Generator

[ari5736]

Having heard some horror stories with this last storm I am interested in buying a generator before the next power outage. How do I figure out the proper size generator for my tanks? Do I just add the wattage of all equipment and get the corresponding size generator?

 

[House of Laughter]

I would shoot for a 15 or 20 amp generator. inevitably, you'll want to add your refridge to that when this stuff happens. Then you'll want to add one light so you can see etc

HD had 3500w units for $600 right in front - surprised they had any left.

Chain saws were all sold out - no surprise

Depending on voltage, it can differ, but generally speaking - 1 amp - 110 watts

House

 

[KathyC]

Some things you want to keep in mind...
1- you do not have to run every bell & whistle on the tank when the power is out
2- concentrate on what power you need to run the heater/s & powerheads first
3- my furnace is hooked up to the power from my whole house generator - so that I will have heat myself, and keeps the tanks warmer
4- The circuit the A/C is on for the tanks is also hooked to the generator box -I have a room A/C to keep my tanks cool as they are all in the same room. Since the power doesn't only go off in the winter time
5- my fridge is also hooked up to that box (my system has a special box..wired to the breakers that need to be operated by the generator), so I will have food and not lose all in my freezer, including my frozen fish foods
6- I also have my koi pond (2,000g) wired to it along with the big TV in the living room (that caused an argument..lol) and my FW tanks upstairs.

While I can't tell you the size of my generator I recall it cost about $550, and the box that runs all the specific circuits cost about $150,so I only have to turn on the generator and flick a switch and I have power... but the peace of mind is priceless

My point is you may want to look further than just the tanks.

 

[JBOOGIE196]

i just got power back last night from thursday i live in orange couny now. have a 5500 watt troy built had no problems at all powered up my heat light tanks both fridge cable tv xbox ps3 lol everything. hd has a husky 1850 watt that works real good to i have 2 of thoose like 500$ each after tax great buy.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

Home Depot also has a Husky 3750 watt for 599 not a bad deal am picking up one next week so when the winter comes I'll be prepared.

 

[House of Laughter]

That's the one I was referring to. Great unit. I got it a few years ago and have used it without failure and I have lost power at least once per year

House

Home Depot also has a Husky 3750 watt for 599 not a bad deal am picking up one next week so when the winter comes I'll be prepared.

 

[ari5736]

Thanks for the advice everyon. One of my tanks is in my office, and while there I don't have the concern of powering the rest of the office, an outside portable generator I could see getting stolen. You can't run these inside, so I am wondering if there is an alternative asided from sleeping in my office with a shotgun waiting for the tank power/generator to go.

 

[albano]

so I am wondering if there is an alternative aside from sleeping in my office with a shotgun waiting for the tank power/generator to go.

http://www.indoor-generator.com/v2_whole_house_units.html

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Get a UPS and hook up a deep cycle marine battery to it instead of the internal battery that is included with it.

 

[ari5736]

Get a UPS and hook up a deep cycle marine battery to it instead of the internal battery that is included with it.

Come again? I know what a UPS is but how would I hook it up to a deep cycle marine battery? Is it rechargeable? What size battery if they come in different sizes that is What wattage aquarium equipment can it run and how long can I expect to run it. Know anybody who has run this successfully as a back-up.

Love your avatar btw.