UPS Recommendations

[rklomp]

I had power outage today for about 1 hour, which doubled my intentions of buying a UPS solution.  However, I am wondering if anyone else has bought a UPS unit, the specs you chose and if you have found it helfpul. 

I have a Rena Xp3 and Heater for a total of 230 Watts.  I was hoping to aim for 60-90 minutes of back-up timing.  Any recommendations?

[KLKelly]

You should look up UPS and I think APS online.  I was going to go with a UPS also - but was told this wasn't recommended for fish tanks - that the power would drain too quickly.  Here is my post on it: http://ovas.ca/index.php?topic=20867.0

Boxing week might be a perfect time to get one on sale.  Let me know if you find any deals

Karrie

[rklomp]

This is exactly the advice I have seen ... apparently it is the heater that will drain the most power from the unit. 

I see APC makes provides options, but it appears that to get one that will provide the necessary power for 3-4 hours or more will cost in the range of $1000 - $1300 ... to expensive for something that lasts only a few hours.  Short of a generator, there seems to be no viable options.

It only make me wonder how people managed during the Ice Storm?

[SuperT]

if your only looking for 60 - 90 minute run time take the heater out of the equation.  The canister uses 19 watts (correct me if I'm wrong).  Buy a noma from canadian tire when they are on sale (should run your filter for quite a few hours).  the key here is circulation (and perhaps an air pump).  Most large bodies of water will retain heat for a long period of time and you can always wrap it in a blanket if necessary.

Terry