alittlemark Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 So I lost power for about 4 hours last night. I ended up running an extension cord from the running car (which has a 120v plug in it) to a Koralia powerhead in the tank. I figured that moving the water around, and disturbing the surface of the water somewhat was going to be better than nothing. The car didn't put out enough amps to power the recirculating pump. The tank is 90gal so I wasn't too worried about the temperature falling too far, too fast. I am wondering, what would you have done in this case? I probably would have gone to something more drastic if I thought that the power outage was going to last longer, but I really don't know what that would be. Things seem to be back to normal and healthy this morning. Crisis averted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arminius Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 APS battery backup for the low wattage pumps. Saved me once a long time ago. A nearly dead calm sea must happen sometime in the wild though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimberlee Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 A generator is on my purchase list for this winter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PowderBlue Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 +1 on the battery backup, I have one also, I would let my tank sit for a while (maybe an hour or 2) then run only the necessities with the backup so it can last as long as possible. You would be surprised how long a tank can sit stagnate. My 90 sat with no lights or flow for almost 6 hours when it tripped a breaker and everything was fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gill Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 I think it depends on your setup IE your stocking list, but sounds to me like you did the right thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoralCrazy Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 This happens to us every year. The pud hates me because I call non stop until its fixed. I've learned not to stress out anymore because my tank always makes it. Think the longest was 6 hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stylaster Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 i have an apc 1500 server back up that i use, and it works great keeps the ehiem pump running for about 8 hours, beyond that i have battery powered airpumps too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrett Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 +1 on how its stocked too, ive had the power go out two seperate times for a few hours wih no ill effects. Now Upscales when a pump on the fish system broke the foot long queen trigger sucked all the oxygen out of her tank in a few hours. Sad caused i loved that fish. But yeah as long as you dont got any monster fish a few hours wont kill. Im going to look into those battery back ups though. You did better then i wouldve in that situation fast thinking running the cord from car, wouldve sucked though if you kiled your battery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
batchelor Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 I have a small generator that i got from harbor freight for under a hundred bucks, it will power a heater and a powerhead until it runs out of gas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tanktop74 Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 i bought a honda generator that i will use if needed as a back up. Will run heater and pumps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrett Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 On a side note doesnt the apex controller energy bar hold extra power for a powrr outage, i dont have it anymore but if i remember can run a pump for a few hours in emergencies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollermonkey Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 I have a couple of battery powered air pumps with tubing and airstones. So far, that's my only back up equipment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derbird Posted October 18, 2012 Share Posted October 18, 2012 Last time we had a big power outage I stayed up all night with the tanks. I didn't have any back ups or batterie air pumps so I spent all night taking the pasta strainer in and out of the water to get oxygen in the tank. It worked and kept my salt and fresh tanks alive for eight hours. Batterie air pumps are a must for this winter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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