Best Backup power option for loaded 210 reef?

[The Saltman]

Hi guys,

I'm looking into a backup power option for a 210 gallon reef. I want to know what is my best option for the $$$$. I don't want to invest in an entire home generator. I am only interested in backup power for my tank that will at peak run at close to 2000 watts for as long as possible. I need something that will switch on when I am not home though. What is my best option for the $$$?

Thanks

[snulma1]

You are talking about a generator at that point. Plus a switch. So money is going to fly. You could get away with a simple honda generator, but someone will have to be around to turn it on and refuel it.

[Kenzy]

I agree A UPS even for the bare minimum of pumps wouldn't enough.

For my 170g I run a 5000w generator that will also run my furnace,fridge/freezers and a couple of small circuits. I have to be home to start it, but its properly hooked up to a generator panel so all I have to do is throw a single switch.

The jump from what I did, to what you want isn't much. The only down fall is that I don't have the auto-start option, which in the last 7 years hasn't been a problem.

[46bfinGA]

Post up what you got Kenzy. Got any pics of your setup?

[yaktop]

you need an automatic switch and a generator with a battery and automatic start function. I think the smailest I could find was a 5KW, ended up with a 12KW and the whole house. used to have power failures before I installed it, a year and a half later havent had a one. go figure.

[reefkeeper2]

I have a battery backup that will run the 4 tunze pumps for about 12hrs. I have a generator for long term outages that I thankfully have not had to use yet.

[oyinbo]

Hey Reefkeeper2! What sort of battery backup do you have and where'd you get it? Cost?

Thanks!

[RBU1]

Emergency standby generators are the way to go. You dont need to be home for it to work. It runs on natural gas so you =dont have to worry about fuel. And it has a transfer switch that turns it self on and off when it sense a loss of power. I have a 16kw unit it does my 300 my 75 and most of my house. I LOVE IT.........Nothing like piece of mind in the event of a storm or power outage.

[yaktop]

16K wow, I have a 12K and most people thought that was overkill. got juice for the neighbors with that thing

totally agree but not everybody can allocate the cash for it but if you can its piece of mind. this thing would eseentially run forever if needed.

[RBU1]

Yeah I lucked out. A friend of mine has an alarm buisness. He wanted to get into being a dealer for Generac. He used my house as the model so to speak. All I had to pay was cost for the unit. Cant beat that........If you don't mind me asking what did you pay for the 12kw unit?

[thor32766]

I use a UPS for just my return dart pump.

[yaktop]

Originally posted by RBU1
Yeah I lucked out. A friend of mine has an alarm buisness. He wanted to get into being a dealer for Generac. He used my house as the model so to speak. All I had to pay was cost for the unit. Cant beat that........If you don't mind me asking what did you pay for the 12kw unit?

I was reseaching right after all the hurricans in la, fla, ms and read tons of issues with the Generac. They are the number seller in the states though and likley through outlets like Home Depot. They sell more so likely would have a total of more problems but I thought more reliable engine such as the B&S or Honda was a better way to go. Paid $3500 which was an awesome price for this unit, plus switch and installation.

[RBU1]

That is what I paid for the 16kw unit installed............

[yaktop]

thats a good deal but like you said, free installation. dont skip on maintainance though so it works when you need it.