The point I was attempting to make was:
You can keep a reef tank from crashing for 6-9 hours without a generator (unless perhaps it is really overstocked).
I have a natural gas log fireplace for heat, which requires no power. Buckets, small battery powered pumps, etc. for circulation & aeration.
I could hook up a UPS (battery type Uninterruptible Power Supply) to these and automate it all too. That's a much smarter investment for short term emergencies, IMO.
FWIW-
Generators require fuel. Unless you get one that runs off of your natural gas line, or maybe propane, you will have to manage keeping a fairly large amount of gasoline on hand. That in itself presents it's own problems. You also have to be there to hook it up and run it. There are some that automate the changeover, but they typically cost thousands of dollars (yes I know there are ways around that too, but it's still expensive and/or too complex for the average consumer).
An Apex is a computer designed specifically to automate the operation of an aquarium, depending on the options and accessories you buy to go with it.
As far as the generator goes, you are looking at buying an asset that you will likely never use (for the aquarium anyway).
In a worst case scenario, like an ice storm or tornado, that generator will not likely save your reef anyway. You'll run out of fuel after a couple of days, unless you run a gas station and it has it's own generator to run the fuel pumps so you can get it out of the ground.
I looked at this from every conceivable point and realized there are other things to buy that will be of MUCH greater benefit to me and my system.
I know there are some that will argue my position, but I've been in the hobby 40 years in both Florida & Georgia and never yet regretted not having a generator (knock on wood
You can keep a reef tank from crashing for 6-9 hours without a generator (unless perhaps it is really overstocked).
I have a natural gas log fireplace for heat, which requires no power. Buckets, small battery powered pumps, etc. for circulation & aeration.
I could hook up a UPS (battery type Uninterruptible Power Supply) to these and automate it all too. That's a much smarter investment for short term emergencies, IMO.
FWIW-
Generators require fuel. Unless you get one that runs off of your natural gas line, or maybe propane, you will have to manage keeping a fairly large amount of gasoline on hand. That in itself presents it's own problems. You also have to be there to hook it up and run it. There are some that automate the changeover, but they typically cost thousands of dollars (yes I know there are ways around that too, but it's still expensive and/or too complex for the average consumer).
An Apex is a computer designed specifically to automate the operation of an aquarium, depending on the options and accessories you buy to go with it.
As far as the generator goes, you are looking at buying an asset that you will likely never use (for the aquarium anyway).
In a worst case scenario, like an ice storm or tornado, that generator will not likely save your reef anyway. You'll run out of fuel after a couple of days, unless you run a gas station and it has it's own generator to run the fuel pumps so you can get it out of the ground.
I looked at this from every conceivable point and realized there are other things to buy that will be of MUCH greater benefit to me and my system.
I know there are some that will argue my position, but I've been in the hobby 40 years in both Florida & Georgia and never yet regretted not having a generator (knock on wood
