back on just in case its just a flicker .. it was used more in fla then it has been up here in kentucky .. i tied it into the main panel so i know i have tanks up lights up tv heat or ac fridge and cook top ..

 

[Ward9320]

Well recently we had an ice storm come through and did not have power for 5 days so I was forced to buy a generator. I have been wanting one for a long time now, this is just not the way I wanted to get one. I wired it right into the breaker panel to a outside outlet. Now when we lose power all I have to do is pull the generator out of the shed and over to the outlet I put in (20 feet away), plug it in, start it, and then flip the breakers and BAM my whole house has power.

 

[general0]

I bought a generator a 2 years ago when we lost power during the winter. It's a 5,000w generator and I was able to power most of the essential aquarium pieces along with a few home appliances! Knowing I have this has given me a extra sense of security for when that time comes I will be prepared for it. It has saved my tank and kept the family happy during the last few power outages we have had here in Minnesota since!

For apartment dwellers I'm not sure this would be a viable option for them but you could invest in a UPS battery back up system or buy a couple of sealed 12v car batteries like Optima's and a good dc/ac inverter like the Tripp Lite PV1250FC (used this in the military and worked great!) and be good for a few hours running the basics to keep the tank inhabitants alive.

 

[JMSKI333]

I will be purchsasing my generator in about a week or two. I wish I had it now for this storm but everyone I know has a generator so I can take a drive real quick and have my tank back up and running in about a half hour worst case scenerio.

I've been planning on getting one for awhile but its so hard to choose which one. Chinese engines are terrible, American engines are inconsistant and Japenese ones are triple the price. I decided on a Rigid 5,700W. It is a Japanese motor, Chinese power generator and an American company. You get the best of all three.

 

[trido]

Currently a UPS hooked to my Tunze's for a couple hour quick flow, an 800watt inverter from when I started in the hobby but mostly I use an 2000watt Honda Generator and a Transfer switch which runs most of the essentials on my house. It's always good to have options.

 

[LPSGUY]

Generator....bought a little one just for my tanks. Have used it about 6 times in 2 years!!!

 

[MatteZ]

Vortech battery backup and also a portable gas generator. My problem I when my gas cans run out getting more gas is a huge PIA!

 

[JMSKI333]

Vortech battery backup and also a portable gas generator. My problem I when my gas cans run out getting more gas is a huge PIA!

I'd keep at least 3 days worth of gas on hand. Worse case scenario you can siphon it out of the vehicle or lawn mower. I plan to rotate the gas every 3-4 months by dumping it into my truck and taking a ride to refill them up again. Keeps everything fresh.