Anyone use a UPS?

[Enki]

UPS = Uninterruptible Power Supply, not the package people.

For those unfamiliar with these devices, it is essentially a surge protector/power strip with a battery backup, which kicks in when the power goes out. Depending on the load and size of the battery, they can run a computer for 10 minutes to a few hours.

We use a few of them on some essential computer systems here at my office, and I was wondering if anyone uses them on their aquariums.

Seems like it could provide some peace of mind to those of us who live in areas where a power outage or five over the course of the winter is typical.

BTW this is a great forum! I have learned a lot over the last couple of days reading through old posts! Thanks!

 

[gooyferret]

Enki havent ever seen them before although i havent ever looked either. I work at a home improvement center ill have to check into that. How much do they run do you have any idea im sure they are a bit expensive?

 

[Enki]

They are not cheap, low end hovers just below $200us. www.staples.com has a selection. They are mostly made for computers and other electronics.

 

[Capt.Gorilla]

I own a small 300v electric generator (like a giant battery), I had to use it when I was hit with a hurricane and had no power for a week!
You can usuallt find these at canadian tire, but becuase you live in the states check your hardware stores.

 

[e-cat]

that would be nice too have setup on my tank for safty reasons

 

[Kerrinne]

I don't imagine why you couldn't use a UPS system for an aquarium setup, though they are specifically geared with computers in mind (protecting sensitive chips and what not). I think buying a UPS for an aquarium might be the most costly way about this though, as Capt mentioned there are cheaper alternatives to have backup power. If you have the money to burn though, set fire to those pants!

 

[fishfreek]

If you look in the DIY section you might fine some suggestions on ways to build your own with marine batteries and a 12V charger.

The UPS devices are mostly built for electronics like PC's and other networking equipment and thus are not really rated to hold things like heaters for aprolonged period of time.

 

[cowfish7]

In a catalog APC sends out, they included a story about a guy who did just that - ran his tanks off a UPS during a blackout. A very good idea. I was surprised, though, when we lost power for a few days, my 29 gal and 10 gal actually survived with no losses (I wrapped them with blankies, it was winter!).

 

[ferret]

To add to fishfreek's post.. UPS systems aren't meant to sustain anything for a long period of time (Some last longer than others though). They're main purpose with computer systems (Mainly servers) is to give the operator time to save all the data and shut the machine down safely before the battery runs out. I'd note though that unless it was really cold and your heater was constantly on, it would work just fine on an aquarium to my knowledge. Most major computer systems use way above 300 watts, so most heaters aren't going to come close to that usage.

 

[Madame_X]

I have all three of my tank filters on a UPS. I got scared after I heard all the horror stories from the folks who lost fish during the big east coast power outage. I decided my fish needed it more than my computer did!

You can buy them MUCH cheaper than $200, though. The smaller units that are intended for use on a single workstation (rather than the larger units for servers) are only around $40-$50, or less if you don't care about the brand name.