Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)

[fishpatti]

Hi Folks - with all the power losses we've been having in the National Capital Region this year, I'm thinking of getting a UPS for my 100 gal reef tank. I hate coming home form work and finding all the lights blinking or out and having to reset everything.

Anyone have advice on where I might find them and what I would need to sustain the tank's electrical works for a couple of hours or longer while the Hydro folks bring everyting back on line themselves.

Fishpatti

[Yams]

Hey,

Well depends on the amount of items you have running on your UPS, some other salties might have more experience with this, but I would think you would place alot of strain on the batteries. I have one for my computer, since I work on it 24/7, but it only lasts 15 minutes or so and it was $100, so for 1+ Hrs I am not sure what type you would get (Generator?)

But one thing I know, is the heavier the battery is the more charge it can hold.

[bt]

If you plug everything in, no UPS will last long.  Remember, they're not MEANT to last for hours even with computers - they're meant to last long enough to save your work and gracefully shut down, or for you to switch to backup power generation.

You can use one to run the bare, low wattage basics for a few hours off of a high-end consumer UPS.  IE: Powerheads. Don't even think about running the lights or heater.  Pumps or skimmers can bring that runtime down to under an hour pretty easily too.

For basic coverage, you can get battery-powered air pumps as backups for aeration, some that will kick in automatically with the loss of line power.  For full coverage, a generator is the only way to go.

[Greatwhite]

I have a UPS for my computer... Well - for my "network closet".  All I have plugged into it is my router/cable model and printer.  It lasts a while.  I use a laptop 99% of the time while I work, so I just rely on my battery there.

What equipment are you thinking of saving with a UPS?  Most outages that I get here are < 5 minutes, usually just a flicker, which a UPS would work fine to keep your powerheads and heater alive.  I wouldn't plug lights into it if you need more than 5 minutes...

[dan2x38]

I bought one on special at CTC several years back. I ran a test with heaters & filters on f/w 2 systems. The total power supply was 400 or 500 watts? Any ways I plugged in the devices and checked the time. In less than 2 hrs the alarm sounded it was shutting down. The water hadn't even cooled before the start of this test. Any ways I returned the device not enough for me.

I would concerned with water flow for O2 levels so battery powered air pumps with some air stones might help for a short while. A true generator is the only solution I think. Get one set it up outside and maintain it year round. I wish I could make the investment. My system I have over $4000 into so it would be a nice insurance policy! Maybe there is arider you get on insurance?

Bottom line UPS not worth the $$$.

[Greatwhite]

2hrs is plenty for me, personally... But - i don't have any backup power to my tank, so *shrug*   I am more concerned about keeping my internet up so I don't lose work if the power flickers during the day.

My dad got a weee little (made in china) generator for his boat last fall for about $150 at Princess Auto on clearance.  Nice little machine.. Quiet, puts out constant power, and he can run his TV & DVD player while popping popcorn in his microwave.  I don't know what the full power output is, but I can't imagine any aquarium that we're running would be over capacity...  (yes, I'm sure SOMEONE will be the exception to that)

I'm seeing a 1000watt one on ebay for $127 with free shipping... Probably direct from china...

[bt]

I'd love to go the natural gas generator with automatic switchover route myself, but it's just not practical where I am.  So it'll be battery powered air pumps, and running out to get a converter for the car if there's a long (12+ hour) outage.

[dan2x38]

We have a power converter for the car. This is my plan for an extended period of outage. Someone here did this last outage and they had no issues said they only ran engine every several hours for a short time to recharge. i can easily run extension cords out the window to car and back to power heads and a heater if need be.

[magnosis]

This: http://pccyber.com/?v=Product&i=UPS-APC-BR1500LCD

Is what I use for my computers. I'm a programmer, rely on computers & network being up and running at all times, and have been through a number of UPS through the years. This is the one I would recommend.  Don't even waste money on the lower end APC units, they are garbage.  They are either not reliable, or those that are will burn through the battery in no time (and a replacement battery is like 85% of the cost of a brand new unit, not even worth it)

The BR model is trustworthy. Slightly more expensive, but a) it handles a lot more power b) it's reliable and c) it runs self-tests and will alert you if the device is about to fail.  As an added bonus you get an LCD display that tells you exactly what power is being drawn at all times (quick way to see if a device has failed) and for how long will the battery last on the same output.

Also, only put the equipment that MUST absolutely remain up and running through a prolonged outage. This can make the difference between sustaining your equipment for 15 minutes vs 3 hours.

Just my two cents.

If you go to PcCyber, hit the main store on Wellington, talk to Eric, and tell him Antoine sent you ;-)

Cheers

[Greatwhite]

If you go to PcCyber, hit the main store on Wellington, talk to Eric, and tell him Antoine sent you ;-)

I never tell people that anyone sent me there - in case it gets me a punch in the stomach. 

[magnosis]

I never tell people that anyone sent me there - in case it gets me a punch in the stomach. 

LOL
Eric is the store manager. I've been dealing with him for a long time...

[Greatwhite]

LOL
Eric is the store manager. I've been dealing with him for a long time...

Likely story.  if i go in there, I'm wearing kevlar.

[Hookup]

Eric helped me several times over the years as well... good guy for sure....

[magnosis]

Likely story.  if i go in there, I'm wearing kevlar.

As long as you don't put your hand on their marble ball, you should be fine...