When the power goes out, if you get a battery backup, then just plug in one powerhead, like a Hydor Koralia, which is very low wattage.

The power was out for close to 2hrs.

I have a pair of computer UPS power supplies, but they havent been plugged in lately as I have my koralias plugged into the apex on an alternating cycle.

If there was a way to selectivly kill the lights, heaters, return and skimmer with a power loss on my apex lite, then i might look into that a bit further.

A battery operated air pump should be next on the Big List O Stuff I Want I guess.

Thanks for the tips.

The battery operated air pumps are noisy as heck but do a great job keeping an aquarium aerated during a power outage. Everyone should have one.

I've got an APC 1300VA hooked up to my MP40, it's good for about 4 hours as long as I turn the speed down, I've also got an APC 550VA that's running a koralia 900gph pump.

Costco has super cheap prices on these UPS's, and for what I've got invested in my tank, it's cheap insurance.