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#1
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Thanks! Will do. Will probably be asking for plenty of advise in the coming weeks 😊
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#2
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With the wind storm coming to Vancouver, it has me looking at battery backup for the Tank. What does everyone use for their power backup?
I have been looking at some of those APC battery backup units that are often used for computers and electronics. Vortech has one for their mp units but it's pretty darn expensive and only provides power to the mp. |
#3
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Most APC / UPS back ups of that type will only run equipment for a few hours due to a low amp hour battery. The difference with the ecotech units etc is they are strictly a 12v DC draw from the battery, while your UPS is going DC > AC > DC (pump transformer > Pump, and there is an "overhead" for that process to take place.
If you want to emulate the ecotech example, it's extremely simple to DIY with a 12/24v deep cycle battery and a float charger. There are numerous examples on other forums, just google "diy ecotech battery backup". The only thing special about the Ecotech release is the mark up they're able to charge for a couple SLA batteries and a float charger. |
#4
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Costco sells a Lithium Ion Goal Zero battery backup. I have one and have tested it it will run a 10 to 20 watt pump for over half a day.
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#5
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The other great option is an inverter and an AGM Deep Cycle Marine Battery, or scooter battery. Scooter batteries are cheap and designed exactly for this kind of use.
Computer battery backups are only designed for short use. I believe Ice Cap battery backups will only work on DC Pumps. |
#6
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My husband used my tank as an excuse to buy this huge generator on sale last year at Home Depot. Dang was it ever loud when we fired it up! We got an PHEV car this spring and there is a built-in doodad for this very purpose. So we were able to sell the generator thank goodness
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#7
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Quote:
Last edited by Synthesis; 12-17-2018 at 11:19 PM. |
#8
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Quote:
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#9
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I have been looking at measuring the PAR levels in my tank from the light. Does anyone know where you can rent them? Any reefers here have one laying around they could lend?
Can't see any reason to buy one for the minimal use it will get. |
#10
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Updated
So its been a while since I posted an update. A lot has happened.
First, I installed the power bank in an attempt to save my life in the future. It fit better then I thought it would. This has made water changes so much easier. Not sure why I hesitated to get something like this. Cost me 54$ with shipping for this. Worth every penny. Added another fish, a clown goby which has been a lot of fun to watch. Very active. Never thought I would be seeing the clown goby hosting all my corals over the clown fish... Added a Tyree toadstool which is doing really well: Added a frogspawn: All my other corals are doing well. Trying to manage some algae which has been a challenge yet my phosphates and nitrates are undetectable. I have also been trying to get my parameters in check lately as my tank seems to be consuming alot of alkalinity. Calcium and Mag are fine but I am having to dose alk daily at about 2ml (red sea pro foundation alk) a day right now to maintain 9dkh. But its much better then before when it was reading 5dkh before I started clueing in on it. Funny enough, other then some coloration with my SPS...all the livestock was fine. But still, felt like an amateur not staying ontop of the params like I should have. |