Major Storm coming, make preparations

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02-01-2011, 07:01 AM
Post #1: jimsflies

Sounds like you got it pretty covered Tom. Unless you are on a vacation when something happens, you'd have plenty of time to get a generator going. Water circulation will buy you time.
02-01-2011, 08:36 AM
Post #2: creefer
Quote:
Originally Posted by CalmSeasQuest

We live in an area (Green Oak) that typically loses power several times a year. While I have "intended" to install a hole-house generator for years - It's not been done yet. At present I use a multi-level power out plan

2 MP-40s on a Vortech battery backup maintain water movement in both tanks for about 15 hours
a 1400VAC UPS keeps the main pump, heater, controller, router and cable modem running for about an hour
a 7000 Watt gasoline generator provides protection if the outage lasts longer than an hour. I installed a waterproof 220 plug on the exterior of the house which runs into a separate breaker.
The controller is configured to email and text me in the event of a power outage (and when power is restored.) This "hopefully" provides enough time for me to get home, get the generator started, plugged in and then trip the mains and energize the generator circuit which feeds the entire house.

7K watts is enough to maintain the tanks and functions throughout the house (pretty much everything except the A/C) including the 220 well pump. The UPS also does a good of of "power conditioning" (it kicks in during low voltage/brown-out situations to provide a constant voltage.)

The major weakness of this system is it relies on me getting home to get the generator online. A Natural Gas powered whole generator with automatic switching would be a vastly better solution as it would require no user intervention.
That's pretty much my protocol as well with the exception of the UPS (have not picked one up yet) and the vortechs because I don't use them. When inclement weather conditions arise, I call the house frequently to determine if we have power or not. If not, I run home, fire up the generator, and head back to work. I have yet to bite the bullet on the whole house natural gas generator with the automatic transfer switch. Had I done that I would have had no money for the tank!:)
02-01-2011, 10:52 AM
Post #3: Heidi

So after reading this thread, it sounds like water circulation and heat are the 2 main issues you need to watch in case of a power outage. I am wondering if it would be as easy as hooking the power for those two up to a rv battery (or similar) with a dc to ac converter. Anyone use this "getto" sounding method?
02-01-2011, 11:41 AM
Post #4: 2pairs

I feel like one of the lucky ones, I live less than 1/4 mile from the substation so power doesn't go out very often but it does happen.
For short term I have 2 battery jump starts for a car and 2 inverters and with them I am set for about 4 hrs. After that it is time to pull out one of 2 portable generators if it is going to be more than a day with 2 portable generators I can power most of the house and all of my tanks.
For most people I would suggest a small portable generator, They can be bought all over for about $100 and that is cheep insurance for your tank and your house.

Here is hoping for no problems.
02-01-2011, 11:56 AM
Post #5: jimsflies

BTW- here is an article that I wrote last Spring.

Backup Your Reef
02-01-2011, 11:59 AM
Post #6: jolson10450

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heidi

So after reading this thread, it sounds like water circulation and heat are the 2 main issues you need to watch in case of a power outage. I am wondering if it would be as easy as hooking the power for those two up to a rv battery (or similar) with a dc to ac converter. Anyone use this "getto" sounding method?

many people use this method believe it or not! it works out great! it lasts sometimes 2-3 days depending on the power required to put on it. if you just have an old boat battery (because you rarely use boats in the winter) many just use that and charge it up good so it is ready to go for when it storms. then after you simply just recharge it.

i just use a battery powered air pump for my tank (also use it for fishing in my minnow bucket) but my power rarely goes out. i think last year with all of the storms and tornados my power went out 1 time and only for 3-4 seconds. my girlfriend however who lives 1/2 mile away, hers goes out every single storm lol so i got the lucky end of the deal with the power outages. i told her i would never move there due to that and me having reef tanks lol!

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