Anyone ever use a PC Battery Backup on their setup?
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I use an APC 950 for my return pump only. It must be a true sine wave, or your pump might not work. It buys me a few hours for me to get home & hook up my generator. I think it's great. The best option is to get a power converter & hook up 2 marine batteries to that. That will give you 24 hours at least. You have to worry about air circulation, however, so I didn't go that route. Also, get a battery powered air pump to get by a day or 2.
Ralph
Ralph
The sine wave is a news to me, but I've been using a APC SMART 700 UPS for 3+ years and no problems.
It is hit or miss and varies greatly on the motor being pushed itself. I can tell you that you do risk damaging unregulated power supplies with a modified sine. Regulated power supplies do much better and that is what most computers have so many computer UPS systems use a modified sine. Pumps don't have a regulated power supply so an "unclean" sine wave can likely shorten the life of the pump. How much if any I have no idea. I would say never run a variable speed motor on a modified sine... that is seriously asking for trouble.
http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR900">http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR900</a>
Ive used this one for over a year with no problem. Power only went out twice though for under a minute each time
Ive used this one for over a year with no problem. Power only went out twice though for under a minute each time
I use a http://www.tripplite.com/products/product.cfm?productID=2949">TrippLite 1500VA UPS</a>, which has a true sine wave output, separate banks for shutting down loads at different battery levels, and the ability to daisy chain extra battery capacity.
Most UPS create a square wave or a "modified sine wave", which means the sine wave looks like a stair-step, instead of a smooth wave. Pumps rely on the magnetic engergy being in a certain place at a certain time, caused by a sine wave. Using a modified sine wave will cause things not to line up correctly, causing the pump to "chatter", wearing on the bearings and generally just not run well.
[IMG]http://www.backwoodssolar.com/catalog/images/waveform.gif" alt="" />
However, if you're looking for a short term fix, any UPS will work. Losing a $15 powerhead vs. several thousand dollars in livestock is a no-brainer.
And the best use of a UPS in my opinion is just a tunze or similarly low-wattage powerhead in the tank. You're only looking to keep water moving, increasing oxygenation. The lower the wattage rating on the powerhead, the longer your UPS will last. In an emergency situation, you only need water movement, not 50x turnover... Heat would be nice, but that'll drain your UPS faster than you can say "I need more battery..."
Most UPS create a square wave or a "modified sine wave", which means the sine wave looks like a stair-step, instead of a smooth wave. Pumps rely on the magnetic engergy being in a certain place at a certain time, caused by a sine wave. Using a modified sine wave will cause things not to line up correctly, causing the pump to "chatter", wearing on the bearings and generally just not run well.
[IMG]http://www.backwoodssolar.com/catalog/images/waveform.gif" alt="" />
However, if you're looking for a short term fix, any UPS will work. Losing a $15 powerhead vs. several thousand dollars in livestock is a no-brainer.
And the best use of a UPS in my opinion is just a tunze or similarly low-wattage powerhead in the tank. You're only looking to keep water moving, increasing oxygenation. The lower the wattage rating on the powerhead, the longer your UPS will last. In an emergency situation, you only need water movement, not 50x turnover... Heat would be nice, but that'll drain your UPS faster than you can say "I need more battery..."
I use an APC 1500 but the main pump, lighting, and heater on surge only outlets. I have the powerheads on the backup and would add a bubble maker in the event of a power outage.
I understand that the main pump, lighting, heater, skimmer, etc would drain the battery incredibly fast and if the power goes out, at least I will have water movement, natural rock filtration, and air. It would take a long time for 155G to cool down (and heat back up) but if the power was out too long, the heater would go back in if it got too cold.
Hope this logic works and I never have to test it. :yes:
I understand that the main pump, lighting, heater, skimmer, etc would drain the battery incredibly fast and if the power goes out, at least I will have water movement, natural rock filtration, and air. It would take a long time for 155G to cool down (and heat back up) but if the power was out too long, the heater would go back in if it got too cold.
Hope this logic works and I never have to test it. :yes:
