Which pump for battery backup? (Already have a few on Apex)

Fritzhamer · Jul 12, 2017

I have a 90 gallon (48x18). I originally ran a Gyre pump backed up by two of the icecap battery backups. I've since switched to two Tunze 6055s run off my Apex to create my flow. I love the apex, pumps and control but the battery backup won't run them if the Apex looses power.

I purchased the tiny Tunze 6040 to be the non-Apexed pump that the batteries would power in a power outage. The "up to 130 gallons" its rated for was freshwater. While an amazing little pump, it just won't move enough water to keep me confident that everything will stay alive in a power outage.

I don't want a third 6055 in the tank and may just have to take one pump off the Apex. Just wondering how everyone else tackles this? Here in NY blackouts are common this time of year. Usually just a few hours but still.

clsanchez77 · Jul 12, 2017

I use Ecotech Vortech MP40's. My draw to them over the others was the dry side motor is not adding heat to the tank. They are compatible with Apex via the WXM and I have not had any issues with them. I also purchased the Eco-Tech backup batteries, although there are several DIY guides to build your own. What I like most about this setup is they will automatically go into battery back up with/or without the Apex...it is built into the pump controller. Backup mode is 30% constant.

I'm in New Orleans, South Louisiana and power is lost with every major storm...for several days if not two weeks with hurricanes. I plan to get two more batteries to increase my backup time as we do not have a generator yet.

chipmunkofdoom2 · Jul 12, 2017

I built a DIY battery backup system so I could run any pump. It basically uses a transfer switch to sense a power failure and switch over to an inverter. The inverter is run by a standard deep cycle battery, and a battery maintainer is always hooked up to the battery, keeping it topped off and ready to go in the event of failure.

I only run flow equipment with this setup, but the beauty is you can run basically any piece of equipment, AC or DC, with such a setup. You can scale up the inverter and/or battery bank to run as long as you like. It's likely not as efficient as a DC to DC solution, but the flexibility is worth it to me.

fishbox · Jul 12, 2017

chipmunkofdoom2 said:
I built a DIY battery backup system so I could run any pump. It basically uses a transfer switch to sense a power failure and switch over to an inverter. The inverter is run by a standard deep cycle battery, and a battery maintainer is always hooked up to the battery, keeping it topped off and ready to go in the event of failure.

I only run flow equipment with this setup, but the beauty is you can run basically any piece of equipment, AC or DC, with such a setup. You can scale up the inverter and/or battery bank to run as long as you like. It's likely not as efficient as a DC to DC solution, but the flexibility is worth it to me.

Got a build thread?

Fritzhamer · Jul 13, 2017

I already have two batteries that will run a Tunze for a few days if necessary. My issue is that since control of the pumps is handled by my Apex, when the Apex looses power there is no signal to run being sent to my powered Tunze pumps. Currently I run one off the Tunze controller and one off the Apex. I really loved having them both controlled by the apex for wave effect.

There are a ton of ways to keep it on the Apex but none are easy. I could have a UPS power the Apex and then in event of power outage shutdown the heater and non essential devices but that's complicated. I could go with vortech a but mine were always loud. Maybe they've gotten better. My Tunzes are literally silent.

Maybe I'll pick up an mp10 to be the battery backed up pump.

chipmunkofdoom2 · Jul 13, 2017

fishbox said:
Got a build thread?

I don't have one sorry. I have a few pictures in my tank thread. I've debated writing an article on a DIY battery backup system, but this system is not very polished. For many people, a large computer UPS would work. Plus, an inverter/charger would replicate the function of my DIY system exactly, with none of the hassle. Inverter/chargers are just really expensive for the capacity they provide, and if one piece breaks (the charger, the inverter, the transfer switch, or any of the other miscellaneous electronics), the whole device is useless. My DIY system is very plug-and-play, so if any piece breaks, it can be replaced with generic off-the-shelf components.

Fritzhamer said:
I already have two batteries that will run a Tunze for a few days if necessary. My issue is that since control of the pumps is handled by my Apex, when the Apex looses power there is no signal to run being sent to my powered Tunze pumps. Currently I run one off the Tunze controller and one off the Apex. I really loved having them both controlled by the apex for wave effect.

There are a ton of ways to keep it on the Apex but none are easy. I could have a UPS power the Apex and then in event of power outage shutdown the heater and non essential devices but that's complicated. I could go with vortech a but mine were always loud. Maybe they've gotten better. My Tunzes are literally silent.

Maybe I'll pick up an mp10 to be the battery backed up pump.

This has been my struggle as well. My battery backup runs my return pump, my skimmer and my Vortech. But, I can't plug my controller into the UPS, because then everything that runs off my controller (heater and lights) would be on in the event of a power failure. I only want the flow going if the power is out. I've been thinking about DIYing some sort of relay-based outlet system, where the heater and lights only run if the main power is on. They would then automatically shut off (even though they're still plugged in) in the event of a failure. This introduces more complexity into my system, however. If one of the relays failed, my heater and lights would shut off until I intervened. If I think of anything elegant, I'll let you know.

Fritzhamer · Jul 13, 2017

I'm just going to pull my tunzes off the Apex and use the included Tunze controllers. If I set them to opposite settings at opposite times it should give me a similar effect to what I have the apex set to do. I'm also going to give each its own battery instead of having two to one pump. If we have a long outage I can always set both batteries to one pump and change it's settings.

I'm a big fan of simple and the less components the better.