Eheims operating on Back-up Batteries

[Oosh]

I've run a UPS for some time now, picked up cheap because the battery was old(er), and has now failed. Had to steal the battery from my motorbike in a recent power outage.

Some articles of interest for you all:
Dan's Data: The DIY (or, if you must, "Ghetto") UPS
Dan's Data: Upgrade your UPS!

I'll be doing pretty much as described in that second article now my battery is dead.

 

[HarleyK]

would that be 53 minutes????

Yes, 53 min for an 80 Watt pump

good job on the time breakdows.. how close was it to the watts vs time breakdown on the box?

Was "up to 60 min" (see box). Actual time is obvious dependent on wattage used.


BTW: the ones I use have the best minutes/dollar ratio. If you get bigger units, they cost more because they have additional equipment that protects computer electronics, but that's overkill for an aquarium pump. As for duration, I'll connect two and post if time doubles...

HarleyK

 

[HarleyK]

As for duration, I'll connect two and post if time doubles...

FYI, connecting two back-up batteries in series does not work. When running on their own power, the two batteries create fluctations, causing the filter motor to rattle every 4 sec. This is not a viable option. I even tried using a more expensive unit with automatic voltage regulator.

 

[Jgray152]

I would much rather get a power inverter and hook it up to my vehicle and run the car for as long as I need to. Plug a batt charger into the PI to charge a couple large 12v batterys and if you need to leave, just hook the inverter up to the batteries in the room...

 

[Tom_cullen]

Howdy,

The contents of canister filters go bad during prolonged power outages. A few hours later the power comes back on, and toxic decomposition products are washed into the tank...but not any longer!

Here's how to bridge short power outages and delay the effects of longer outages:

I bought back-up batteries from a computer/electronics store, charged them, and tried them out on my tanks. One each powered my

• Eheim 2080 (30 Watts) for 1:42 hours
• Eheim 2217 (20 Watts) for 2:37 hours

I also have battery-powered air pumps plugged into the back-up batteries. They turn on when the CyberPower is drained, and they aerate the tank for the rest of the day. By then I'm home, rinse the canister media, and take further action (click HERE).

But most power outages are so short, that the CyberPower can bridge them, and my fish never even know that the power went out

HarleyK

great write up, i tihnk its a fantastic idea i'll be looking into one got my pro 3 x

 

[Bosa]

awesome idea, i'm going to pick one up for my tank. I was actually trying to think of a way to use solar panels, im sure someone has already thought of that. Maybe they can fill us in on that DIY project where you can have a tank system self sufficient on solar panels...

 

[HarleyK]

I would much rather get a power inverter and hook it up to my vehicle and run the car for as long as I need to. Plug a batt charger into the PI to charge a couple large 12v batterys and if you need to leave, just hook the inverter up to the batteries in the room...

No doubt that a fuel-powered system can provide more long-term potential. Car or generator (see my link), doesn't make a difference. But: These batteries kick in anytime they're needed, i.e. at night or when I'm not at home, which is the whole point.

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

No doubt that a fuel-powered system can provide more long-term potential. Car or generator (see my link), doesn't make a difference. But: These batteries kick in anytime they're needed, i.e. at night or when I'm not at home, which is the whole point.

Love this thread. Another thing to consider when going gas generator power is the NOISE! I used this method once but it was so loud that eventually for my neighbors sake I had to turn it off. No worries thou the fish were fine!

 

[HarleyK]

Love this thread. Another thing to consider when going gas generator power is the NOISE! I used this method once but it was so loud that eventually for my neighbors sake I had to turn it off. No worries thou the fish were fine!

LOL, that's right. But you can make friends real quick during a blackput if you offer your neighbors that they could run an extension cord from your generator to their house

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

Ohhh ya forgot to add that the fumes almost killed me....lol