UPS battery backup question

[Coasting]

So something with 300w can only power a 20w item for 2 hours?

Ugh this is far too confusing.

I need one that will last 8 hours for a 5w powerhead.

[roblarss]

If 20 watt will last approximately 2 hours then 5 watt should maybe last 8 hours doing some rough math. The charts don't show that exact but I would think its possible easily. I had an apc backup (don't know the rating, got at Costco) run my computer and LCD TV during an outage for a couple hours. I don't think it was that big of one.

[Coasting]

Theres just so many mixed reviews on time frames on these things
I think I will try and give some 1-800 numbers a call tomorrow and ask the companies themselves.

[Reef Pilot]

Or you could get a decent sized UPS system to protect and back up your computer stuff, and then use a long extension cord (if it not close to your tanks) to keep your tank pump running during an outage. A 10W power draw (2 of your 5W pumps) should last 6 or more hours with this one.
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/...999aefb993en02

Not a big discount, but free shipping right now.

[Coasting]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Or you could get a decent sized UPS system to protect and back up your computer stuff, and then use a long extension cord (if it not close to your tanks) to keep your tank pump running during an outage. A 10W power draw (2 of your 5W pumps) should last 6 or more hours with this one.
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/...999aefb993en02

Not a big discount, but free shipping right now.

I don't usually have to worry about my laptop dying

Tank isn't even remotely close to the computer at my parents place either, never mind nobody in that house uses a desktop computer anymore. And I think all the powerbars are those Monster surge protector ones anyway.
I just want to cover my ass if the power goes out while people are at work.
Just permanently have 1 powerhead plugged into a UPS so when it does go out, it keeps going.

I have no issue spending $150 on a backup.
•1325 VA/810 W capacity
•Half/full 10 minute / 2 minute runtime

Part of my brain wants to say that a 5w power head would use 5w an hour, so a 810w UPS should power a single 5w powerhead for days.... But obviously that's not how it works lol.

[roblarss]

Heres a calculator from APC. I put in 10w for 12 hrs and it came back at 1500va. In reality from using some of these it very well could run for a fair bit longer.

http://www.apc.com/tools/ups_selector/CA/en/home/load

[roblarss]

I have a spare on laying around somewhere, im going to put a small load onto it tonight and see how long it will run. Im kind of curious now.

[Reef Pilot]

Originally Posted by Coasting

I have no issue spending $150 on a backup.
•1325 VA/810 W capacity
•Half/full 10 minute / 2 minute runtime

Part of my brain wants to say that a 5w power head would use 5w an hour, so a 810w UPS should power a single 5w powerhead for days.... But obviously that's not how it works lol.

No, that's not quite how it works... haha. It goes by the battery capacity not the UPS output power capacity. With this UPS, it will give 10 min running at 400 watts (1/2 power), so at 10 watts should give 400 min or 6+ hours.

But if you don't have a desktop, agree that this is overkill and paying for additional capabilities you don't need. Also note, that surge protection is not UPS power backup.

What you really need is a battery inverter power pack like these. I have two that I use at our lake cabin with solar power and take them home for the winter to back up my tanks during an outage. They have much higher battery capacity (more like a car battery) and can run my tank pumps for a day or more (have had to do that in the past).
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mo...l#.VoBDrVKLDak

I bought mine (older versions) about 10 years ago (and they are still good) during fall clearance time for less than a 100 bucks (way cheaper than this one).

And a cheaper alternative might be to get a booster pack (on sale now) and just leave it plugged in (auto trickle charge) all the time.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mo...l#.VoBFDVKLDak
And use it with this inverter.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/ca...l#.VoBFmVKLDak
Should be able to find these cheaper elsewhere, too.

[Coasting]

Honestly could care less about power backup for the computers. If my laptops going to die and I'm going to loose what I'm working on, it will do it and have a melt down when the power still works.

We have one of those power booster pack thingers you linked there haha.
But I just want something small enough that it wont get in the way with the minimal space we have beside the couch and tank (where everything is plugged in) that will automatically keep running the powerhead when nobody is home. Then when they get home they plug it into the battery pack car charger thinger....

I figured the UPS would work perfectly, could mount it to the wall or side of the stand or something. But clearly I know nothing so..... lol