RECOMMENDATIONS ON POWER BACKUP UNITS...

[Markstr]

We have power outages periodically and I'm thinking of getting one...
I heard that "APC" is good .....

 

[danmhippo]

We only use APC on our servers.

 

[jhaag]

What size is your tank and what are you thinking of putting on the UPS. Usually, it is recomended to only put "critical" devices on the UPS such as skimmer/return pumps so you can maximize the battery life. Depending on what all you plan to put on it and how many watts they are drawing, there are a lot of choices. If you have a larger tank and are drawing a lot of watts, I personally beleive APC is the only way to go. I wouldn't spend the extra money for a smartUPS version since the pumps aren't too sensitive to minor power spikes when switching to backup. If you are only trying to backup a smaller HOT skimmer like a Remora or CPR, then you can pretty much get away with whatever inexpensive unit you can find since they are only drawing about 30-40 watts. If you can give a little more detail about what all you plan on backing up (and the wattage if possible), I am sure that a lot of us here could help recommend a decent unit to go with. We also need to know how long the power is usually out. If it is a lot of 2-3 minute outages, that is completely different then if the power is regularly out for 30mins or more.

 

[jamesw]

Thanks for digging that up fishfarmer. Amazing what you can find on here, eh?

Cheers
James Wiseman

 

[kipreefer]

I got a DC/AC adapter fort a car from SAM's. It just kooks up to a car battery and it run the pump for my skimmer and my heaters for 3 hours and my car still started. It is a good cheap unit to use if you are home and you need a instant fix.

 

[Markstr]

This is a 90gal Reef w/ 2- 3/4" Seaswirls & spraybar on a closed loop system (Ampmaster 3000) & Running a skimmer as well (Mag 7)....
Other returns out of sump (Velocity T-4) external.
Sounds like the "APC 700 series" would be a good way to go.. Our power outages vary to spikes-
up to maybe an hour plus.........
SUGGESTIONS??????????????????????????????

 

[fishfarmer]

Check this link for backup power sources http://www.reefs.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=027922