Reef Central Online Community - View Single Post - Check out my new DIY power back up! (400k of pics)

GROSSR · 02/19/2002, 09:19 PM

Concerning a UPS, I have an 800 watt UPS. I have a server that needed it, and got rid of the server. I have a RIO 2500, 2 small power heads, 150 watt heater and an air pump on this UPS. No lights, no UV.

I lost power this morning, the UPS alarm went off, and I said, AHHH, I am feeling good, the power backup Gods are looking kindly on me.

I stepped into the shower and took about a 20 minute shower. I came back to nothing, the UPS drained.

I got my POWER BACKUP from the car, those bricks if you leave the lights on, connected it to a power converter and ran a 1 amp pump.

That lasted about 3 hours, enough time for the power company to get its act together.

Moral of this story : A UPS is good only if you have it setup correctly.

I like your idea of only running the pump. For me all I need it water circulation. I would put my device on one or two powerheads. Forget the skimmer, airpump, UV or whatever. Just get water moving past those beautiful corals.

Thanks for listening.

Bye the way, very nice setup.

02/19/2002, 09:19 PM	#15
GROSSR Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Aberdeen NJ Posts: 1,853	Concerning a UPS, I have an 800 watt UPS. I have a server that needed it, and got rid of the server. I have a RIO 2500, 2 small power heads, 150 watt heater and an air pump on this UPS. No lights, no UV. I lost power this morning, the UPS alarm went off, and I said, AHHH, I am feeling good, the power backup Gods are looking kindly on me. I stepped into the shower and took about a 20 minute shower. I came back to nothing, the UPS drained. I got my POWER BACKUP from the car, those bricks if you leave the lights on, connected it to a power converter and ran a 1 amp pump. That lasted about 3 hours, enough time for the power company to get its act together. Moral of this story : A UPS is good only if you have it setup correctly. I like your idea of only running the pump. For me all I need it water circulation. I would put my device on one or two powerheads. Forget the skimmer, airpump, UV or whatever. Just get water moving past those beautiful corals. Thanks for listening. Bye the way, very nice setup.