Battery Backup Pump

[IfoundNemo]

I'm thinking about getting one just incase the power goes out during a storm. Anyone using this?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...3494&subref=AD

[Clown Monarch]

I have 2 battery backup air pumps. Haven't had to use them yet but I've tested them and they work well.

I can't tell you why that one is worth $59 while the ones I have cost $5 each. I'd find that out first.

[IfoundNemo]

Originally Posted by Clown Monarch

I can't tell you why that one is worth $59 while the ones I have cost $5 each. I'd find that out first.

Where did you get your, and are they rechargable?

[greenfish]

I have one of these:
Silent Air B11 Battery Back-up Pump

Works great. Not rechargable but much cheaper than the one you linked to from Dr. Fosters & Smith.

[Clown Monarch]

Here's the one I got:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...373381365&rd=1

The batteries aren't rechargeable but that really shouldn't be an issue. I have a package of alkaline D batteries ready if I ever need to use it. I think it says it'll run up to 72 hours on (2) D batteries.

Not really a situation where you'd want rechargeable batteries.

[Clown Monarch]

Oh, that's why it costs so much more - it switches to battery if the power goes out. Mine are manual units that I have to plop in the tank if the power goes out.

Might be worth the additional cash depending on your situation. Personally, I don't want bubbles in my tank all the time.

[wishbone]

why not get something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...767034210&rd=1

and backup more than just the airpump?

[Clown Monarch]

I'm not sure, wishbone, but I think those computer battery-backup units are designed to last a pitiful few minutes on battery - essentially enough time to save your work and quit.

Don't quote me on that though.

[wishbone]

Originally Posted by Clown Monarch

I'm not sure, wishbone, but I think those computer battery-backup units are designed to last a pitiful few minutes on battery - essentially enough time to save your work and quit.

Don't quote me on that though.

Too late.. Actually they're designed to run for ~20 minutes at 300watts. They have different kinds, but most do 20min at rated wattage. You could also run more than just an air pump on it.

Most of the aquatic gear we run is far less than 300watts so you would most likely get even more time out of it. How much of an outage are you guys expecting?!?

[Clown Monarch]

Well, let's see. About 5-6 years ago I lost power for 5 days in the dead of winter. That was a bad one.

My electric company is really bad. It'll be a calm spring day, 70 degrees, not a cloud in the sky - suddenly the power goes out for 5 hours. I wish I were exaggerating but I'm not.

I think they've improved though. I've had only 1 outage in the past 10 months and it only lasted about 30 seconds - course it came at 3am...

[wishbone]

Actually I need to correct myself, the ones I own last that long, but it appears the cheaper ones are more of an average of 10-15 minutes. Although $60 will get you one that will last 20min+

wow.. days?!? that's crazy. Well yeah, then that won't work for you. =)

[Clown Monarch]

Yes, my electric company is right at the top of the list in several areas; they have the most undependable electric service in the country AND the highest electric rates.

But who am I to say that a meter-reader shouldn't be paid $38 an hour...

[Toirtis]

Get serious and buy one of these babies...and run your lights, filter and heater (and a couple of table lamps and your computer, too), too:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortmen...=1113848041216

[IfoundNemo]

Originally Posted by wishbone

why not get something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...767034210&rd=1

and backup more than just the airpump?

I know one that would back up the whole house, it is called natural gas "generartor" but it costs from 8K - 10K to have it install .

[Toirtis]

Originally Posted by IfoundNemo

I know one that would back up the whole house, it is called natural gas "generartor" but it costs from 8K - 10K to have it install .

The one in my post is capable of several appliances, and runs only $200.

[greenfish]

The air pump I linked to in my post cost $10. It automatically kicks in when the power goes out. You just need to make sure to have some extra batteries on hand in case of extended outage. Cheap insurance if you ask me. I'd love to have a generator but there is no way I could justify the cost of it. I guess if I had a huge reef tank I might feel differently.