Sad Sad Day Without Power

[Chin_Lee]

Originally Posted by Chad

Yes, that is the one. No, it is not a UPS. However, my friend is making a little device for me, so that it is a UPS. I will have my Tunze connected to it for any future power outages, the supply will simply switch when the power disconnects and disconnect when the power is restored. A few dollars in parts.. for worry free reefkeeping

I also use a smaller Eliminator Power Box, and a 300w Inverter that I used with my Deep Cell boat battery. I am pretty well prepared. So long as someone is home to connect stuff.

Chin, I will run a test and see how long it lasts. I meant to do that test a while ago but forgotten about it.

FYI, its not worth hooking up a heater, they will drain the battery quickly. The hot bags of water was perfect. Of course, I had a gas heater so.

Hi Chad
any update to this testing? that unit looks like a monster.

[Ruth]

There is always the possibility of lengthy power outages no matter where you live. I happen to live in a rural area that quite frequently experiences power outages. With the amount of $ I have invested in my systems it would just be silly not to have a plan for power loss.
I bought a Honda 3000is generator a couple of years ago now and it is sufficient to run all my Tunzes, heaters and return pumps on my big systems. I have battery powered air pumps for my small systems and if need be could always move my livestock to my larger systems or to one bucket with a small powerhead.
This generator is very very quiet, electric start (I hate pulling cords on stuff like this) and I have had so much use out of it for multiple applications. I think I have only actually had to use it twice for power outage but I have used it for camping - for powering lights when I had to do some fence repair and also for running TV, lights etc. for a little log cabin I have on my place. My son has also borrowed it a few times to run lights on thier soccer/rugby field (obviously not serious games that require stadium lighting - just enough to see shadows and be sure to find the beer cooler). He of course knows that if I phone or he knows the power is out he has to pull out his Clark Kent outfit to get the generator back home.

[Chad]

yup, I am looking into getting the Honda EU1000 or 2000. I am of the very same mind set, how can we have +1000$ systems and play russian roulette when it comes to power. Since day 1, I've had some sort of power backup plan. It has slowly been changing to the point that I will now get a generator, for my peace of mind and so I can watch TV or use the computer!! .

Chin, I have not tested it yet. Since we have still been experiencing some weird weather I am a bit hesitant to drain this puppy. But no worries. This week it shall be done and I will post the results. The unit is actualy not all that big. Its tucked neatly beside my tank.

[seashells]

Anyone considering a a honda 2000 might want to check out this thread:
http://thesqueakywheel.com/complaint...plaint8000.cfm. This guy is having a really bad day.

Doug

[Chad]

Originally Posted by seashells

Anyone considering a a honda 2000 might want to check out this thread:
http://thesqueakywheel.com/complaint...plaint8000.cfm. This guy is having a really bad day.

Doug

Interesting. Actualy I have been doing some research and may pick up a Kipor generator instead. They are one of the best at manufacturing generators.

I am surprised at his comment though with the Honda, I have heard only good things up till now. One of the most reliable generators out there.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

We had about 7 or 8 Honda generators at the fishfarm I worked at near Powell River & we all swear by them. They were on floating farm sites out on the Lake with only a plywood box (with an open front) protecting them from the water & weather. Very rarely had any problems with them & we used them all the time to charge the batteries for the auto. feeders. And those were the old ones using pull cord starters.

Anthony

[Todd]

Funny, I was reading this thread yesterday, and then my power went out last night at 10. I got up 4 times through the night to give my tank a little stir. By the time I got back from first morning practice (I am a full time athlete and cannot skip practice), the temperature in my suite was down to 11 degrees C and my tank was at 67 degrees F. So I got out my campstove and heated up water and put it on a drip back into the tank. Did that about 10 times with a gallon each time and managed to get the temperature back up near normal. When the power came back on 20 hours later the few corals I have all seemed to be okay, a few in rough shape, but all my fish seemed to have made it (only one really showing any trauma).

A backup power source would defiantly have made my life a lot easier. And without the campstove maneuver I don't think that much would have made it through.