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Hey guys ... How big a generator would I need to run my 120 reef? 2 vortechs? Skimmer. Pumps and all?
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Generator
- Thread starter snowmansnow
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Light wattage? pump/s wattage?
I'd invest in a Vortech Battery backup as well. That will cover 99% of all power outages, which are usually short in duration. Plus, it is seamless when the power goes out. You are covered if you aren't home when the power goes out.
Keep the generator for those longer outages. I would think a generator in the 2 kilowatt range would cover you, if you are lighting with Halides. IIRC, don't most generators run continuously at about 80% of rated output, so a 2KW generator wold operate at about 1600 continuous?
Keep the generator for those longer outages. I would think a generator in the 2 kilowatt range would cover you, if you are lighting with Halides. IIRC, don't most generators run continuously at about 80% of rated output, so a 2KW generator wold operate at about 1600 continuous?
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The electrical guys will jump in for sure but one might have to consider start up wattage as well. Maybe not on a 120 though.:unsure:
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I do have a ecotech backup... But out here it's ye 3-5 day outs that kill reefs.
2 mp40
Mag 9.5
BubbleKing mini 200
7x 48" t5
Osmolator
I think that's about it
2 mp40
Mag 9.5
BubbleKing mini 200
7x 48" t5
Osmolator
I think that's about it
As Grouper stated it is based on the total wattage you want to run. With a good generator you can use a service factor of 8. Basically that means take thar wattage you want to run, divide by 0.8 and make sure the generator is sized at least to that rating. On the smaller (and cheaper) generators I am not sure I would derate it more than 0.9 though. Also, some generators are rated in watts but most are rated in KW. 1 KW equals 1000 watts.
SnowManSnow;819981 wrote: Hey guys ... How big a generator would I need to run my 120 reef? 2 vortechs? Skimmer. Pumps and all?
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As big as it takes....
Look at all of the equipment you have and make a list in watts
If they are listed in amps convert them to watts. Add all of them up and get one to fit your needs. Then check your fridge and freezer make sure its big enough to run one of those. More than likely they will pull more and you could run your tank while not loosing any food. Also if your furnace is gas you can use it to run the blower to have heat.
The other options after that are doable but require electrical knowledge that should not be attempted by some. Not dissing you . Just saying generators are great when used correctly. Then when finished make sure to drain all of the gas and then run it til it runs out of gas to protect the carb from the great gas we have.
All motor, no matter the voltage have a much higher starting current as compared to full load current. Why, the force required to create the inertia to start it moving is much higher than that which is required to keep it moving. But on fractional horsepower that is minimal and a not a big concern here. Any non motor loads will not have a higher start up current.
SnowManSnow;819987 wrote: I do have a ecotech backup... But out here it's ye 3-5 day outs that kill reefs.
2 mp40
Mag 9.5
BubbleKing mini 200
7x 48" t5
Osmolator
I think that's about it
The T5 lamps are 54 watts each plus a bit for the ballast load. So that is less than 400 watts. The other stuff should have ratings on the nameplates. I would bet a 1000 watt would do fine but I would buy a 1500.
I have a Honda EU2000 and haven't had to use it, but it's plenty to keep a tank going for a bit. I do like how quiet these generators are. It's pricier than other 2000 watt generators, but living in an apartment, it wouldn't be noticed by neighbors so much, I originally bought it for an outdoor wedding and it wasn't noticed 100 feet away.
+1
Think about other needs. If you are going to spend the money make sure it will do what you want.
I bought a 3500 at hd because it was on sell in march and only used it one time about 8hrs this year... camping... we were doing a service project and needed some grinders, sanders and a floor blower. But i have it if needed.
Think about other needs. If you are going to spend the money make sure it will do what you want.
I bought a 3500 at hd because it was on sell in march and only used it one time about 8hrs this year... camping... we were doing a service project and needed some grinders, sanders and a floor blower. But i have it if needed.
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I bought a power mate 6000 from HD about 5 years ago and I use it for hunting, fishing, camping and to keep tanks going and if its cold outside it will run my tanks and a couple of space heaters. It wasn't very expensive but I do regular maintence yearly. Change oil and spark plug when needed and I crank it every couple myths and I let it run for 30 mins and shut it down and cover up in garage. I keep a can of spray starter fluid, a qt of oil and a spark plug in a box next to it and a 5 gallon pail with a few 50 ft extension cords and a couple power strips all together so if I get in a hurry I have in ready to go.
A little more wattage than you need will help if you need to add any other household items.
You never know when the powers out and you want to use a hair dryer, heater,freezer, and refrigerator going. I would suggest looking at one with a large gas tank to cut down on refills.
The one I have is 5 gallons and will run from 8-11 hrs depending on how much I have plugged in.
A little more wattage than you need will help if you need to add any other household items.
You never know when the powers out and you want to use a hair dryer, heater,freezer, and refrigerator going. I would suggest looking at one with a large gas tank to cut down on refills.
The one I have is 5 gallons and will run from 8-11 hrs depending on how much I have plugged in.
reefkeeper
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For the short outages, all you need is water movement and oxygen. I use a Battery Backup APC UPS and a couple of battery operated Air Pumps with air stones.
I have a high flow power head plugged into the APC and UPS last's for hours. I have a Generator for long period outages. It's a 4500 watt generator.
I have a high flow power head plugged into the APC and UPS last's for hours. I have a Generator for long period outages. It's a 4500 watt generator.
You honestly cannot beat the Honda EU2000. They are small, light, INSANELY quiet, efficient and powerful. This is a genset that will power most any medium sized reef tank with ease.
The Honda EU gensets are the "Ecotech" / "Apex" of generators. Yes, they cost more but for those who have them, 99% of the time you will never hear a complaint.
Just something I thought I would mention with all the generator talk. If you feed any power into the existing sockets. Make sure your home is isolated from the grid. You wouldn't want to shock the linemen trying to repair the power. You also wouldn't want to power the neighborhood with your generator.
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If the generator is connected to the house electrical system this is EXTREMELY important. However, I would highly recommend NEVER connecting to the house electrical system unless it is done properly by a licensed electrical contractor. This is a life safety issue not only for those in the home but also the power company employees. Can't stress this enough.
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I'm glad you guys brought this up. People doing this results in many lineman deaths every year.
