how do I determine which generator I need?

[james1990]

Im not so good with electrical and the lingo, so what is a simple way I can determine which generator I would need to run my entire setup?

 

[thirty6]

setup meaning your tank or your home?

i think generac has a tool on the site that caluclates what total watt unit would serve you best.... we were talking about this earlier today at work, i think im finally going to give in and buy one. peace of mind is what your buying and in long run, use it once its worth every penny imo

 

[jaa1456]

Not sure if you are looking for a portable one or a stationary generator. But I wasn't aware that Generac makes portables. If portable I would go with the Honda, small and compact and quiet.

 

[masterswimmer]

Add up the total watts of all the appliances you'll be running on the generator, add 20% to that total, and you'll have the size generator you need to buy. No rocket science involved.

Russ

 

[kres1024]

Take a look at the sportsman propane generators ,their a bit quiter than the gas ones ..

 

[CoralReefer]

+1 on Honda if you aren't looking to power the house. In economy mode the tank will last all day and very quiet.

 

[Cibo]

I bought on at costco 7500/9000 peek it can run my house and my tank & pond without a problem!

 

[Custom05Taco]

Add up the total watts of all the appliances you'll be running on the generator, add 20% to that total, and you'll have the size generator you need to buy. No rocket science involved.

Russ

+1
The easiest way to figure out watts is with a kilowatt meter. You can buy one a home depot

http://reviews.homedepot.com/1999/100396600/kill-a-watt-reviews/reviews.htm

 

[james1990]

I want to run my entire tank system.

LEDs, triton3 pump, maxi jet 900, heater, nac6 skimmer, jbj ATO, aqua lifter, MP10

Doesn't seem like much power

 

[Custom05Taco]

Where are you in long island I have a kilowatt meter you can borrow it will tell you exactly how much power it uses. It actually tells you how much your tank costs to run. Per day/month/year.

 

[jcdeng]

I want to run my entire tank system.

LEDs, triton3 pump, maxi jet 900, heater, nac6 skimmer, jbj ATO, aqua lifter, MP10

Doesn't seem like much power

if its only for your tank system, then any portable generator will do as I don't think your entire system can go over 1000watts. As mentioned above, Honda eu2000i is good and quiet and you might be able to hook up the house fridge too aside from the tank system.

From my research Yamaha ef2000is is better and more durable than the Honda. And if you want to know how loud they are you can search the exact model number on youtube.

 

[james1990]

i will be upgrading my tank within a year so what im trying to accomplish is getting a oversized generator that will easily take the needs of running my system and maybe a few fans and what not. I already have a 3700 for my fridge and what not but im pretty sure adding my tank system too it will be too much.

so what am I generally looking into? something between 2000-4000 watts?

 

[james1990]

thanks for all the replies. Im sure there are others looking at this thread with this big storm hitting the east coast.

FYI mrsaltwatertanktv posted a video regarding this.

 

[james1990]

what about these battery powered backups for pc's and such?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=106

 

[kres1024]

Check out sportsman propane gen better than any Honda or Yamaha

 

[E.intheC]

The Honda generators are $$$$ too..

 

[tangy84]

I didn't buy any generators but I went to pep boys and I bought a car booster with ac and dc power plugs. If I don't use i, it's going back. If I use it, it's still going back

 

[MikeC]

Just don't run delicate electronics with the generator like a Nepune Apex.
I found out the hard way.

 

[Koolaidreef]

srry to hijack, but is there a cheap generator to only run the tank? and is ther another solution rather than a generator. i can already feel the wind ...

 

[Weicowireman]

Chances are you will not be able to find a generator right now. Chances are you wont find a store open roght now either. Just hang tight you will be alright.

My jeep has a power inverter built in. I have a long extension cord and lots of extra fuses along with a full tank of gas.