Battery back up

[charile1]

Do you think a portable jump starter would work in case of an black out? All I would need is a AC/DC converter. Let me know if you think this would work.

I know I would need to be home to hook it up unlike the ups backup.

http://www.amjetmodem.com/jumpstarter1.html

 

[cali_reef]

Its not going to last too long running your normal pumps. A Tunze or maxijet may run few hours on one of those.

You are better off buying a computer backup pack (UPS), it is automatic. Just plug one or two of your powerhead to it, it will switch the power from AC to the built in battery pack when power goes out.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

i want to know also. i'm worried.

i wonder what is the smallest generator out there?

 

[charile1]

I thought this will last longer than the UPS. I guess not.

Scarf, I think generators are gas operatored...not sure if you want this in your apartment.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

actually i do.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Try this

http://www.compusa.com/adproducts/product_info.asp?pfp=cat3&product_code=298348&Pn=Back_UPS_1500_UPS

 

[scarf_ace1981]

what about this:

1000 Watt AC / DC Generator

Regular 120 volt AC, 60 hz household type output, but also 12 volt DC output for charging batteries too!

Breakthrough priced at $169!

• Continuous Output: 950 watts AC
• Maximum Output: 1000 watts AC
• AC Current: 8.3 Amps
• DC Current: 12V/10 Amps (120 Watts)

Here is the ideal generator, and at a great price, for the guy who needs AC power and would also like some DC power to be able to charge batteries. It even comes with a DC charging cable with alligator clips for charging car batteries. Ideal for emergency or camping power.

Can operate up to 8 hours on one 1.2 gallon refill.
Lowest Fuel Consumption Rate: 0.14 Gallon / hour (no load)
Simple operation with Manual choke lever and recoil start.
Compact and weighs just 47 pounds!

Please note: At this time, we are unable to ship this unit to California due to CA regulations.
More details:

• Single 64 cc cylinder, 2 HP Overhead Valve, 2 stroke air cooled engine
• Recoil starter, electronic ignition
• Requires Mixed Gasoline & Oil - 50:1 ratio
• Tank size 1.2 Gallon - Runs 8 hours on a full tank
• Brush less alternator for long service life
• Ball bearing construction
• Single 120 Volt 60 HZ AC outlet
• Single 12 Volt DC outlet
• Circuit breaker protected
• Rubber feet for less vibration
• Weighs approximately 47 lb.
• Measures 16”(L) x 13”(W) x 14”(H)
• 80 decibels noise @ 3.3 feet; 65 decibels @ 24 feet
• Certificate: EPA
• Engine Oil Warning System
• Automatic Voltage Regulator
• With fuel shut off and engine stop switch.
• Air filter can be cleaned and reused.

One year limited warranty (parts only)
Please note: Body color is black, but tank color may be Red, Blue or Yellow depending on available stock.
This item is not available to California customers due to CA regulations.
1000 Watt peak, 950 Watt Continuous AC / DC generator. - Price: $169

 

[charile1]

Thanks Chief.

Scarf, make sure you have good ventilation or you will die before the fish.

 

[masterswimmer]

scarf, I like the idea that the tiny little generator can charge 12v batteries as well. Currently I use an inverter with a deep cycle marine battery. If I can keep the marine battery charged with that little generator then I'd be good to go.

Pierce, any input on that scenario? I want your blessing.

swimmer

 

[scarf_ace1981]

i'll just be a little buzzzed that's all!:biglaugh:

 

[cali_reef]

I don't think you know how loud a 2 stroke engine is, no can run that in a house.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Carbon Monoxide will kill you and everyone else in the apartment and maybe even some of your neighbors, and it would be like having a lawnmower in your living room. Plus if you put it on your fire escape or terrace the CO has a great chance to get into the place causing serious physical injury and or death.

There was an incident during the blackout of a couple who had a generator and placed it on their deck to run some stuff in the house, they died from CO exposure.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

really, i didn't know about that. i guess it's back to the UPS.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Just an FYI for you.

 

[cali_reef]

scarf, I like the idea that the tiny little generator can charge 12v batteries as well. Currently I use an inverter with a deep cycle marine battery. If I can keep the marine battery charged with that little generator then I'd be good to go.

Pierce, any input on that scenario? I want your blessing.

swimmer

That is a cheap generator, I would get one just for back up and camping purpose (but I already have a 4,000W generator for that) .

Your plan of running some stuff on the inverter and use this to charge the battery sounds good, not sure how long it would take to charge the battery since they didn't list the MAX 12V amp. I can see you running the battery and inverter when the power first go out, pull the generator out to power the essential home appliance like refrigerators and charge the battery too, this will justify the reason for the generator with the wife. You can shut the generator off at night and just run on batteries for those extended power outages.

 

[cobysreef]

Guys, that generator will only work if your home to start it and if you have it filled it with gas, so how are you getting gas if theres a blackout like the one we had a few years ago that went for days. The gas pumps wont work and are you going to store many gallons of gas in your garage just in case. thats even more dangerous!
I am in construction of a 265 gallon reef/fish tank with a 115 gallon sump, thats 380 gallons that I need to keep running in the event of a blackout. I lost many corals and fish in our last blackout and i will not let that happen again. My solution is expensive but will be worth in comparison to the loss I had. A natural gas generator that works off your home gas line. In the event the electricity goes out, the natural gas generator kicks on for as long as the blackout is in effect. Days or weeks, this thing will keep it powered and will shut itself down once power is regained by good old Con Ed. Ill give you the link and you guys figure out what consumption you would need. Im powering the tank and refrigerator/freezer.

http://www.nextag.com/natural-gas-home-generator/search-html

 

[cali_reef]

1. Us UPS for short term..
2. Fire up the generator when you get home
3. Siphon gas out of your car(s) if the generator runs out of it.

Not everyone can afford a natural gas generator (minimum 3K plus installation and rewiring @ another $1-2K the last time I looked) or have the space for one(size of a small refrigerator).

 

[scarf_ace1981]

you ain't kidding coby that's a lot of green.

 

[Reefer420]

wow really cool w/ that natural gas generator!

the gas generator is much too loud for any apartment! I guess the fumes would work if you put it outside on a porch, but you would get complaints within 5 mins!

I think I will be sticking with the budget battery operated airstone- $10.99 is about the extent of my budget right now, sigh

 

[scarf_ace1981]

would you be able to put the UPS on a timer so it turns on every 15 mins? would that be too long?